While not replacing a tooth that is either lost accidentally or extracted will not kill a patient, it could potentially impact both their dental and overall health. The removal of any tooth, especially if traumatic, will compromise the stability and health of the all the surrounding teeth, and over time, all of the teeth will move, even if just by a little bit, as a result of the loss of the tooth. The loss of a back tooth will result in more movement or “shifting” than a front tooth will cause. Those people with a tendency to “brux” or grind their teeth (often an unconscious habit) will experience a great deal of shifting around the areas where teeth are missing.

All of this movement can result in misaligned or extruded teeth, which can be both unattractive and painful. Sometimes the altered position of the remaining teeth can make them far more prone to cavities and infections. In some cases, especially in women, some dental studies suggest that the existence of gaps in the dental arch can lead to a patient developing TMJ, or Tempro Mandibular Jaw disorder, a painful condition affecting the lower jaw, which is considered a serious ailment and requires extensive treatment by a specialist. Simply stated the case for even single tooth replacement is fairly strong, and is not as costly as a patient might imagine.

As discussed in previous posts, there are now several good options available to those who are only missing one or two teeth. A partial denture, a bridge or single implant are all good choices and offer their own unique advantages and disadvantages. The choice is best discussed with a trusted dental professional who will outline all the specific options available and can help the patient decide upon the best course of treatment for their individual needs (and personal budget).  Prevention can of course go a long way to try to ensure that you will not lose teeth. Twice daily brushing and flossing in combination with regular dental visits are recommended for everyone, from babyhood onwards. But unfortunately, even the most careful person may find themselves lacking a tooth or two at some point in their lives. Thanks to advances in modern dentistry it does not have to be as embarrassing or unsightly as it was in days past.

Copyright 2009 Denture Friend

It Is Difficult To Adapt To Dentures

This perception is highly misplaced, since dentures are an exact replacement for your natural dental structures. Yes, it may take a few days to get used to the feeling of having something in your mouth, since the facial muscles take time to adjust to the increase in facial volume. However, there isn’t any considerable discomfort due to this break-in period. Contemporary dentures are designed in such a manner that they induce negligible irritability and cause no soreness.

Eating food with dentures might take some time to get comfortable, still, this period doesn’t hamper your eating preferences or chewing habits. Even among the most sensitive of individuals, the only known caution is to consume softer food for a few days before shifting to a normal diet. Besides this, some basic precautions, like avoiding the use of sharp objects to eat your food, need to be taken.

Dentures Damage Your Vocal Skills

This is an unnecessarily-highlighted aspect about wearing dentures. There is absolutely no loss of vocal ability due to wearing dentures. Most probably, this idea gained ground with the kind of hard dentures that were used a few decades back. However, modern-day dentures cause no detrimental effect to the way you speak. Yes, pronouncing a few words, among selected individuals, may need some extra effort. However, this too cannot be generalized for all denture-wearers. The only aspect of concern is regarding your own sense of responsibility. If your dentures impede your speech in any perceivable way, simply ask your dentist to make the necessary adjustments before any permanent damage can happen.

Dentures Dampen Your Appearance

This is the most common form of fear related to dentures. However, most people don’t realize that dentures are precisely-designed structures. In fact, creating dentures can be understood parallel to a multi-faceted engineering process, which ensures that dentures resemble the shape/structure of your natural teeth. Thus, there is never a scope for any remarkable changes in your appearance when you wear dentures. Yes, the minor alteration that is induced is of the positive kind — your jaw line, the overall facial configuration and particularly your smile are bound to improve.

Dentures Are Worn 24×7

No, this is not a necessity, nor a rule — it is entirely dependent on the decision made by a dental health expert, i.e. dentists or prosthodontists. During the initial period, dentists usually set-up a comfortable schedule for you to wear your dentures. This is entirely based on your level of convenience. It is easy to remove and insert dentures and hence, taking them out and wearing them again is just a small part of gaining the habit of wearing them for substantial periods of time. In most cases, dentures may be removed for short periods, particularly during bedtime. This gives your jaw muscles time to relax and further strengthen themselves.

Copyright 2009 Denture Friend

Still, there are many who want to ignore this situation and live on with their remaining teeth. Should you really care about replacing your missing teeth? The truth is – Yes! It is very important to replace any gaps in your teeth as soon as possible. Leaving gaps may lead to further widening of the space between your remaining teeth. Your natural teeth may shift from their original position and result in an unsightly smile. This may not only make you look older, but also less attractive.

