Baby Bottles and Tooth Decay

We’ve all heard the admonishment not to put your child to bed with a baby bottle. There are many reasons why this habit can have a negative impact on your child, with tooth decay being a primary factor to consider. Your dentist can give you all the reasons why a baby bottle and tooth decay are so closely related. [pullquote]Prevention is the key to battling tooth decay in the very young. [/pullquote]

If we filled our baby bottles with water, we would be encouraged to provide those bottles from morning to night. But the milk, baby formula and juices we put in those bottles are generally loaded with sugar. And what happens? The baby or toddler goes to sleep right after consuming the contents of the bottle quite often storing some of the bottle contents in the mouth throughout the night.

The sugar in the beverages will stay on the teeth of the child. Dental decay is attributed to bacteria that live on teeth, and this bacterium thrives on sugar allowing plaque to grow. Eventually dental plaque can result in decay even in very young children. Many people believe that since those baby teeth are eventually replaced with permanent teeth that what the child consumes at an early age doesn’t matter.

But they couldn’t be more wrong. Those baby teeth are what prepare the child’s mouth for their permanent teeth. If baby teeth are riddled with dental caries, the permanent teeth are likely to suffer. In addition, that forms on those primary teeth can cause much discomfort for your child and result in a traumatic first visit to the dentist.

Prevention is the key to battling tooth decay in the very young. Unfortunately, we can’t rely on our children to do what is best for them. That responsibility falls to parents, caregivers, older siblings, grandparents and those in charge of caring for our children.

We must start at home to make sure we are doing everything we can to make sure our children’s teeth are protected. It is never too early to get in the habit of brushing those baby teeth with age appropriate toothpaste.

Raising children to be cavity free is certainly not easy, but not impossible. Knowing the negative impact of the contents of the baby bottle and dental decay is a good first step in prevention of dental decay.

Contact the doctor Family Dentistry at our office to learn more and to schedule your child’s first visit.

Dental Implants: Never use denture adhesive again

The advantages of dental implants have been touted by dental professionals for years. An artificial tooth that is almost an exact replica of a natural tooth has excited the dental industry. Implant dentists have taken great pleasure in providing patients with teeth that are so predictable, so durable, and also natural looking. [pullquote]Patients who have turned to dental implants are finding that the denture can immediately and permanently be stabilized.[/pullquote]

Outside of the clinical setting, what are patients saying about dental implants? How have dental implants impacted their lives once they leave the dental office? If asked, these patients would say that dental implants are the only reasonable substitute for their natural teeth.

Patients who had struggled for years with ill-fitting dentures may have the most compelling reasons to celebrate dental implants. Imagine living with a set of false teeth that must be glued to your gums with denture paste or adhesives. Over time, even the strongest adhesive fails to stabilize dentures when the underlying bone is shrinking due to bone loss. Chewing and speaking become an embarrassing challenge. For many patients, this inconvenience and discomfort quickly becomes intolerable.

Patients who have turned to dental implants are finding that the denture can immediately and permanently be stabilized. Denture adhesives and glues are no longer a necessity, as the denture is firmly anchored to the underlying jaw bone. The fusion between the dental implant and the jaw bone prevents bone loss, preserving a firm and stable foundation for your denture.

Clinically, your implant dentist appreciates the fact that you will never need to use denture adhesives again. It’s proof that your denture is well-made and functioning properly. As a patient, you may appreciate it for a different reason. Realizing that you will no longer have to glue your teeth to your gums is a liberating feeling. Your dental implants will allow you to relax and feel comfortable with your smile without the fear of embarrassment or insecurity.

Free yourself from denture adhesives for life. Contact the office of Dr. Bernard Jin, serving the Surrey BC area, and learn about the advantages of dental implants. Call 604-939-6111 to schedule your consultation.

Financing Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment

Cosmetic Dentist DenverThere are many reasons to want to enhance your appearance. Self-confidence in your smile can improve your overall well-being. But depending on your dental needs, you might not have the liquidity to make the desired changes. Your cosmetic dentist can make recommendations for your new smile makeover, and there are many options to allow you to financially manage them.

Many employers and insurance plans have ways to save funds for these procedures. But if you do not have access to one of those savings plans, there is a credit card available through GE called Care Credit that is designed to provide you the funds needed for your dental care.

