If your smile is incomplete due to missing teeth, dental implants can restore your confidence. Your implant dentist can give you a new tooth that will look exactly like your original tooth, with carefully matched color and porcelain that looks like natural enamel. Whether you need one tooth or a full arch, you can have a full, beautiful mouthful of teeth without ever having to worry about denture adhesive or teeth that shift in your mouth.

Advantages to Dental Implants

With traditional dentures, you’ll likely use denture adhesive to be sure your teeth remain in place. Well-fitted dentures do not move in your mouth, but as the shape of your jaw changes, the dentures might become less secure. Implants are set directly in your jawbone, so they do not move, and your jaw is much less likely to change shape, since the implants help keep the bone from deteriorating.

Even if you only need to have one or two teeth replaced, you can have implants placed without disturbing or reshaping the adjacent teeth. With traditional bridges, the adjacent teeth must be reshaped to accept crowns that will support the replacement teeth. Implants do not require this. The titanium root is placed directly in the jawbone and supports a prosthetic that replaces your missing tooth or teeth.

How an Implant Procedure Works

Your implant procedure should start with a consultation with implant dentists to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure. Your dentist will look for some of the following factors during your initial consultation:

• Your overall health
• The health of your jawbone
• The health and condition of your gums
• The presence of systemic problems
• Tobacco use

If you are in good overall health, do not suffer from diabetes or immune system disorders, and do not have gum disease, you are probably a good candidate for dental implants. If you are smoker, however, your healing process might be impeded, since smoking affects your circulation. Diabetes and immune system problems can also delay appropriate healing, as can osteoporosis.

Throw away your denture adhesives and contact our team of implant dentists at the doctor Family Dentistry. Call us at our office and make an appointment today.

Dental implants are a natural-looking, permanent replacement for missing teeth. In order to determine if you are a good candidate for implants, your dentist must take into consideration your current health, the strength of your jawbone, and any existing medical conditions you may have. Some medical conditions can slow your healing process and make it more likely that your body will reject the implants.

What Conditions Affect Implant Success?

Several health conditions can make it less likely for your dental implants to succeed. Your implant dentist should be made aware of any conditions you might have in order to determine whether you are a good candidate for implants. These conditions include: [pullquote]Several health conditions can make it less likely for your dental implants to succeed. Your implant dentist should be made aware of any conditions you might have in order to determine whether you are a good candidate for implants.[/pullquote]

•    Diabetes
•    Gum disease
•    Osteoporosis

Your healing rate and risk of rejection also increases if you are a smoker, since smoking affects blood flow and can make it difficult for your body to heal after an implant procedure.

If you have one of these conditions, you still might be a good candidate for implants. Gum disease can be treated before an implant procedure in order to increase the likelihood of success. If you have osteoporosis, your jawbones might still be strong enough to support implants. However, certain medications prescribed for osteoporosis can cause bone tissue to die after an implant, so be sure to discuss your options with your dentist before deciding on an implant procedure.

Deciding if Implants are Right for You

The first step in deciding whether implants are right for you is a consultation with your dentist. He will determine if any of these conditions apply to you, or if you have any other concerns or problems that could interfere with your healing process or increase the likelihood of an implant rejection. You and your dentist will then decide if implants are right for you. You might need preliminary treatment, such as bone grafts or treatment for gum disease. You might also benefit from a different type of implant procedure that will require a shorter time to heal.

For more information about dental implants, please contact the office of the doctor Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation.

It’s never too soon to start good dental hygiene habits. Your child can start visiting the dentist as soon as the arrival of her first tooth, and you can start instilling good habits even before that. Encouraging your child to take care of her teeth is the best way to ensure she will have strong teeth and a bright smile into adulthood.

Beginning Good Dental Habits

Before your child’s first tooth arrives, you can get him used to cleaning his gums by wiping them gently with soft gauze. This will help reduce the amount of bacteria in his mouth and will also help him get used to having his mouth cleaned on a regular basis.

When the first teeth arrive, you can start using a small, soft toothbrush, preferably one designed specifically for babies. If you use toothpaste, also use a product designed for babies, and follow the directions carefully. You won’t need a large amount of toothpaste, so use the recommended amount. Excess fluoride in your baby’s diet at this young age can cause permanent discoloration of his teeth. Consult with your dentist if you have any questions about what kind of toothbrush or toothpaste to use.

