(217) 546-3333Options Available in Cosmetic Dentistry
October 14, 2013
I'm interested in changing the shape of my teeth. What options are available?
If you have crooked teeth or you wish your teeth were more attractive; changing their shape is possible with a number of different cosmetic dentistry treatments. Smile enhancement procedures are common, safe and easy. A change of shape can be achieved by these popular methods:
Crowns
A crown is a dental restoration in which the whole tooth is capped or covered. The crown is fabricated from materials like porcelain. Crowns can cover many problems including cracked or otherwise compromised teeth.
To attach the crown, the tooth has to be prepared. It is trimmed down to create space needed to accommodate the crown. Once preparation is over, impression of the prepared tooth is taken and the cast made out of it is sent to the lab for crown fabrication. Finally, the dentist glues the crown to your prepared tooth.
Veneers
Veneers are thin layers of restorative material that are adhered to the teeth to change their shape or to obscure discoloration. They are a treatment of choice for people with dental problems like mild to moderate fluorosis, small gaps and shape adjustments. Veneers cover only the outer or the facial surface of the teeth. Most commonly, the upper front teeth are veneered as they are the most prominent teeth while smiling.
Some amount of tooth reduction is required but lesser than the extent required for crowns. Once the teeth are trimmed down, the impression is made and the casts are sent to the lab for fabrication. The finished veneer is adhered to the prepared tooth surface.
Bonding
Bonding is one of the simplest and less expensive types of dental restoration which can be used to modify the shape of the teeth. A tooth-colored resin material is used for dental bonding.
The teeth are etched to allow the resin to bond. A coat of resin is applied and cured with curing light. Layer by layer application is performed meticulously by the dentist to give the teeth the desired shape. Finally, finishing and polishing is done for a smooth glossy surface.
You can trust Dr. VanderMolen to help you get the perfect smile you are looking for. For more information and to schedule an appointment, contact us now at (217) 546-3333. We can help you smile confidently in no time.
Dental Crowns Provide a Quick and Durable Fix to Unsightly Teeth
August 12, 2013
Improving Your Smile Has Never Been Easier
Whether or not you've been contemplating dental crowns for some time now or if you've just been informed that this is an option to beautify your smile, the reality is that dental crowns may just be the fast and durable fix that you are looking for.
While dental veneers provide a wonderful looking exterior, dental crowns go a step further offering both great aesthetics and increased durability. Crowns look nearly identical to and function in the same way that natural teeth do. The main difference is that dental crowns must be adhered to a tooth that has been sanded down, but the end result is incredibly natural in both look and feel.
Having dental crowns placed will require that you visit a cosmetic dentistry practice that is knowledgeable in making and placing quality dental crowns. Dr. VanderMolen has the expertise in cosmetic dentistry you need to get the best results. The amount of time needed to complete a dental crown procedure will depend on how many crowns are to be made and placed, plus it will also depend on the state of your oral health. If you are dealing with problems such as gum disease, Dr. VanderMolen will likely want to address your gums issues prior to fitting crowns. This is because certain diseases, both oral and otherwise, can cause complications. But, if you are in reasonably good health your dental crown could be completed in as little as a day.
Advanced Dental Care provides state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry techniques and services in the Springfield area, including quick and durable dental crowns. Dr. VanderMolen, along with the staff at Advanced Dental Care, are ready to help you renew your smile through a little cosmetic dentistry that will have you leaving with a vibrant new smile, call (217) 546-3333 for an appointment
Oral Care for Teens: What Parents Need to Know
June 17, 2013
We all have that desire to show off a lovely smile, but what we do not want are stained teeth, bad breath, decaying teeth, tooth loss or gum disease, whether as a teenager or an adult. All of these can be prevented at just about any age through the use of Preventative Dentistry procedures.
However, the teenage years are often the time when teeth are neglected the most. A busy teenager has a social life to enjoy, examinations to take and a future to think about. With little time to free up while experiencing the excitement of growing up, dental visits and serious oral health care sometimes become less of a priority.
Failing to implement good dental care practices while in the teenage years can be very bad for future oral and dental health. In the long run, this could destroy a smile and break the teenager’s long term confidence, especially in social situations.
Points of importance for a teen’s dental care
- We recommend that your teen brushes and flosses his or her teeth at least two times a day. If they want to maintain a better smile, a brush following each meal will add that freshness to the face.
- Teenage diets should be packed with nutrients that will build up and maintain the health of permanent teeth. This means only consuming moderate amounts of starchy or sweet food to avoid the development of any dental cavities and other gum problems.
- Hormonal changes throughout puberty can contribute to the development of minor periodontal disease by increasing the blood flow circulating around the gums. This leads to a rise in sensitivity in the gums which, when irritated by food or liquids, become inflamed, feel painful to touch and sometimes turn a red color.