Another disadvantage of not utilizing partial dentures is the difficulty of cleaning teeth with wide gaps. A rigorous cleaning is required after every meal to ensure good hygiene. Also, brushing teeth with wide gaps is uncomfortable.

Some people find it hard to speak properly when they loose teeth in certain areas of their mouth. This can also make it difficult for the listener who may feel the person’s speech is garbled.

Another, and perhaps most important disadvantage of leaving gaps in your teeth is the inability to chew food properly. This could mean the exclusion of some of your favorite foods from your plate!

A partial denture is a removable dental appliance that allows you to replace multiple teeth. Attached to your teeth utilizing clasps or crowns, this metal framework composed of plastic teeth and gum areas will help stop further sagging of your face by supporting your cheeks and lips. Your dentist may initially ask you to wear them continuously to identify any problem areas. Also, in the initial break-in period, they may feel a bit awkward and heavy. But with assistance from your dentist and some practice at home, they will soon become familiar enough for you to wear and remove with confidence.

Dentists usually advise denture patients to start off with soft foods. You may need to balance food in both sides of your mouth while chewing until you get used to the feeling of your partials. Sticky foods, especially chewing gum, can be detrimental to partial dentures. Avoid making any repairs or adjustments by yourself. You could irreversibly damage them. Care for your partial dentures as you would your natural teeth. Brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth will assure comfort and reliability for many years to come.

Copyright 2008 – Denture Friend

There is no reason to hide your smile anymore. With dentures in place, you can regain not only your confidence but the ability the use them as your original teeth. When you acquire a new set of dentures care is very important. Eating raw fruit or sticky foods can damage your new dentures. Even sneezing or coughing can cause them to malfunction. Practice using your new teeth in front of a mirror. Proper care will assure comfort and long life for your new dentures.

But even when we are diligent with the care of our dentures accidents do happen. This is when Same Day Dentures come to your rescue. Same Day Dentures allow you to regain your smile within a short period of time, at an additional cost. But considering the inconvenience the loss of dentures brings to your life, the price is not an issue for most.

Same Day Dentures are a boon for many who don’t want the world to know that they are a denture wearer. People who have lost their dentures may even feel like moving out of town in fear of ridicule. They are embarrassed at the thought of displaying a toothless jaw to others. The biggest advantage of Same Day Dentures is the speed at which your lost dentures are replaced. They allow you to get back to your normal routine and avoid continued stress. And most importantly, they allow you to enjoy all your favorite foods without delay.

There are now a wide variety of Same Day Dentures to choose from. Economy (affordable) dentures will get the job done. Custom dentures are specifically made to fit your mouth, and may be required because of an irregularity in your palate. Natural dentures allow you to customize your own smile. With these new quick fix options, you can now have your lost or damaged dentures replaced in almost no time at all. They are a true day-saver!

Copyright 2008 – Denture Friend

Finding the Solution For You

It can be hard to determine on your own if complete dentures are the best option for you. Most dentists will try to keep all of your natural teeth that they believe are viable because it’s simply better for you to have your natural teeth than to have dentures. You should speak to your dentist about your concerns and see what he or she thinks you should do where dentures are concerned. You may be surprised by the way he or she feels about your dental health as opposed to the way that you feel. Remember that your dentist can only recommend what he or she would do; you have to be the final decision maker.

Fortunately, there are several options available for you to consider. Complete dentures are an option and this is where all of the teeth in the mouth are pulled and you are fitted for a complete set of top and bottom dentures. This is often the best choice for those that have an advanced level of decay and tooth loss and none or very few of the teeth can be saved. Remember, complete dentures are not the only option for you to consider.

Even if you have some dental problems you may find that you only need to wear a bridge to replace a couple teeth in your mouth. A bridge works by linking to your natural teeth and then giving you tooth surfaces to chew on where teeth have been lost. Dentists have been prescribing bridges for their patients for years.

Another option is dental implants. Ten years ago dental implants were relatively rare and most people who needed to replace teeth that were lost usually bought dentures. Dental implants are actual teeth that are implanted into the jaw bone so the tooth will look and function like a real tooth. This is more expensive than dentures, but if you want the most natural look and don’t want to worry about the fit of dentures or adhesives, this is the way to go.

As you can see, complete dentures aren’t the only option. When it comes to your teeth it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. This is why it is really helpful to talk to your dentist who knows your dental history and can advise you what is the best for you both in the short term as well as the long term.