As Your Child Grows Older

As your child gets older, she’ll want to start brushing her teeth on her own. Special toothbrushes for the younger set are easier to grip and maneuver. With a special toothbrush, she’ll be more able to brush thoroughly and effectively. You’ll still want to help her, or even give her another brushing after she’s brushed on her own to be sure her teeth are nice and clean.

Flossing is more difficult for children, and can take time for them to learn. Your family dentist can help you find floss sticks that make it easier for children to maneuver the floss. These often come in fun shapes and bright colors that appeal to children, helping make sure they’ll use them regularly.

If you need ideas for how to teach your child to brush and floss, or guidance regarding the best toothbrushes, toothpastes, and floss, please contact the doctor Family Dentistry.  Call us at our office to schedule an appointment.

Traditional braces are sometimes the best option for orthodontic treatment, especially if your teeth are severely out of alignment. However, sometimes after treatment with traditional braces, the teeth can shift, creating a need for additional correction. to manage this type of treatment.  [pullquote]Invisalign is ideal for correcting these minor gaps and slight misalignments that can develop after traditional orthodontic treatment.[/pullquote]

When is Invisalign a Good Choice After Braces?

After you’ve had braces, you need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth from moving out of position. Your orthodontist will give you instructions on when and how often to wear your retainer. If you follow these instructions diligently, you’ll keep your new, properly aligned smile for a long time.

However, some people have a hard time making sure they wear their retainer regularly, especially younger patients who have had braces. Without the retainer, the teeth can shift and move, creating new issues with alignment. Fortunately, these problems are nearly always much less severe than those originally treated with braces.

For these cases, Invisalign is an excellent option. Without the discomfort and unattractiveness of traditional braces, you can still have treatment to move your teeth back into the correct position. Invisalign is ideal for correcting these minor gaps and slight misalignments that can develop after traditional orthodontic treatment. It might also be applicable if you have undergone a full course of traditional orthodontic treatment and still have slight gaps or minor misalignment.

Caring for Your Teeth After Braces

Your orthodontist is the best source for information on caring for your teeth after you’ve had braces. In addition to brushing, flossing, and regular dental appointments, you’ll need to wear your retainer, usually at night, on a regular or semi-regular basis to keep your teeth positioned properly.

Even if you wear your retainer exactly as instructed, there is still a slight chance that your teeth might shift out of alignment. If this occurs, go back to your orthodontist for an evaluation to determine the best course of action.

If you are interested in seeking Invisalign treatment and would like more information, contact the doctor Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation.

Dental veneers are one of the best ways to restore teeth that have been severely discolored or that have surface damage. The procedure is non-invasive and provides a natural-looking restoration that can last for many years, making your smile look like new again.

What are Veneers?

Dental veneers are very thin shells made of porcelain. They are affixed to the fronts of the teeth by a cosmetic dentist. The adhesive used to cement the veneers in place creates a strong bond between the porcelain and the tooth enamel. Veneers are very durable and also produce a sheen that mimics that of natural enamel.

Veneers can be used to correct many minor cosmetic issues including:

•    Severe or intrinsic discoloration
•    Chipped, pitted, or cracked teeth
•    Minor gaps between teeth
•    Minor misalignment

Although these issues are not serious enough to threaten your tooth, they can lead to self-consciousness about your smile. With veneers, you can have a perfect smile that is easy to obtain and relatively easy to take care of.

How Veneers are Placed

Placing veneers is a two-step procedure. It is relatively non-invasive, and can be accomplished in the dentist’s office. First, molds are made of your teeth. These molds will be used to create your custom-made and color-matched veneers. After the molds are complete, your teeth are slightly restructured to make room for the veneers. This typically involves removing a thin layer of enamel from the surface of the teeth. Your dentist will then place a temporary veneer to protect your teeth while your permanent veneers are being prepared.

Creating custom veneers usually takes two or three days. When they are complete, you’ll return to the dentist to have them affixed permanently. Veneers are permanently affixed with an adhesive that bonds strongly with the tooth surface and the porcelain, making the veneers very strong and durable. Be sure to keep them clean and avoid staining agents for the best possible long-term results.

To learn more about the benefits of dental veneers and how they can help your smile, contact the doctor Family Dentistry at our office to schedule an informative consultation.

