(217) 546-3333Implant Dentistry: Preserving Natural Dentition
January 27, 2014
Preserving natural dentition
Dental implants have become one of the most comfortable and effective means of tooth replacement. The use of dental implants has become widespread because of the excellent aesthetic and functional properties they offer. Among the numerous benefits of dental implants, the most important is the preservation of natural dentition, or the natural array of the teeth.
When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone loses support from the tooth and can undergo resorption, or bone loss. When a dental implant is placed into the same socket as the missing tooth, it provides support for the jawbone, helping to prevent unnecessary bone loss.
Tooth loss also creates an imbalance in the dental occlusion. The teeth that are near the missing tooth become functionally compromised. The rest of the teeth can drift, causing unnatural gaps between them. Food particles and debris can get trapped in these gaps and become difficult to remove. Trapped food particles can lead to tooth decay, gum disease or more serious dental problems if they are not treated correctly. Proper oral hygiene can become difficult when teeth lose their natural alignment, thus increasing the chances of periodontal disease. Dental implants can prevent these problems by providing a natural, functional replacement for the missing tooth.
In some other options for teeth restoration, such as bridges, the integrity of neighboring teeth can be adversely affected. This is mainly due to the fact that they derive their support from the adjacent teeth. The periodontal ligament and the bone of the adjacent teeth used as support have to bear extra stress which, over time, weakens them. This can eventually lead to loss of support teeth. Dental implants are inserted directly into the bone so they do not require support from the neighboring teeth. They function independently and look similar to your other teeth, leaving you with a natural, healthy smile.
Are you interested in learning more about dental implants? Dr. Matt VanderMolen and our staff would be happy to answer your questions. Call and make an appointment at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield today, 217-717-4551.
Keeping Current with Checkups as an Adult is Necessary
January 20, 2014
Preventative Dental Checkups Keep Your Mouth Healthy
Parents should develop a regular dental care routine for their children, including regular visits to the dentist. Once we reach adulthood, regular checkups are often overlooked. Many of us think that we will maintain a healthy smile as long as we practice good oral hygiene. While good at-home-care is essential for a healthy mouth, regularly visiting your dentist is an essential part of preventative dentistry for both children and adults.
Dental Visits Are Not Just for Emergencies
Only visiting the dentist when you have a problem or dental emergency is not good practice. Keeping your teeth healthy requires routine cleaning and evaluation. There could be more substantial issues developing with your teeth and gums that only your dentist will be able to notice. Early signs of periodontal disease and alignment issues can be detected well in advance during a routine visit to the dentist. No one should wait until they experience pain to visit the dentist. Without regular check-ups, tooth decay and gum disease can lead to costly procedures and additional appointments. These can often be avoided all together if they are caught early enough. Preventative dental appointments help keep your mouth and body healthy.
Teeth Change as We Age
Throughout our life, our body goes through many changes. Many of us work hard to keep fit through regular exercise and a balanced diet. While we clean and floss our teeth daily in our own homes, we are unable to get the deep clean and plaque removal that a dentist can provide over the long term. Deep cleaning and plaque removal help to prevent the development of cavities which, if not detected early, can result in much more expensive and invasive procedures.
Periodontal disease is very easy to detect by a dentist, but not so simple to diagnose by someone without training. Early detection will result in fewer treatments, and in turn, less money spent. To avoid developing serious dental issues, be sure to schedule checkups and annual exams with your dentist.
If you have been putting off those regular check-ups you should act now by calling Dr. Matt VanderMolen at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield today – 217-717-4551.
Repairing a Chipped Tooth with Dental Bonding
January 6, 2014
If you have chipped or cracked teeth, you will be happy to know there is a safe and easy solution. You no longer have to live with unsightly, damaged teeth. Dr. Matt VanderMolen provides dental bonding and other cosmetic dentistry services at Advanced Dental Care in Springfield IL to help make your smile something you can’t wait to share.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding involves the placement of a plastic-based adhesive which cosmetically fixes flaws in the teeth. The adhesive is colored, shaped, and polished to match the contour of your natural teeth. The entire procedure is quick, easy, and painless. Anesthetics are rarely needed for dental bonding procedures. If you have several teeth that require dental bonding it may be necessary to schedule multiple visits to the dentist; the process requires approximately 30 minutes per tooth.
The Dental Bonding Process
Dr. VanderMolen will perform a general cleaning of your teeth and gums before proceeding with the dental bonding process. A special tool is used to roughen the outer surface of any teeth requiring bonding. A conditioning solution will then be spread to help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. The bonding material, which has been shaped prior to the procedure, is applied on top of the conditioning solution. For long-lasting effects, the bond is then hardened with an ultraviolet light or laser.
Precautions
If you practice good oral hygiene techniques, such as brushing and flossing twice a day and regularly visiting your dentist for check-ups, your dental bond will remain in good condition for many years. However, there are a couple of precautions to take after the procedure.