Copyright 2008 – DentureFriend.com

Take Your Confidence Back!

There is nothing worse than having teeth that you are not proud of. When you have teeth that you don’t want other people to see you’ll find that you don’t smile as much, you don’t laugh as much, and when you do either you are very self conscious about it. This is not any way to live, keeping your mouth covered up, and when you live this way you’ll find that your self confidence takes a plunge in a hurry. Many people stop getting together with friends, taking part in social functions, and making new friends all because they are embarrassed of their teeth.

When you get dentures you will suddenly go from having teeth that make you very self conscious to having teeth that look great all the time. As long as you take care of your dentures you’ll find that they look like the pearly whites that you have always dreamt of, each and every time that you smile. As soon as you get comfortable with them, you’ll be able to laugh when something is funny, smile when you feel happy, and talk to others without worrying about them looking at your teeth in disgust.

When you feel good about your teeth your confidence will be instantly restored. Many people don’t realize how much of a hit their personal life and self esteem has taken until they get their dentures. All of a sudden they are the happy, smiling people that they want to be and their hands aren’t covering their mouths every time they laugh or smile. Feeling good about your teeth is important, even when they are dentures and not the teeth that you were born with.

Getting dentures can restore your self esteem and give you the confidence that you have been lacking since you began to have dental problems. When you have all of your teeth your face will look better because all of the skin and muscles are in place, the way your face was meant to be. Many people not only look better, but they feel better because they are able to eat the foods that nourish their body and give them the energy that they need to live the life they have always wanted to live.

Dentures can give you the quality of life that you have been searching for but didn’t know how to get. Getting dentures will be a change and there will be some challenges, but once you have adjusted you will no doubt find that your self confidence will soar. Laughing and smiling will become natural and enjoyable again, and that’s a good thing!

Copyright 2008 – DentureFriend.com

Advances in cosmetic dentistry have made many improvements in dentures. Dentures are now more natural-looking and much more comfortable than they used to be.

Dentures can be complete or partial; complete dentures cover your entire upper and lower jaw and partials replace one or a few teeth.

Complete Dentures

There are various types of complete dentures. A conventional full denture is made and placed in the patient’s mouth after all the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed; this process may take several months. An immediate complete denture is put in the mouth as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. Your dentist will take measurements and make models of your jaws during the preliminary visit. With immediate dentures, the patient does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.

With full dentures, as with your natural teeth, you must practice excellent oral hygiene. Brushing your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled toothbrush before you insert your dentures is necessary.

Partial Dentures

If you are missing only a few teeth scattered over either arch (upper or lower teeth) or if you have a minimum of two teeth on both sides of the arch, then you can replace the missing teeth with a removable partial denture (RPD). Partial dentures are affectionately called “flippers” in the world of cosmetic dentistry.

A partial denture is a removable dental appliance that replaces multiple missing teeth. A partial can be attached to the teeth with clasps or it can be attached with crowns and hidden clasps. Both types have a metal framework and plastic teeth and gum areas.

Dentures substantially accelerate the aging of the face because the distance between your nose and your chin begins to decrease as natural teeth are extracted. The bone that formerly held your top natural teeth begins to retreat up toward your nose, and the bone that held your lower teeth goes down, allowing both the top and bottom false teeth to follow in the same directions.

Dentures do not last forever, and patients must return every two years for what is called a “reline.” The longer you wear dentures, the more your gums change underneath the denture and the looser the dentures become. In order to restore the denture and to prevent flabby gum tissue under it, you should have the denture professionally relined every two years. Dentures typically need to be replaced every five to seven years.

Patricia Woloch

Well, there is a treatment that is so much better for dental patients than the old dentures or partials that people used to get. The treatment is called dental implants. The term “multiple implants” simply refers to when people get more than one dental implant at a time.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a miracle of modern dentistry. They don’t simply fill in teeth with false teeth like old-fashioned dentures. They actually replace the entire tooth structure from the root to the crown. They are implanted into the jawbone and work the same as your natural teeth, making them an ideal and functional solution.

Dental implants are similar to natural teeth in the way they look and function, but they are made from three parts:

• An anchor that is implanted into the jawbone and sits below the gum line
• A titanium post which is attached to the anchor, the top of which sits above the gum line
• A prosthetic crown which is placed on top of the post and looks and feels like a real tooth

The anchor and post take the place of the missing root, and the crown is a visually appealing replacement for the enamel.