Your cosmetic dentist can design a treatment plan specifically for you with repayment options including:

  • Flexible Spending Account – You are allowed to save funds on a pre-tax basis. You work with your employer to set aside a payroll deduction that is withheld from your paycheck before taxes. Generally the amount that you save on taxes can make a great start for this plan. The one caveat to a flexible spending account is that money saved through the year must be used during that year or it is lost.
  • Health Savings Account – The HSA works much like the flexible spending account with one very big exception. If the funds are not used, they are rolled over making them accessible when you’re ready to use them.
  • Care Credit – GE has made available a credit card plan designed specifically to pay for your health care needs. Many of these plans offer interest free incentives for a designated period making them ideal for needed dental treatment. Repayment is much like a standard credit card in that minimum monthly payments must be made to keep the account in good standing.

Whether you rely on a qualified savings plan like FSA or HSA, or wish to take advantage of the Care Credit plan, your cosmetic dentist will be able to design a treatment plan that will fit your budgetary and timeline requirements.

It is important that you let our dental provider know whatever limitations you might have so the best options may be presented to fulfill your needs. One thing is certain … with these many options available, the smile makeover you desire is more accessible than ever before. Call our Denver cosmetic dentist at 303-832-7789 if you have any questions.

When is a Dental Bridge Recommended?

Suffering the loss of a permanent tooth can be a traumatic event. But when trying to save a failing tooth becomes more problematic, the option of removing one or maybe a couple of teeth can bring relief from discomfort. Our dentist can provide you with a solution that will have you smiling again in no time.

That solution is a dental bridge. When one or a couple of teeth are lost, a dental bridge allows your dentist to replace that loss with a permanent dental appliance that will look beautiful and allow you to enjoy the functionality you had before.

There are several types of dental bridges. Based on the location in your mouth, your dentist will be able to make a recommendation for the type that is best suited for you. [pullquote]When one or a couple of teeth are lost, a dental bridge allows your dentist to replace that loss with a permanent dental appliance that will look beautiful and allow you to enjoy the functionality you had before.[/pullquote]

A thorough dental exam will be needed to ensure that the teeth intended to support your new bridge are sound and healthy. One of the leading causes of bridge failure is dental decay in the abutment teeth that are the support of your bridge.

The process of placing a dental bridge involves preparing the supporting teeth. It will be necessary to place dental crowns on these teeth. The bridge is then made up of those two crowns and the replacement teeth between the crowns, called pontics. Your dentist will make impressions of your teeth for the dental lab to fabricate your dental bridge to closely match the shape and shade of your surrounding teeth. Your dentist will place a temporary bridge to protect your prepared teeth while your permanent bridge is being made.

When completed, your dentist will “try-in” your new bridge to guarantee fit and functionality. When you and your dentist are satisfied with the final result, the bridge is permanently cemented in place. Upon completion you should again be able to eat, speak, and smile without difficulty. A dental bridge can take a little time for adjustment, which is normal.

Our dentist will explain the importance of excellent oral hygiene habits consisting of daily flossing and brushing tips to keep plaque build-up to a minimum. Your commitment to twice yearly dental visits becomes crucial in order to maintain good dental health and the long life of your dental bridge. Contact our Governor’s Park Dental office in Denver for additional information on how dental bridges can work for you.

Dental Implants: What will happen without treatment?

As children we expect we will lose our baby teeth knowing they will be replaced by our permanent teeth. But as an adult, if we lose one of those permanent teeth, we are faced with a predicament. One of the best solutions to resolve this situation is with dental implants.

A dental implant is a small device that resembles a screw that is surgically placed in the gum tissue where a tooth is missing. The implant is intended to fuse to the bone making it the anchor for your new tooth acting much like the root of your natural tooth.

The implant becomes a permanent part of your dental anatomy, and your implant dentist will complete your procedure by providing you with a final restoration that closely matches the shape and shade of your natural teeth. This makes your dental implant undetectable and allows you to function in much the same way as before your tooth loss. [pullquote]A dental implant is a small device that resembles a screw that is surgically placed in the gum tissue where a tooth is missing.[/pullquote]

If you opt not to proceed with treatment to replace that lost tooth, there are several potential scenarios:

  • A gap due to a missing tooth allows the potential for the remaining teeth to shift. If this happens, your bite can be affected, creating problems with grinding and clenching, as well as other problems attributed to a malocclusion.
  • Speech can be affected by a missing tooth.
  • Eating a well-balanced diet can be difficult with a missing tooth.
  • Your self-confidence can be hampered if all of a sudden you are uncomfortable with your smile due to your tooth loss.

Now that you know what can happen if you decide not to pursue dental treatment for that lost tooth, let’s look at the positive aspect of replacing a tooth lost to decay, disease or trauma.

The discomfort you realized because of your dental dilemma will be resolved. You can eat, speak and smile with confidence again.

Your implant dentist will prepare a treatment plan specifically to fit you and your dental needs. The entire process including the appointments needed, what is involved in the actual procedure, healing time and financial commitment will be discussed thoroughly before proceeding with treatment.