- Smoking, which is often started in the teen years, causes stained teeth, loss of teeth, gum disease, bad breath and mouth cancer. If smoking and drinking take place together, this can elevate the chance of mouth cancer development.
- The greatest number of dental accidents and the resultant injuries take place between 13 and 17 years age, while playing sports. In some sports such as basketball and baseball a mouth guard should be used to protect the teeth from accidental injury.
- Visiting the dentist should be promoted and monitored by parents, who should also emphasize dental health when bringing up teens by ensuring that dental checkups are regular and their teeth are assessed for periodontal disease.
- There are many ways that your dentist can help your teenage son or daughter to improve their self image by offering teeth shaping cosmetic procedures. Click here for more information on these services.
Personal image and what other people think about us are far more important in teenage years than in any other part of our lives. Different types of cosmetic dentistry options are available for teens who would like to enhance their appearance and personal image and they are not always too complicated or expensive.
If you would like advice on how you could help your teenage child’s oral hygiene, do not hesitate, call Advanced Dental Care at (217) 546-3333 today, to make an appointment. We would love to see you at our office.
Custom Dentures: What Makes Ours Different?
May 6, 2013
What makes Dr. VanderMolen’s Custom Dentures different?
Dentures are artificial and removable replacements of lost teeth. Generally, they are made from a special combination of light metals and plastics. In most cases, plastic dentures are designed to rest on the gums while metal dentures are meant to be supported by the other natural teeth anchored in the gum.
Dentures are a common solution to dental problems and they are often cheaper than other options available; this is especially true where most or all teeth need replacing. Dentures also require daily maintenance; they need to be removed often and cleaned thoroughly to help in the prevention of diseases and other infections.
There are many types of dentures available that look and feel artificial. You might be 
wondering what separates Dr. VanderMolen’s custom dentures from the rest. The answer lies in their extremely natural appearance and experience. This is because they are custom made and handcrafted according to each client’s personalities, gender, age and their physical appearances.
Dr. VanderMolen will do everything possible to ensure that his client’s smile remains as natural as possible.
The highly trained denture technicians at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield receive specific and detailed instructions to handcraft all dentures with tissue color matching the client’s natural gums and facial complexion. To make the dentures appear youthful and more natural, a very modern and special technology is used.
The dentures are composed of acrylic teeth consisting of three layers which serve to make the dentures appear as natural as the real teeth. To avoid that common, unnatural look, Dr. VanderMolen’s dentures are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes and natural shades to cater for each and every client. The materials involved are made using the latest technology. The final product is not only light weight but extremely durable as well.
These dentures are also injection-molded, heat and pressure cured to reduce the sizes of the pores in the denture material. This creates a final product with a great polish which is also resistant to staining. The injection molding process also makes it difficult for plaque and bacteria to grow, eliminating foul smells and reducing the likelihood of a bacterial infection. On top of all of that, Dr. VanderMolen’s dentures come with a twelve month guarantee!
To learn more about these natural custom dentures, call the friendly staff at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield at (217) 546-3333 to set up an appointment with Dr. VanderMolen. We’ll have you on your way to a smile you’ll love!
Avoiding Dental Implant Failure
March 18, 2013
Steps to Take for an Ideal Implant Procedure
Dental implants are designed to replace teeth that are missing, broken, or damaged beyond repair. Years of damage can contribute to tooth decay and other serious problems that can cause the teeth to fall out or suffer from severe damage. The idea behind this form of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the smile and allow the patient to feel comfortable when they speak, laugh, and smile once again. However, dental implants can also be considered a form of preventative dentistry because the procedure is used to place fake teeth and tooth roots in the mouth to protect the gum from being exposed. When teeth are missing and the gums are exposed, gum disease and bone loss may occur.
Dental implants are designed to function just as a normal tooth. Aside from function, the implants look and feel natural as well. No one would ever be able to tell the difference as to whether or not someone was wearing dental implants. Dr. VanderMolen places the artificial roots of the teeth into the gums so that he can secure the dental crown. In over 90% of instances, this procedure is very successful. Even though it is considered a highly successful and common dental procedure, there are times when dental implants can fail.
The success of your dental implants depends upon commitment of good oral hygiene for the life of your teeth. In some instances, dental implants may fail due to the lack of experience from the dentist, which is why patients are always advised to see a professional dentist with years of experience under his or her belt. Dr. VanderMolen has the experience you are looking for in an implant dentist. He has a high success rate of helping patients with dental implants, improving their smile and avoiding future discomfort.
For a consultation with Dr. VanderMolen of Advanced Dental Care of Springfield, call 217-546-3333. We have the knowledge and expertise to give you the best possible result and a beautiful smile! Click here for more information on the services available at Advanced Dental Care.