When getting multiple implants, the process is typically the same as for individual dental implants, but occasionally other strategies might be necessary. There are cases in which only a few implants are placed, and then prosthetics like bridges are used in between the implants. The method you should choose depends on your individual situation. You should discuss treatment options with an experienced cosmetic dentist who is an expert on dental implants.

Advantages of Multiple Implants over Dentures

There are many advantages to multiple implants over dentures and even bridges, and they have become the standard of care for missing teeth. These benefits over dentures include:

• Aid in correct biting and chewing
• Decrease the movement of any existing dentures, bridges, and/or crowns
• Don’t require other teeth to support them like partial dentures and bridges do
• Increase self-assurance due to improved appearance and speech
• Most closely duplicate the feeling of natural teeth, especially compared to dentures
• Offer support and superior stability for existing removable dentures or fixed bridgework
• Protect the remaining teeth

The modern miracle of multiple implants can improve anyone’s confidence by eliminating their embarrassment while at the same time giving them a newly functioning mouth that promotes a healthier lifestyle.

Patricia Woloch

Step One: Determine Need

To find affordable dentures, you first need to find out what it is that you need. Will you need full dentures or partial? What size, material, and procedures do you need to allow them to fit your needs? These things are not things that you can just know on your own, though. In fact, if you are to find any cost comparison you first need to know what it is that you need to compare. For this reason, meet with your dentist and talk about the needs that you have. Ask him what he would do and the cost that it would come to. This way, you have a base point to start your research with.

Step Two: Research

You have time to find the affordable dentures that you need. Know that you know what it is that you need, call a few other dentists and determine if in fact they can provide you with the same service for less. In many cases, they will be able to offer you a discount to have your business. In others, the prices will remain the same. Still, it is worth the effort by a considerable amount to check out prices.

Step Three: Determine Payment Terms

If you can not find affordable dentures that fit within your budget, it is time to determine what options for deferred payment are out there for you. First, check with both your health insurance and your dental insurance to determine what they will and will not cover for you. If you are elderly, you may be able to get help through government assistance for your denture needs as well. Do some digging to determine if these options are out there for you.

Then, you can work on det4erining if you can defer payment over a period of time. If even the affordable dental insurance you have is too much, you can find help through the funding of the payment over time and through payment plans. Most dentists are willing to work with their clients to provide them with the services they need in this way. Just ask.

Finding an option for affordable dentures is out there. You have to take matters into your own hands to find it through. Sometimes, just asking for a discount can help you to get what you need. A good dentist will work with you to provide you with all that he or she can to give you what it is that you need without causing you to not be able to make the necessary payment. Affordable dentures are available, but you have to find them.

Jim Johnson

Immediate dentures are more like individual teeth. When people start losing their teeth, one at time, immediate dentures can be put in place to fill in the spot. Sometimes these are used for people who have had their teeth knocked out in an accident while playing sports or in a car accident. These individual dentures may need adjusting, though, after a while. When a tooth falls out, the gums usually swell. It registers with the body as an injury, and so the body will work to heal the gums. This often causes the gums to shrink. When the gums shrink, it means that your immediate dentures no longer fit properly. You may need them realigned so that they look more natural and attractive.

After a few months, when the gums have all healed, many people choose to switch to the complete dentures. These dentures look like a full set of teeth. Even if all of the natural teeth are gone, some people prefer to use the immediate dentures for a few months before transitioning to the complete. This is because when the gums shrink, it can affect the fit of the complete dentures as well. By using immediate dentures initially, and then switching after the mouth is “reset,” the person ensures that his or her new teeth will fit properly, and that everything is in order.

Interestingly enough, for a while many people had their dentures stained slightly so that they were off white. This was because if they were too white, people would think it unnatural and know they were dentures. However, now, due to the growing popularity of bleaching the teeth, many people choose not to have their dentures stained to look “natural.” Because so many people now have bright white teeth, there is no reason to try to change the way dentures look in order to “fit in.”

Keeping your dentures clean is important, as dirty dentures can lead to bad breath and an unattractive-looking mouth. Proper care of your dentures will be explained to you when you get them, and you should follow all directions for care as closely and carefully as possible. When you do clean your dentures, make sure that you do so over a soft, thick towel. That way, if you drop them, they are less likely to break. You should carefully loosen the large pieces of food, and you should follow the remaining directions from your dentist for cleaning and storage.