Understanding the positive impact your new tooth can provide will reinforce your decision to move forward.  A consultation is the first step to seeing what life can be like again with your new . Contact the doctor Family Dentistry, serving the Highlands Ranch area, at our office to schedule your visit.

Will My Whitened Teeth Retain Their New Color?

teeth whitening DenverTeeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure that can dramatically transform your smile. Exposure to staining agents is the most common cause of discolored teeth. Teeth whitening can correct this staining in a simple procedure that can lighten teeth seven to ten shades in one treatment. With proper care, your teeth can remain white for many years.

Caring for Your Whitened Teeth

Regular care and brushing are important to keep your treated teeth white. Your cosmetic dentist will provide guidelines for how to care for your teeth after your whitening treatment. One important guideline is to avoid staining agents. These agents, which likely caused your teeth to be stained in the first place, will continue to stain your teeth if exposure continues after your whitening treatment. Agents that will stain your teeth after whitening include:

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Fruit juices
  • Nicotine

If you are careful to avoid staining agents, your teeth whitening treatment will last much longer. Periodic maintenance treatments, which take much less time than a full whitening treatment, will help keep your smile bright and white.

Maintenance Treatments for Teeth Whitening

Most dentists will suggest avoidance of certain foods and beverages for a short period immediately after teeth whitening—usually about twenty-four hours. This helps you get the best results from your whitening treatment, as the teeth can be more susceptible to staining for a short time after whitening.

Our cosmetic dentist will provide instructions and guidance regarding maintenance. You might receive trays and whitener to use at home periodically to keep your teeth white, or you might be asked to come back on occasion for a maintenance treatment in the office. Either way, your teeth will likely be much less stained than they were before your initial whitening treatment, and the in-office treatment will take less time.

To find out more about teeth whitening, how it works, and how to keep your smile white both before and after whitening treatment, please call our Denver office at 303-832-7789 for an appointment or consultation.

 

Enjoy Safety and Convenience With Digital X-Rays

Digital Radiography (x-rays) are a vital tool in dental diagnosis. With x-rays, your dentist can find signs of decay before they are visible to the naked eye and before they cause any symptoms. X-rays also help your dentist find irregularities in the jawbones or with teeth that have not yet emerged.

How Digital X-Rays Work

Traditional x-rays use a low dose of x-ray light to transmit pictures to film that is sensitive to this type of light. The film must then be developed in order for the dentist to evaluate the pictures. This can take several minutes.

Rather than using film, digital x-rays use a special sensor that responds to exposure to x-rays. This sensor transmits the resulting images directly to a computer in digital format. The pictures are available for evaluation immediately—there is no need for delay while x-rays are developed on film.

Advantages of Digital X-Rays

Digital x-rays offer numerous advantages over traditional film x-rays. These include:

  • No film or other waste, decreasing environmental impact
  • Lower radiation exposure
  • Faster development of pictures
  • Easier evaluation
  • Easier storage and transfer

Because digital x-rays can be stored easily on the computer, they can also be easily and quickly compared to each other. With special software, your dentist can compare a series of x-rays that have been taken over a period of time. These detailed digital comparisons make it easy to see any changes that might have occurred, including very small changes that might not be immediately obvious on a single x-ray.

To find out how digital x-rays can help improve diagnostics and ensure your long term dental health, please contact ourLittletonoffice at our office. With digital x-rays, we can closely monitor your teeth and ensure that decay and other problems are treated promptly.

Am I a Candidate for All-on-Four Implants?

Are you missing (or at risk of losing) all of your upper or lower teeth? Are you suffering through life with ill-fitting dentures? Have you been informed traditional dental implants are not an option for you due to advanced bone loss? Is your overall health within normal limits (no uncontrolled health conditions or impaired immune system disorders)? [pullquote]The All-on-Four concept is a revolutionary method of combining the best aspects of traditional dentures and traditional dental implants.[/pullquote]

If you can answer “yes” to any or all of these questions, there is a strong possibility that All-on-Four implants could be right for you. A comprehensive evaluation and discussion with an experienced implant dentist is necessary for the most accurate recommendation.

The All-on-Four concept is a revolutionary method of combining the best aspects of traditional dentures and traditional dental implants.

Although traditional dentures have earned a reputation for slipping out of place and generally fitting poorly, there are also a few undeniable advantages. Dentures are an efficient solution for complete tooth loss and they can typically be made in one day.

Dental implants also have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Implants are more similar to the natural teeth than any other tooth replacement solution. They are also the most stable and most comfortable alternative. Unfortunately, traditional dental implants are not recommended where there has been significant bone loss. Implants are fantastic for replacing a single tooth or a few teeth, but can become complicated and costly when all of the teeth are missing.