Toothache is a common reason to visit the dentist. Toothache can occur due to numerous issues, some of which are more serious than others. If you are experiencing toothache or any other unusual sensations in your teeth or mouth, you should make an appointment with your dental office for a diagnosis.

Causes of Toothache

The most common cause of toothache is tooth decay. If decay is left too long without treatment, it can reach the sensitive nerve or pulp area of the tooth, leading to persistent discomfort. Regular brushing and flossing as well as regular dental visits can help spot decay before it reaches this point.

Other causes of toothache include inflammation in the root area or damage to the tooth. If you have experienced trauma to the mouth and toothache develops, see your dentist to find out if a tooth or teeth have been damaged. [pullquote]Toothache can occur due to numerous issues, some of which are more serious than others.[/pullquote]

Whenever you experience toothache or increased sensitivity in the teeth, it’s a good idea to see the dentist to be sure the tooth is not seriously damaged or seriously decayed. Serious decay can lead to loss of the tooth, as can damage. An infection in the tooth can spread, sometimes even affecting the sinuses and endangering the brain.

Symptoms of Toothache

Symptoms of toothache can be mild or serious and can affect areas other than the teeth and mouth. Toothache symptoms include:

•    Discomfort, swelling, or throbbing in the tooth or gums
•    Twinges when you chew or bite
•    Persistent headache
•    Ache in the jaw or ears

If you experience any of these symptoms, see your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you can determine the cause of your toothache, the sooner it can be diagnosed and treated. Treating toothache as soon as possible can reduce the risk of losing your tooth. It can also prevent decay from spreading through the mouth, endangering other teeth, or an infection spreading and leading to serious problems and side effects.

If you are experiencing toothache or discomfort, call the doctor Family Dentistry at our office to schedule an appointment.

The use of porcelain veneers has enabled numerous cosmetic dental problems to be treated much more easily, simply, and for lower cost. This treatment can provide a dramatic makeover of your smile if you have surface damage or severe discoloration. With a relatively simple, non-invasive procedure, you can see your smile go from dingy to beautiful in two easy appointments.

Uses for Veneers

Numerous minor problems with the appearance of your teeth can be treated with veneers. At one time, these problems were addressed more often with full crowns or even orthodontic treatment. With a veneer, you can correct the look of your teeth without needing major reconstruction to your existing teeth. Some of the issues that can be improved or corrected with a veneer include:

•    Minor cracks
•    Chipping
•    Pitted surfaces
•    Intrinsic discoloration
•    Severe discoloration that does not respond to teeth whitening treatment

Other issues that were once treated with orthodontic treatment for which a veneer can be used include slight misalignment and small gaps between the teeth.

How Veneers Work

Using thin porcelain, this form of restoration creates a new tooth surface that is nearly indistinguishable from your natural teeth. The porcelain is color-matched to your existing teeth, and your cosmetic dentist takes a mold from which the veneer is created. Once the porcelain is bonded to your teeth with a special adhesive, it will last for many years, keeping your smile beautiful.

Porcelain is strong and durable, so you won’t have to take major precautions to keep it in good shape. Be sure to brush and floss regularly, and avoid staining agents, since porcelain cannot be whitened like your natural teeth can. You should also let your hygienist know about your cosmetic work. Special cleaning agents and cleaning tools can help reduce the chance of damaging the porcelain.

To find out more about how we can make your smile the best it can be, please contact the doctor Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation or an appointment.

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, can be very uncomfortable and can also lead to a higher risk of decay and gum disease. If your mouth feels dry on a regular basis, provide treatment. Since xerostomia can be a symptom of other, more serious conditions, it’s important to have it diagnosed. [pullquote]Symptoms of dry mouth include insufficient saliva in the mouth, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.[/pullquote]

What Causes Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth can be a symptom of another condition or a side effect of a medication. It can also occur due to insufficient saliva production or on a temporary basis due to emotional trauma, anxiety or stress.

Some causes of dry mouth include:

•    Medications such as antidepressants, blood pressure medication, tranquilizers or painkillers
•    Cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy and radiation
•    Sjogren’s syndrome, an immune system disorder that affects the salivary glands and the mucous membranes
•    Damage to nerves in the head and neck

Your dentist can help determine the root cause of your dry mouth and also provide treatment to mitigate the condition, increasing your comfort level and decreasing your risk for developing tooth decay.

