Monthly Archives: April 2013

Chipped Denture: What are my options?

Chips or other damage to your dentures can be quite frustrating. You want to look your best, but damage to your new teeth requires you to visit your dentist for repairs. This can be inconvenient, and if you can’t get in right away, continuing to wear your damaged dentures can be embarrassing. So what options are available if your denture becomes chipped or damaged?

Denture Repair

Dentures can be repaired if they are broken, chipped, stained, or otherwise damaged. In some cases, your dentist can complete the repairs fairly quickly. In other cases, you might require a whole new denture, which can take some time. For minor damage, you can use an over-the-counter repair kit, but this is not a permanent fix, and eventually you’ll have to have long-term repairs if you want your teeth back to normal.

Your dentures might also require repair if they have become loose or uncomfortable. This can be fixed by re-lining the prosthetic, which means your dentist makes an adjustment to the portion of the denture that lies against your gums. It’s common to have to have this kind of adjustment made every few years, since your jaw tends to change shape with long-term denture wear. Eventually, facial changes combined with wear and tear of the denture will require you to get a new prosthetic.

Other Options—Dental Implants

Another option if your denture has become damaged, chipped, stained, or is no longer comfortable, is dental implants. Implants provide a permanent, natural-looking alternative to dentures, and will also eliminate or greatly reduce the tendency of your jawbone to deteriorate as you age. Your dental implant dentist can evaluate your health and the state of your jawbone to determine if implants are a good option for you.

Implants are placed directly in your jaw, with a root made of titanium to support your new prosthetic teeth. The titanium bonds to the bone and stimulates it as you chew, encouraging the bone tissue to grow. Instead of a denture that can break or become loose and uncomfortable, you’ll have a full set of teeth that work and feel just like your original, natural teeth.

Contact the office of Dr. Bernard Jin if you are experiencing problems with your current denture.  Contact us to schedule an appointment today.

How are Crowns, Veneers and Bonding Used in Cosmetic Dentistry?

Crowns, veneers and bonding are all used in cosmetic dentistry, but for slightly different applications. Your cosmetic dentist can determine which treatment or combination of treatments is best for your individual needs. These procedures are used for different types of cosmetic problems and can also be used for restorations.

Dental Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a popular treatment for the front teeth. They can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic issues, including:

  • Severe discoloration
  • Chipping, pitting or minor cracking
  • Slight misalignment
  • Slight gaps

Veneers are affixed to the tooth surfaces with a special bonding agent. They are carefully color-matched and custom-made so they are indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Veneers are now used in many cosmetic applications for which crowns were previously the only option. [pullquote]Crowns, veneers and bonding are all used in cosmetic dentistry, but for slightly different applications. [/pullquote]

Crowns and Bonding

Dental crowns are a more invasive treatment than veneers and so are used less often. To place a crown, the dentist must reshape the tooth to make room for it. The crown is then secured over the tooth and cemented in place. Crowns can be made of metal, porcelain, or metal that is bonded with porcelain. In general, metal or porcelain-bonded metal are better materials for the back teeth, as they must withstand higher levels of pressure. Porcelain crowns are better for the front teeth, since they provide a more natural appearance.

Crowns are used to restore severely damaged teeth, cracked teeth, or teeth with decay that have already had large fillings placed. They are also used to repair teeth after a root canal.

Bonding uses a resin to repair breaks or chips in the teeth. Your cosmetic dentist might also recommend it for misshapen or asymmetrical teeth. The resin is placed on the tooth, cured with a light, then sculpted into the correct shape. Bonding is a much easier way to correct the shape of the tooth than a crown, which used to be the treatment of choice for this type of restoration or cosmetic application.

Contact our skilled team of cosmetic dentists at the doctor Family Dentistry to learn more about which of these procedures is right for you.

Purpose of a Dental Sealant

Dental sealants are an innovation that have greatly reduced the likelihood of childhood tooth decay, especially in the molars, which are particularly vulnerable. Dentists have begun to use sealants on patients as soon as their permanent molars have come in. If your child’s permanent molars have emerged, you should discuss the option of sealants with your dentist.

How Sealants Work

Sealants are a special, protective substance that is painted over the surface of the molars. The sealant fills the small crevices in the molars, making it less likely that food particles will become caught in them, creating an environment friendly to bacteria that cause tooth decay. Although you should be sure your child practices proper oral hygiene to help prevent decay, sealants can provide additional protection.

The procedure for placing sealants is simple and relatively quick. First, a special gel is painted onto the tooth. This gel will roughen the tooth surface slightly so the sealants adhere better. The gel is then removed, and the tooth is clean. Then the sealant is painted directly onto the molars, then hardened with a light. There is no discomfort involved, so you can reassure your child that the process will be comfortable. Your child will have to sit still for several minutes while the sealants are hardened, so discussing this with her before the appointment might help the appointment go more smoothly.

When Should My Child Have Sealants?

Sealants are usually applied as soon as the first set of permanent teeth has completely grown in. This usually occurs when a child is about six years old. Dentists observe these teeth to be sure they have come in all the way, at which point they usually recommend that sealants be used. When your child is about twelve, the second set of molars arrives, and these should also be sealed to prevent decay. Additional applications of sealants might be necessary at intervals, since the sealant can wear off due to everyday wear and tear. Your family dentist at the doctor Family Dentistry will evaluate the state of the sealants over time and determine if they should be redone. Call our office at our office to schedule an appointment today.