Charles Kassotis

Today, the “Hollywood Smile” is an improved media ideal. The lips are filled with very white teeth that block out darkness in the back of the mouth. Incising edges of top teeth follow the line of the lower lip coming within a millimeter of contact. Two front teeth are most prominent with adjacent teeth appearing sequentially smaller from the front teeth to the corners of the mouth creating perspective. Ideally, each tooth looks one sixteenth smaller than the adjacent tooth in front of it. There is symmetry of tooth color, shape and position right side to left side of the midline.

A masculine smile has square teeth. Incising edges of top teeth follows a straighter line. A feminine smile has rounded teeth. Incising edges of top teeth follows the lower lip line closer creating more curvature.

The Natural Smile

Natural smiles are seen everyday. Teeth fill the space between the lips and block out darkness in the back of the mouth. They are shades that blend with skin tones. Incising edges of top teeth follow the line of the lower lip, however, the two lateral incisors adjacent to the front teeth are shorter. The eyeteeth appear longer. Two front teeth are most prominent with adjacent teeth appearing sequentially smaller from the front teeth to the corners of the mouth creating perspective. Ideally, each tooth looks one sixteenth smaller than the adjacent tooth in front of it. There is symmetry of tooth color, shape and position right side to left side of the midline, however variation creates a natural appearance. Development and aging of teeth alters these relationships.

Natural smiles often have rotated, tilted, crowded, or spaced teeth. There is wear of outer and biting surfaces, gum recession and root exposure, chips, cracks or cavities. The four front incisors are the same color, the eyeteeth darker and the bicuspids and molars slightly lighter. Each tooth has great color variation over its surface. Teeth have a relatively translucent enamel shell with yellow dentin under it. As enamel thins and shows through yellow dentin, the tooth looks more yellow as occurs in the third of the tooth closest to the gums. Areas where dentin is not behind enamel as occurs between teeth and along the biting edge, appear dark gray because the translucent enamel allows darkness of the back of the mouth to show through.

The back of the mouth is a dark space as no light enters. Incorrect tooth position, tooth loss, malformed teeth, and loss of tooth structure from trauma or cavities create spaces that show the darkness of the back of the mouth.

Perception Esthetics

Perception esthetics recognizes that various smile designs and tooth defects are used to produce natural-looking smiles, and that a dentist’s perception of a patient results in a final smile design that fits the individual. Defining patient esthetic values and appreciation levels is essential to patient satisfaction.Without proper assessment, final smile design becomes the artistic interpretation of the dentist, which may or may not be acceptable to the patient. A dentist who does not understand perception esthetics produces the same smile for every patient, within the bounds of physical or financial limitations. The perfect smile, based on the “Golden Rule” of esthetic dentistry can be ideal for a 20-year-old patient but not ideal for an older patient. Table 1 lists the types of imperfections that need to be evaluated to ensure patient satisfaction.

Restoration goals must be balanced with limitations of ideals and limitations of treatment. Limitations of ideals include general traits (cultural, physical, and personality limitations), detailed inspection, and visual perception. Limitations of treatment include patient and dentist limitations. Patient limitations include physical, psychological, and financial limitations. Dentist limitations include artistic, perceptive, and technical ability (i.e., material and laboratory limitations).”

Tooth and Smile Defects

Tooth defects that affect smile esthetics include color, shape and position. Correctionsof unacceptable defects improve smiles. Inclusion of acceptable defects creates a natural smile. Aesthetics is an art and consequently, beauty is a personal preference and defining a patient’s preferences is critical.

Treatment

Treatment goals must be realistic based on limitations of ideals and limitations of treatment. Perception Aesthetics is a concept I published in the Journal of Esthetic Dentistry in the 1990’s. Perception Aesthetics review all factors that define realistic expectations for treatment goals.

Aesthetic Recontouring

Aesthetic recontouring is the process of selectively remodeling teeth to affect their shape, position, length, and contours. Youthful, feminine smiles are typically characterized by rounded edges. In a more masculine smile or one characteristic of an older individual, flat worn surfaces are more prominent. Significant generalized changes are possible when treating front teeth visible in the patient’s smile. Ideally, recontouring is confined to enamel and results in teeth of proper proportion. Significant changes are possible when treating front teeth visible in the patient’s smile.

