Providing Beautiful Smiles & Dentistry since 1990
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If your tired of your dentures slipping in your mouth, you may be considering switching to a more permanent solution like dental implants. Though both are viable options for missing teeth, changing from one to the other may take some getting used to. To help you get more comfortable with your new smile, learn more about what you can expect from the transition from dentures to dental implants in Flower Mound.
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Fluoride is an illusive substance for many people because they know they consume it in their drinking water, but they aren’t entirely sure why. With countless conspiracy theories out there, your dentist wants to set the things straight and let you in on what fluoride is and how it has improved the oral health of two-thirds of the U.S. population, according to the CDC. Read on to get the facts about fluoride and learn how it’s helping keep your smile cavity-free.
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If you plan to get dental implants, you likely want them for cosmetic reasons. These “ultimate tooth replacements” are great at restoring full grins! Still, the devices can do more than beautify your smile. The truth is that dental implants help you live longer. Once placed, they’ll reduce your risk of certain life-threatening issues. As for the details, let your Flower Mound dentist explain. Here’s a primer on how tooth loss reduces lifespan and implants boost it, as well as other perks of implant treatment.
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Have you booked your dental implant consultation yet? If so, you’re likely in the dark on what happens during this part of the process. Dental implants can be an exciting step towards restoring your smile and oral health. However, before undergoing the procedure, it’s important to talk through all the steps with your dentist.
If you want to learn what you can expect during your dental implant consultation, continue reading. Once you’ve read all the way through, you’ll be well-prepared.
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Are you not a huge fan of your smile? Do you think it would require too much time and money to fix it? You might be tempted to just replace all your teeth with dental implants, but is that a good idea? After all, why fix what isn’t broken?
Your dentist can shed more light on your unique situation, but if you need some sage advice, continue reading. You’ll learn why your natural teeth are still the best, and when implants might be appropriate.
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Dentures have changed quite a bit over the decades. New materials and technologies allow them to fit better than ever before, so you may forget you’re wearing them. However, your dentures will lose their fit over time because your mouth will change. Your dentures must be relined regularly to avoid slipping and irritation. Although there are over-the-counter kits, here’s why it’s better to leave the adjustments to professionals.
Losing even one tooth can cause your jawbone to shrink by 25% within the first year, which will continue to deteriorate as more time passes. Dentures only replace the portions of your teeth above the gum line, so they do nothing to stop bone loss because they don’t treat the roots. As you lose bone, the shape of your mouth will change, which can cause your dentures to fit poorly.
If your dentures don’t fit well, your gums can become sore and inflamed, which can make it difficult to wear them, especially when eating. Over time, your gums can become infected. Oral bacteria can harm your health. Researchers have found that poor-fitting dentures are connected to a variety of medical issues, including some cancers. Not to mention, slipping dentures can cause you to eliminate certain foods from your diet, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Ensuring the correct fit requires art and precision that only a dentist can provide. It’s best to visit your dentist every 6 months for a dental checkup. Besides keeping your mouth healthy, they will check the fit of your denture at each appointment.
If necessary, advanced technology and high-quality materials will be used to ensure your denture fits like a glove. They will provide the adjustments you need to ensure your denture fits comfortably and help you get the most from your investment.
If you’re ready to stop slipping and irritation once and for all, ask your dentist about the benefits of adding dental implants to your smile. Implant posts are surgically placed into your jaw to serve as new roots, keeping your jaw strong and healthy. Your denture will have the support of your jawbone to benefit from unmatched stability. You can regain 70% of your natural biting force.
With over 95% success rate and an average lifespan of 30 years or more, you’ll never have to worry about relining or replacing your dentures again.
About Dr. Rodger Song
Dr. Song earned his dental degree at the Baylor College of Dentistry and has regularly continued his education in various specialties, including cosmetic dentistry, restorative care, and oral surgery. He is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through his website or call (972) 945-7587.
Cosmetic dentistry is considered elective, and thus your dental insurance may not cover your desired procedure. This makes it all the more important to get the most out of your treatment. After all, you don’t want to invest in something that won’t stick around very long. If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry but want to know how long you can expect your results to last before you commit, here are some popular procedures and their typical life expectancy.
Veneers
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that fit over your teeth to create a whiter, more-even looking smile. Because your dentist will need to remove a thin layer of enamel to attach your veneers, you will need to commit to them for the rest of your life. Thankfully, with proper oral hygiene and care, they can last up to 20 years, but plan on replacing them around the 15-year mark just to be safe.
Bonding is a fast, easy, and painless way to repair teeth damaged due to breaks or chips. It uses the same composite resin that your dentist uses to make tooth-colored fillings. This makes it durable for chewing, and because the material can be matched to the shade of your teeth, it both looks and feels just like natural teeth do. Dental bonding can last up to ten years with proper care but be sure to avoid using it to bite down on anything hard or other than food.
Professional teeth whitening is done using professional-grade materials that work faster and more effectively than the kits you can buy at the store. Your dentist offers both in-office treatments and take-home kits that take a little longer, but still yield beautiful results. Whitening can last a lifetime if you avoid staining foods and smoking and can be maintained by simply caring for your teeth as usual, however, be aware that failing to do so can cause new stains to appear. Thus, your treatment is as long- lasting as you make it!
Metal-free crowns are deluxe fillings that fit over your damaged tooth so you can still use it to eat with. Because it looks just like a natural tooth, most people won’t realize it’s a crown unless you tell them. Like any filling, dental crowns do not last forever; you can expect yours to need replacement in about ten years with proper care.
Remember, cosmetic dentistry procedures don’t last forever, but brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist twice a year for your semi-annual cleanings and exams can help extend their longevity, so you can make the most of your investment, and of your beautiful smile!
Dr. Rodger Song has been helping patients smile for over 30 years. He truly takes the time to listen to each person that walks through the doors at Bridlewood Dental, and it is his pleasure to help them achieve their own oral health goals while under his care.
To schedule an appointment for cosmetic dentistry, please visit our website or call us today at 972-906-9797.
Porcelain veneers have allowed innumerable people to achieve more gorgeous smiles in as few as two appointments. While porcelain is stain-resistant and naturally similar in appearance to enamel, it can develop stains and discoloration if it endures too much exposure to pigments and dyes while not being cleaned adequately. Here’s what you should know about drinking coffee when you have porcelain veneers as well as a few tips for keeping your enhanced smile in great shape.
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When it comes to most medical conditions, you might think your dentist would be the last person to spot them. You might want to think again! Your teeth and gums reveal much more about your internal organs and well-being than you may realize. Keep reading to learn about five surprising health conditions that your Flower Mound dentist can identify during a regular dental checkup.
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As the temperatures start to get warmer, it becomes evident that summer is just around the corner. There’s something about the sun shining that makes people want to get outside, interact and be festive. It turns out that the sun has even more to offer. When it comes to your oral health, getting more sunlight has been found to promote healthy gums. Continue reading to learn how the summer sun can help combat an oral health issue that millions of Americans are facing!
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