Our Vancouver implant dentist can utilize as few as four strategically placed dental implants to stabilize an upper or lower denture. The proper technique enables your dentist to place the implants in areas even where advanced bone loss has occurred. Your denture can be permanently affixed to the implants, eliminating any risk of slipping or sliding out of place. You will enjoy immediate comfort during chewing and speaking.

If All-on-Four implants are right for you, you may begin enjoying your new teeth in as little as a single day. Call the office of Dr. Bernard Jin at 604-939-6111 for a consultation to discuss the journey towards your new smile.

Can Crowns Improve the Appearance of Natural Teeth?

Dental crowns are used for numerous cosmetic treatments as well as for restorations. They are more commonly used to restore teeth that have been severely cracked or that have undergone a root canal treatment. However, crowns are still sometimes used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of natural teeth. [pullquote]Dental crowns are used for numerous cosmetic treatments as well as for restorations.[/pullquote]

Cosmetic Crowns

At one time, crowns were the most common way to treat cracked, pitted, heavily discolored or misshapen teeth. They can also be used to slightly reposition teeth or to alter the bite. In some cases, porcelain veneers are used for these purposes, since they are less invasive and easier to place than crowns.

However, sometimes teeth are too damaged to support veneers, or other issues mean veneers are not the best choice for restorations. In these cases, crowns can be a better option. If teeth have already had restorations such as fillings, especially multiple fillings or large fillings, crowns are often a better choice for additional restoration. In addition, veneers are only used on front teeth. Restoration or cosmetic treatment for molars is best accomplished with cosmetic crowns.

How Dental Crowns are Placed

Whether they are for cosmetic or restoration purposes, dental crowns are placed in a two-part process. First, the tooth is prepared. The dentist reshapes the tooth to make room for the crown, then molds are taken. A temporary crown is affixed to the tooth to protect it over the next few days while the custom made, permanent crown is manufactured.

When the permanent crown is ready, the dentist removes the temporary crown and affixes the permanent crown. Crowns can be made from porcelain, metal, or metal fused with porcelain. A consultation with our dentist can help you determine which of these options is best for you and for the individual tooth. For example, metal crowns or metal crowns bonded with porcelain are often preferred for back teeth because they can better withstand the force exerted during chewing.

For more information about cosmetic crowns, please contact Governor’s Park Dental Group serving Denver CO to schedule an appointment or a consultation.

 

What is a Smile Makeover?

cosmetic dentist Highland ParkMany people are dissatisfied with their smiles. Some may instinctively raise their hands to their mouths to hide crooked teeth when they smile. Others may master the art of a tight-lipped grin that conceals a chipped or cracked tooth.

If you are one of those patients who is too ashamed to flash your pearly whites, rest assure that the smile of your dreams is within reach.

With advances in modern dentistry, a cosmetic dentist can enhance almost any smile. Whether your smile needs minor touches or a major upgrade, our experienced team can help you achieve the results you desire.

In complex cases, or those with a number of issues, a smile makeover can be completed using a variety of techniques and devices to make the smile more aesthetically pleasing.

Your cosmetic dentist may rely on any number of treatments in a smile makeover. If a tooth or multiple teeth have been lost, dental implants may be the initial intervention.

In comparison to other tooth replacement methods, dental implants are more lifelike and functional. The dental implant, which is a titanium screw, fuses with the jawbone, preventing embarrassing slip-ups along with the jawbone erosion that can prematurely age a person with missing teeth.

The artificial crowns held in place by the implants can be tailored to match the shade and shape of the patient’s biological teeth¾or improve on them.

For patients with teeth in need of repair or improvements, veneers may provide the solution. Veneers offer the cosmetic dentist flexibility. They can hide chips or cracks in teeth, fill in gaps or even straighten a stretch of crooked teeth.

When a patient’s teeth are too crooked to be realigned with veneers, orthodontic treatment may be necessary. That doesn’t mean that patients have to be burdened with metal appliances, though. The Invisalign system straightens the teeth with a series of clear plastic trays.

Teeth whitening can be the final element in a comprehensive smile makeover. Bleaching the teeth can make the other treatments even more eye-catching, and with in-office systems such as ZOOM!, results are visible in around an hour. You can give your smile a major boost on your lunch hour!

With all of the resources available through cosmetic dentistry, there’s no need to settle for a less-than-spectacular smile. Contact the office of Dr. Philip E. Lindley, serving the Highland Park area, and ask how you might improve upon your pearly whites. Call 214-528-7870 and schedule your consultation today!