The material used for dental bonding is not quite as strong as tooth enamel; you should try to avoid biting on hard objects such as the tops of pens, ice cubes or your own fingernails as this can result in a chipped or lost dental bond. For the first 48 hours following the procedure, the resin used in the tooth bonding is particularly susceptible to discoloration. In order to prevent staining your new smile, avoid drinking liquids such as wine, coffee, and tea. Smoking can also discolor dental bonds and should be avoided.
If you have a chipped or cracked tooth and are interested in learning more about how dental bonding can give you back your natural smile, call Dr. VanderMolen at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield, 217-717-4551 to schedule an appointment today.
5 Important Facts about Cosmetic Fillings
December 2, 2013
No longer do you have to worry about unsightly metal fillings! Cosmetic, tooth-colored fillings are now readily available to keep your smile looking natural thanks to materials that mimic the tooth’s natural color and translucency, making them practically undetectable.
Here are 5 important facts about Cosmetic Fillings that make them a great option for replacing unsightly metal fillings:
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Tooth-Colored Fillings Offer Superior Aesthetic Properties
Tooth colored fillings are composed of a composite resin which can easily be matched to your natural tooth color and as a result the filling is almost seamless, making it virtually undetectable on all teeth. Thanks to the fact that most people won’t be able to tell you have cosmetic fillings; these fillings are often preferred over the traditional, unsightly, metal fillings.
- Cosmetic Fillings Chemically Bond To The Tooth
For silver amalgam fillings, the tooth has to be cut and shaped to ensure the filling remains intact within the cavity. Improper tooth preparation can lead to the filling being dislodged. In comparison, with cosmetic fillings little tooth preparation is required because it bonds to the tooth chemically. This means the natural tooth structure is preserved, resulting in a stronger, healthier tooth.
- The Physical Properties Of The Resin Are Close To Those Of Natural Teeth
One of the problems with metal fillings is that it is rigid and not very pliable. This can cause problems such as breakage of the tooth or filling itself. The composite resin used in cosmetic fillings on the other hand, flexes like a natural tooth does. As a result, there are fewer chances for the disintegration or breaking of the filling. Overall, when the physical properties of the filling match those of the tooth, the expected longevity, and durability of the filling increases.
- Cosmetic Fillings Are Versatile In Utility
As with traditional metal fillings, cosmetic fillings are used to fill cavities in both front and back teeth. However, because of their natural, tooth colored appearance, they can also be used to treat chipped teeth or correct gaps in teeth. They can also be used to conceal pits or discolorations on the teeth.
- No Negative Effects On The Body
Today’s composite resins used in cosmetic fillings are completely safe and produce no harmful effects on the surrounding tissues. While there is considerable debate as to the safety of traditional amalgam, metal fillings, most cosmetic fillings are biocompatible and as a result, there is no fear of toxicity.
Are you looking to replace unsightly metal fillings with natural-looking cosmetic fillings? Call Dr. VanderMolen and Advanced Dental Care at (217) 546-3333 for an appointment today! Click here for more information on all the services available at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield.
Caring for Your Teeth After the Braces Come Off
November 25, 2013
Your treatment is over! Continue to take good care of your smile to make sure it lasts a lifetime!
When orthodontics are first removed, most people feel a sense of freedom and relief. However, it is very important to maintain your oral hygiene routine after the braces have been removed. To maintain your new smile, a lifetime of good, preventative oral care will be required. If you choose not to follow oral care recommendations provided by your dentist or orthodontist, or do not wear your retainer if applicable, your teeth can revert back to their original location. After having spent so much time, money and effort on straightening your teeth, why not maintain them for years to come?
Most importantly, maintaining a daily brushing and flossing routine is essential for a healthy mouth. Preventing tooth decay, bacteria and plaque buildup will reduce the chances that teeth will have issues in the future. A good oral hygiene routine will increase confidence and keep your smile beautiful. It is also important to schedule regular visits to your dentist for check-ups and cleanings. Your doctor may take digital X-rays as well to examine the teeth further and ensure they are maintaining their new positions.
In the past, retainers were worn for a short period of time after braces were removed. In recent years, dentists and orthodontists have realized that continuing to wear a retainer on a regular basis can make all the difference in keeping your straightened smile secure. If a retainer is recommended for you, be sure to follow your dentist or orthodontist’s instructions on how and when to wear it for the best result. It is also very important to keep your retainer clean. Plaque and bacteria can build up on the appliance causing oral problems such as bad breath. Some popular cleaning methods include vinegar washes, denture cleaner and a simple brushing with toothpaste.
For tender gums following braces removal, rinsing the oral cavity with warm or hot salt water can alleviate soreness and swelling. Sometimes the gums may be sensitive to flossing, as it is difficult to fully clean them with braces on, the salt water rinse should help firm the gums back up and have them healthy in no time.
Dr. Matt VanderMolen at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield can assist you with any of your post-braces needs and create a customized plan for your oral care. Call to schedule your appointment today, at (217) 546-3333. Click here for more information on all the services available at Advanced Dental Care.