Symptoms and Treatment for Dry Mouth

Symptoms of dry mouth include insufficient saliva in the mouth, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Treatment can vary depending upon your circumstances. Some treatments include:

•    Artificial saliva
•    Increased water consumption
•    Mouth rinses designed to treat dry mouth
•    Chewing gum to stimulate saliva production

If your dry mouth is a side effect of a medication you are taking temporarily, this treatment can last as long as you are taking the medication. For more chronic dry mouth, a prescription treatment such as pilocarpine, which is administered in pill form, might be suitable. Many dentists use pilocarpine to treat patients who are suffering from dry mouth due to radiation or chemotherapy treatment, and for patients with Sjogren’s syndrome.

If you are suffering from dry mouth and would like treatment, contact the doctor Family Dentistry in Littleton Colorado to schedule an appointment.

Crooked, misaligned, or improperly spaced teeth are not limited to adolescents. If you are unhappy with the way your teeth look, orthodontic treatment can help you gain a smile you can be proud of. For adults, particularly working professionals, Invisalign is an excellent option.

Advantages of Invisalign

Adults often are discouraged by the necessities of orthodontic treatment, especially the look of traditional braces. Metal on the teeth is unattractive, and if you are a professional who regularly deals with the public and client interaction, having braces is not desirable for numerous reasons. Braces could make you seem a bit unprofessional, or even immature to those who still equate metal braces with adolescence.

Invisalign is a solution to these issues because the aligner trays that are used to move your teeth into their proper position are made of clear plastic and are virtually invisible. They can also be removed occasionally for special occasions, important meetings, or for dinner with a client.

How Invisalign Works

to gradually move your teeth into the right position to improve alignment or to close gaps between your teeth. Each tray is formed slightly differently from the previous tray, allowing it to push the teeth in the proper direction. You will switch to a new tray about every two weeks.

Trays should be removed while you eat, and if you drink anything that is hot or strongly colored. Your dentist will provide information on how to care for your trays, and about how long you should wear them each day. As a general rule, the tray should stay in for a minimum of twenty-two hours each day.

Most of these procedures take about a year to eighteen months to complete. After the treatment is completed, you will wear a retainer, usually just at night, to be sure your teeth don’t move back to their original, incorrect position.

To find out how Invisalign can help you correct your smile without interfering with your professional life, call the doctor Family Dentistry, serving Highlands Ranch and nearby areas, today at 303 -730-1222 to schedule a consultation.

Cracked teeth can occur for various reasons, and do not always lead to the loss of the tooth. If the tooth is damaged so severely that reconstruction is impossible, it might need to be extracted. In these cases, dental implants can help you regain your self-confidence and your smile. [pullquote]If the crack in your tooth is severe enough to require extraction, dental implants are an effective replacement option.[/pullquote]

Repairing a Cracked Tooth

The method used to repair a cracked tooth depends upon the severity of the damage. Teeth can be cracked due to trauma, decay, or because of issues with a previous restoration. In some cases, the tooth can be repaired, making extraction unnecessary. Restoration treatments used on cracked teeth include crowns and veneers.

Cracked teeth can occur when a metal filling has been in a tooth for a long period of time. The metal used in fillings expands and contracts with heat and cold, causing stress on the tooth that can lead to cracking. The larger the filling is, the more likely you are to suffer an eventual cracked tooth.

A full dental crown is usually the chosen restoration for this type of crack. A crown covers the entire tooth, and will help keep the broken pieces of the tooth in place. Your dentist can use a metal, porcelain, or porcelain-bonded metal crown.

Veneers are usually reserved for less serious cracks in front teeth. The veneer will cover the crack and, by bonding with the tooth surface, will also help keep the tooth intact.

What if My Tooth is Extracted?

If the crack in your tooth is severe enough to require extraction, dental implants are an effective replacement option. A dental implant replaces the entire tooth, including the tooth root, giving you a permanent, stationary tooth that is completely natural in appearance. In most cases, an implant can be set into place immediately after the initial extraction.

If you are facing the possible extraction and replacement of a cracked tooth, contact the doctor Family Dentistry, serving Highlands Ranch and neighboring areas, today to schedule a consultation.