Dental Implants

Dental Implants: A Permanent Fix for Your Dental Woes

Dealing with dental issues like missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures can be frustrating. But there’s good news: dental implants offer a permanent solution that can help you say goodbye to these problems for good. Let’s explore how dental implants work and why they might be the ideal fix for your dental woes.

They enhance quality of life by providing a permanent and reliable solution for missing teeth. They consist of titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone, which fuse with the bone to create a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth. This process restores full chewing function, allowing individuals to eat a varied diet without discomfort.
Implants also prevent bone loss and maintain facial structure, avoiding the sunken look associated with missing teeth.  Additionally, they look and feel like natural teeth, boosting self-confidence and improving speech. Unlike dentures, they do not require special maintenance or adhesives, offering a convenient and long-lasting solution. Overall, they contribute significantly to oral health, functionality, and aesthetic satisfaction, leading to an improved quality of life.

The Science Behind Implants

Dental ImplantsDental implants are small titanium posts that are inserted into your jawbone, where they act as artificial roots for replacement teeth. The magic of implants lies in their ability to fuse with your bone, providing unparalleled stability for crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Here are some compelling reasons to consider dental implants:

  • Long-Term Solution: With proper care, they can last a lifetime, making them a wise investment in your oral health.
  • Enhanced Functionality: Implants restore your ability to chew and speak comfortably, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and communicate with confidence.
  • Preservation of Bone: Implants stimulate your jawbone, helping to prevent the bone loss that often occurs with missing teeth.

If you’re ready to leave your dental problems behind, dental implants might be the answer you’ve been searching for. Schedule a consultation with your dentist to discuss your options and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile.

Whitening

Teeth Whitening Options

Not everyone has a natural “Hollywood smile” where every tooth is pearly white and perfectly aligned.  Consequently, people try to achieve their best smile via cosmetic dentistry options, some over-the-counter and some provided professionally.  Today, a stroll down the dental health aisle or a search on Amazon reveals an abundance of OTC teeth whitening products.  But are they as effective as they may claim to be on the consumer packaging?  Let’s explore your options for a whiter smile.

Teeth Whitening Options You May Have Considered

WhiteningTeeth Whitening with UV or LED Blue Light

Light-curing treatments include an LED light with peroxide.  Many of these kits promise to brighten your teeth within 30 minutes.  The kits come with the LED light, a whitening gel, and (depending on the kit) the trays or a tooth-whitening pen.  Repeat the LED whitening process daily for 10 days to be fully effective (per the product instructions).

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips often use a non-toxic, peroxide-free formula safe for tooth enamel.  They do not contain preservatives, additives, or other unwanted elements, and typically show results within 14 days when applied per the instructions.

Whitening Toothpaste

The over-the-counter toothpaste approach is available at numerous retail locations and is rather affordable, making it a favorite approach.  Used daily, it can be effective, especially to correct mild staining.

Whitening Pens

Containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, these pens are fast-drying and will break down the surface stains and brighten teeth. They require consistent use to be effective.

In-Office Whitening Procedure

Your dentist applies bleaching gel to your teeth, then lets it set 15-30 minutes.  The bleach is then removed, and more gel is applied.  Some approaches require focusing an LED or UV light on the teeth.  Depending on how much of a change you want, it may be necessary to have subsequent visits.

Deep Bleaching

Bleaching typically requires a minimum of 3 dentist visits of approximately 15 -minutes each.  The dentist creates highly detailed dental impressions with custom trays.  These bleaching trays are loaded with a gel and pressed onto the teeth.  You are sent home with these trays with instructions on how to use them.  After 2 weeks, you return to the office for additional bleaching.

Reasons to Get Teeth Whitened by Your Dentist

1. Get results quickly.

2. Protect your teeth, without fear of damage by an OTC product or home remedy.

3. Get the results you want, with even whitening. In fact, your Advanced Dental Partners dentist can customize the level of whitening to match your other teeth.

4. If your teeth are prone to sensitivity, then the whitening process can sometimes be painful.  But having your teeth professionally whitened, your dentist can adjust how much of the active ingredients are used and will also have a gel that can be used to relieve sensitivity.

If you are interested in a whiter smile, be sure to talk to one of the dentists at McCracken Family Dentistry.  We would love to help you love your smile!