Teeth Whitening

Bleaching lightens teeth by removing stain caught in microscopic holes within enamel. The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents iscarbamide peroxide, also known as urea peroxide; when water contacts this white crystal, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth. Bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth bleaching if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond better to lightening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline are lightened, but results are not as dramatic. Every case is different. Typically, there is a multiple-shade improvement as seen on a dentist’s shade guide. If you have very sensitive teeth, or teeth with worn enamel, your dentist may discourage bleaching. Existing restorations such as crowns and fillings do not change color.

The dentist or hygienist will make impressions of your teeth to fabricate a bleaching appliance for you. The appliance is custom made for your mouth. Along with the appliance, you’ll receive the bleaching materials and you’ll be given instructions on how to wear the appliance. Some bleaching systems recommend bleaching your teeth from one to four hours a day. Generally this type of system requires three to six weeks to complete. Other systems recommend bleaching at night while you sleep. This type of system usually requires only 10-14 days to complete.

Lightness should last from one to five years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea. At this point you may choose to get a touch up. This procedure may not be as costly because you can probably still use the same appliance.

The retreatment time also is much shorter than the original treatment time. Several studies, during the past ten years, have proven bleaching to be safe and effective. The American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval to some tooth bleaching products. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.

Composite Fillings – Front Teeth

A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass. Composites are not only used to restore decayed areas, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.

In order to bond a filling material to your tooth, it is first necessary to remove decay, prepare the tooth and then to condition the enamel and dentin. Once conditioned, a thin resin is applied which bonds to the etched surface. The bond strength of these fillings is incredible.

Following preparation, the dentist places the composite in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth. The dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear. Bonding increases the strength of these restorations far beyond those of only a short time ago.

Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes. After receiving a composite, a patient may experience post-operative sensitivity.Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if the patient drinks tea, coffee or other staining foods. The dentist can put a clear plastic coating over the composite to prevent the color from changing if a patient is particularly concerned about tooth color.

Composites tend to wear out in larger cavities, although they hold up well in small cavities. After placement, you may chew right away. The light instantly hardens these fillings. Your teeth may experience some degree of temperature sensitivity for a few days to a week. If it does not disappear within that period of time, contact your dentist.

These light cured composites are extremely cosmetic and most often bonded into place in one appointment. They are often referred to as “bonding.” Studies have shown that composites last 7-10 years.

In the past, teeth were most commonly repaired with silicate or acrylic restorations. Thanks to advances in modern dental materials and techniques, teeth can be restored with a more aesthetic and natural appearance. There are different types of cosmetic fillings currently available. The type used will depend on the location of the tooth and the amount of tooth structure that needs to be repaired.

White Composites – Back Teeth

A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass. In the past, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth.

Following preparation, the dentist places the composite in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth. The dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear. It takes the dentist about 10-20 minutes longer to place a composite than a silver filling. Placement time depends on the size and location of the cavity and the larger the size, the longer it will take.

The average cost of posterior composites is about one-and-a-half to two times the price of a silver filling. Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of the composite up to the price of a silver filling, with the patient paying the difference. As composites continue to improve, insurance companies are more likely to increase their coverage of composites.

Esthetics are one of the main advantages, since dentists can blend shades to create a color nearly identical to that of the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage, minimize leakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes.

After receiving a composite, a patient may experience post-operative sensitivity. Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if the patient drinks tea, coffee or other staining foods. Composites tend to wear out sooner than silver fillings in larger cavities, although they hold up as well in small cavities. Studies have shown that composites last 7-10 years, which is comparable to silver fillings except in very large restorations, where silver fillings last longer than composites.

In the past, teeth were most commonly repaired with amalgam (silver) fillings or gold restorations. Thanks to advances in modern dental materials and techniques, teeth can be restored with a more aesthetic and natural appearance. There are different types of cosmetic fillings currently available. The type used will depend on the location of the tooth and the amount of tooth structure that needs to be repaired.

The other type of “white fillings” are called Composite or Porcelain Inlays and Onlays. These fillings are usually placed in back teeth when esthetics is of utmost concern. In order to increase their strength and longevity, they are fabricated in the laboratory and then bonded into position in the office. This is a two visit procedure rather than the one visit required to place a direct composite filling. However, when it comes to strength and cosmetics, the extra time and expense is well worth it! I hope that you now understand a little bit more about white fillings.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to the front of teeth. They can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Porcelain veneers are placed to mask discolorations, to close spaces, to brighten teeth, to straighten teeth, and to repair broken tooth structure. Highly resistant to permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking, the wafer-thin porcelain veneers can achieve a tenacious bond to the tooth, resulting in an esthetically pleasing naturalness that is unsurpassed by other restorative options.

