Dental Implants: Never use Denture Adhesive Again

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.

Enjoy Peace of Mind with Implant-Supported Dentures

For the edentulous patient, there is the struggle to find a tooth replacement that feels comfortable and looks attractive over a long period of time.

Of course, conventional dentures can provide short-term functionality. Unfortunately, due to natural bone loss and the change in the shape of the upper and lower jaw, dentures tend to become more bothersome, less effective, and less satisfying.

For the dentist, the ability to adjust and reline the denture becomes less predictable, as the foundation that supports the denture becomes less stable. Eventually, denture pastes and adhesives become a necessity that only partially resolves the issues of comfort and stability.[pullquote] Implants provide permanent stability, prevent bone loss, and increase your comfort and confidence for long-term satisfaction. [/pullquote]

As it is the case with many edentulous patients, there may be other challenges that can affect the success of the conventional denture. The patient may be challenged by poor health, may have trouble taking the denture in or out, or may be under the care of a health professional or family member. In these instances, removable teeth can be nearly impossible to manage.

When complete tooth loss is experienced, a number of unfortunate consequences are likely to arise:

  • A decline in general health
  • A loss of appetite
  • Tendency to avoid certain food items
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Impaired speech
  • Decreased self-confidence due to undesirable appearance

To resolve these issues and to provide the patient and (and the caregiver) with a renewed peace of mind, your implant dentist may suggest dental implants in conjunction with a denture.

A conventional denture can be modified to be compatible with implants or a brand new denture-implant restoration can be designed exclusively for you. Even a patient who has experienced tremendous bone loss and those patients who have worn dentures for years can still enjoy the advantages of an implant-supported denture.

Implants provide permanent stability, prevent bone loss, and increase your comfort and confidence for long-term satisfaction. The ability to regain or improve the quality of your life is an immeasurable benefit that can last for a lifetime.

It’s never too late to restore your smile and improve your life. Why not start by contacting our implant dentist for a consultation? Call us at Smiles Unlimited Dental Centre today.

Do Certain Health Conditions Reduce Implant Success?

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.

Good Dental Care Starts Early

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.

I’ve Worn Dentures for Years: Am I still a candidate for dental implants?

Current statistics estimate that at least 35 million adults are partially or completely edentulous. That term refers to the loss of all of the teeth on the upper or lower arches (or both). Another 30 million adults are living with badly damaged teeth or severe periodontal disease that will ultimately result in complete tooth loss. The great majority of these patients will be dependent upon dentures for the replacement of the teeth.

While many of these patients are excited about the option of dental implants as an alternative to conventional dentures, years of denture use can lead to significant bone loss, making the dental implant procedure slightly more complicated. Today, there is a revolutionary alternative that makes permanent tooth replacement possible, even after years of denture-wearing and bone loss. In fact, in a single day, your teeth can be replaced with just four dental implants designed to anchor a custom denture in the upper or lower jaw.

The combination of custom dentures and dental implants has proven to be an effective solution for partially or completely edentulous patients:

•    Replacement teeth that are anchored by dental implants are permanently seated and will not move. This aspect of the technique allows your new teeth to function just like natural teeth.

•    A dental implant-supported smile can restore up to 95% of the normal biting and chewing abilities. Almost immediately, patients regain the ability to eat the foods of their choosing without the challenges associated with conventional dentures.

•    The look and feel of implant-supported dentures closely mimics the characteristics of natural teeth, giving you the confidence to enjoy life with the knowledge that your smile is strong, attractive and functional.

•    Beneath your dentures, dental implants will stimulate the bone, preventing bone loss and keeping it healthy.

Together, dental implants and dentures are the preferred solution when all of the teeth need to be replaced. You can learn more about this procedure by calling the office of Dr. Bernard Jin at 604-939-6111 to schedule a consultation today.

Am I Still a Candidate for Invisalign if I’ve Had Braces?

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.

Which Teeth Can Be Replaced By Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the most ideal solution for patients who have suffered tooth loss due to accidents, periodontal disease, or rampant decay. Aside from natural teeth, dental implants provide the healthiest stimulation for the jaw bone and create a natural look and feel to your smile. In light of these considerable advantages, implants can be used to replace virtually any missing tooth in the mouth. In fact, implants can be used to replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw in just one dental visit.

Similar to the procedure for replacing a single missing tooth, your implant dentist can successfully replace several missing teeth with a technique that combines both dental implants and dentures.  Unlike conventional removable dentures, these implant-supported teeth rely on a sturdy foundation that is comprised of four precisely placed dental implants. [pullquote] Implants can be used to replace virtually any missing tooth in the mouth. [/pullquote]

These permanent teeth won’t slip or click when you eat or speak, and you’ll have no worries about your teeth moving or falling out unexpectedly.  This procedure eliminates the need for denture glue, repairs, and relines. That’s because your strong, new teeth will be anchored into the jawbone, rather than supported by the gum tissue. The connection between the bone and the implant post is the primary reason that bone loss will be prevented in the upper and lower jaws.

For decades, we have known that implants could help to preserve the bone structure, prevent jaw deterioration, and prevent the shrinkage of the gum tissue. We knew that these teeth could look and function as though they were natural teeth. Other advantages, such as the fact that implants can’t be destroyed by cavities, makes them the best long-term solution because they are built to last for a lifetime.

By combining those assets with dentures, we can provide you with the best of both worlds: Teeth to Stay – All in 1 Day. Even when you have lost a great deal of bone structure due to years of tooth loss, it’s still possible to bring your smile back to life today. Call Smiles Unlimited Dental Centre schedule a consultation for more information.

Dental Veneers: A Custom Cosmetic Dentistry Solution

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.

Why Do Dentures Lose Their Fit?

For many years, dentures have been a popular method of replacing missing teeth, and even though newer treatments, such as dental implants have grown in popularity, dentures still remain hugely popular.

However, one drawback of dentures when compared to dental implants is in the way they fit into the patient’s mouth. While dental implants are inserted directly into the patient’s jaw bone, and so do not become loose; the pressure exerted on the gum tissues by dentures can often lead to the gum tissue becoming more pliable, while the jaw bone can shrink and erode.

When this occurs, dentures lose their once-snug fit, and begin to feel loose in the mouth; even in cases where denture adhesives are used. As a result, this can affect a person’s confidence in social situations, where they may feel afraid of their dentures slipping whilst eating or talking to others, or worse still, falling out completely.

Although dentures can often be adjusted in order to provide a better fit once they have become loose in the first place, any adjustment made is only a temporary solution, and dentures will once again begin to feel loose after a time. Dental implants, however, negate that issue by being placed directly into the patient’s jaw bone, which helps keep gum tissue and bone loss to a minimum.

For patients looking for a permanent solution to loose dentures, an innovative procedure known as All-on-4 implants can be used to secure a denture in as little as a day.

Also known as ‘Same day teeth’ and ‘Teeth to Stay – All in 1 Day’, All-on-4 dental implants allow an implant dentist to mount a full set of prosthetic teeth onto just 4 dental implants which have been strategically placed in the patient’s mouth. The dental implants provide strength and support to the replacement teeth while helping preserve gum tissue and jaw bone mass.

As a permanent solution to dentures, as well as to avoid dentures’ potential for embarrassment, All-on-4 dental implants are an ideal alternative; offering strength and support for oral functions such as biting and chewing, and even speech – all of which can be compromised by ill-fitting dentures.

Contact the office of Dr. Bernard Jin at 604-939-6111 for more information and to schedule your professional consultation today.

Common Causes and Symptoms of a Toothache

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.