Porcelain veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns or fillings in many situations. They provide a conservative approach to changing a tooth’s color, size, shape or position. Porcelain veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline, by an injury, or as a result of a root canal procedure, and are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider porcelain veneers. Generally, veneers will last for many years, and the technique has shown remarkable longevity when properly performed.

Patients may need several appointments for the entire procedure including diagnosis and treatment planning, preparation, and bonding. It’s critical that you take an active role in the smile design. Spend time in the decision-making and planning of the smile. Understand the corrective limitations of the procedure to correct tooth defects, color or position.

The preparation appointment will take from one to several hours. To prepare the teeth for the porcelain veneers, the teeth are lightly reduced to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Usually, about a half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which may require a local anesthetic. At this appointment, a mold is taken of the teeth, which is sent to the laboratory for the fabrication of the veneers. This can take about one to three weeks. If the teeth are too unsightly a temporary veneer can be placed, at an additional cost.

Bonding of veneers will take about one or two hours. First, the dentist places the veneers with water or glycerine on the teeth to check their fit and get a sense of the shade or color.While the veneers are resting on your teeth, view the esthetic results, and pay particular attention to the color.At this point, the color of the veneers can still be adjusted with the shade of the cement to be used. The color cannot be altered after veneers are cemented. To apply the veneer, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. Once a special cement is sandwiched between the veneer and tooth, a visible light beam initiates the release of a catalyst to harden the cement.

All porcelain restorations are called veneers when they cover only the front of teeth. They are crowns when they cover all surfaces of teeth. Restorations are three quarter crowns when they do not cover the surface of teeth toward the tongue. It is often difficult to distinguish one type of restoration from another and therefore, it is easier to call them bonded porcelain restorations.

Crowns – Front and Back Teeth

Crowns are used to support a tooth when there isn’t enough of the tooth remaining, protect weak teeth from fracturing, restore fractured teeth, or cover badly shaped or discolored teeth. A crown is a restoration that covers a tooth like a thimble to restore it to its normal shape and size while improving strength and appearance of a tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is generally broken down and fillings won’t solve the problem. If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn’t get worse.

To prepare the tooth for a crown, it is reduced so the crown can fit over it. An impression of teeth and gums is made and sent to the lab for the crown fabrication. A temporary crown is fitted over the tooth until the permanent crown is made. On the next visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and cements the permanent crown onto the tooth.

Crowns require more tooth structure removal, hence, they cover more of the tooth than veneers. Crowns are customarily indicated for teeth that have sustained significant loss of structure. Crowns are made from various materials including plastics, porcelains and metals or combinations of these.

The dentist’s main goal is to create crowns that look like natural teeth. To achieve a certain look, a number of factors are considered, such as the color, bite, shape, and length of your natural teeth. When the procedure is complete, your teeth will not only be stronger, but they may be more attractive.

Crowns should last approximately 12 years. However, with good oral hygiene and supervision most crowns will last for a much longer period of time. Some damaging habits like grinding your teeth, chewing ice, or fingernail biting may cause this period of time to decrease significantly.

To prevent damaging or fracturing the crowns, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects. You also want to avoid teeth grinding. Besides visiting your dentist and brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth is vital with crowns. Floss is important to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. Plaque in that area can cause dental decay and gum disease.

Replacing Missing Teeth

Fixed Bridges and Implants

A fixed bridge replaces missing teeth. Teeth on either side of the space are prepared for crowns. Crowns are joined together so crowns on either side can support the missing teeth in the middle.

Implants, usually made of titanium metal similar to that used in pins to join fractured bones, are permanent replacements for missing teeth. Part of the implant acts as the root of a tooth and supports a section that extends above the gums. Replacement teeth may be permanently fixed to the sections above the gums, like fixed bridges, or can be removable similar to overdentures.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures replace missing teeth supported by gums and remaining teeth. Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored resin bases, which are connected by a metal framework. Removable partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with rests, guide planes and metal clasps. The metal clasps often shows when smiling. A denture helps you to properly chew food, improve speech and prevent a sagging face by providing support for lips and cheeks.A full denture is held in by suction so function is compromised.

An overdenture is a denture that uses precision dental attachments to hold the denture down. The overdenture attachment can be placed in tooth roots that have been saved, or placed onto dental implants that have been placed to receive them. When proper smile design principals are applied to dentures, they can look very natural. Indeed, most denture patients want more imperfections in their denture teeth so they look more natural.

Full Dentures

There is a substantial difference between full dentures and your own teeth since it is only suction which holds a full denture in place.

Dentures may move or come loose when the tongue, lips, cheeks and muscles push against it. Good impressions provide an accurate fit and seal around the edges. Retention and stabilization can be aided by the shape of bone and firmness of gums which make it more difficult to break the suction.

It is difficult to predict how a patient will adapt to dentures.A stable, retentive denture increases success, but people must adapt psychologically and learn techniques of functioning with a denture. Speech patterns must be relearned and chewing efficiency may be dramatically reduced. For these reasons, full dentures are the last resort of dentistry.

There are two alternatives to full dentures: overdentures and implants. Occasionally weak teeth can be used to stabilize dentures. Teeth reduced in height are much stronger because forces are closer to the gums reducing the force generated on their roots.

Overdentures are dentures which fit over weak teeth reduced in height after root canals. In addition, precision attachments can be placed in these teeth and dentures for added retention. Retaining roots will also help maintain bone height which might recede if roots were not there.

Dental Implants

Often, implants are preferred over fixed bridges because natural adjacent teeth are not damaged making their long term prognosis better. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is osteointegrated (bone joins to it) into your jaw. Permanent replacement teeth are joined to implants appearing and functioning like your own teeth. Often, implants are preferred over fixed bridges because natural adjacent teeth are not damaged making their long term prognosis better.

The modern day implant has been done for over forty years with great success. The jaw must have enough bone to place implants and a patient should be in good health. Diabetes, smoking, and other systemic diseases can limit implant success. Proper brushing, flossing and maintenance procedures are critical to maintaining gum and bone health that support implants.

If teeth are extracted, bone must fill the space where the tooth was prior to placing an implant. Healing can be six months or more before bone is dense enough to accept an implant. Placing the implant is a surgical procedure done with just local anesthesia.

Healing of bone into the implant requires three to six months and after the implant is exposed through the gums, restoration can take an additional three to eight weeks.

Since implants involve surgery and are more involved, they cost more than traditional bridge work. However, some dental procedures and portions of the restoration may be covered by dental and medical insurance policies. Your dentist can help you with this process.

Cosmetic Dentist Paul Chalifoux, D.D.S. performs cosmetic dentistry procedures such as Teeth Whitening, Dental Implants, Veneers, and other dental procedures.

Talk with your dentist

Though it might seem that your dentist might be the one to talk to you about dentures, you also may want to broach the subject before it becomes an immediate issue. Perhaps you have to take certain medications that can affect your dental health—epilepsy drugs, calcium channel blockers, or transplant drugs.

Or perhaps you have troubles taking care of your teeth due to some other illness or memory problem. The best way to get the dentures that you need is to have an honest and open discussion with your dentist to discuss your options. Find out the types of dentures

Information is your best weapon in the fight to choose the right dentures. Realize that there are partial, complete and overdentures available for each individual situation.

Like the names imply, partial and complete dentures are those that may take up only portions of the mouth (partial) while the complete dentures are taking the place of removed teeth. Overdentures are those that can fit over the teeth that remain.

With your dentist, you can determine what option will work best for your mouth’s situation as well as for your overall comfort.

Have your dentures immediately

One of the newer ways to have your dentures fitted is to look into immediate dentures. These are dentures that are created before you have your teeth removed so that you don’t have to go through any embarrassment of having gaps in your smile.

While these will need to be adjusted as the jaw bone heals, these can be the right dentures for those that may have gaps in their front visible teeth.

Go the conventional route

While conventional dentures require that you be without teeth for a few months as the dentures are being made, these dentures tend to fit a lot better than the immediate dentures.

You will have your teeth extracted and your gums will have time to heal as your new set of teeth is being made. There may be times of discomfort and self-consciousness, but overall, this is the better way to get dentures.

Take into consideration what you want

When it comes to choosing the right dentures for you, you want to take your time with your decision. This might mean consulting several dentists in order to see what each can do for you. Look at pictures of the dental work that they have previously done to see if you like the results that they have achieved.

If you have troubles after receiving your dentures and find that you are using adhesive on a continuous basis, your dentures may need to be refitted.

Dentures can be a fresh start to a great smile, but only if you take the time to find the best dentist and the best dentures for you.