(217) 546-3333Cosmetic Dentistry: Repairing Worn Teeth
November 11, 2013
Restoring Worn Down Teeth
Tooth wear is a very common natural phenomenon that occurs as we age. The constant grinding of teeth against each other due to biting or swallowing is responsible for attrition or the wearing down of teeth. Reduction in the length of the teeth and chipping off from the sides can occur. Due to the loss of tooth structure, the nerve endings may be exposed causing sensitivity. This process can be severe in individuals who have bruxism (involuntary grinding while sleeping). Worn-down teeth create an uneven smile line; cosmetic dentistry can restore the aesthetics of the smile.
To prevent further damage from teeth grinding, nightguards are often recommended. These are fabricated from the impressions of the patient’s teeth. They prevent the tooth-to-tooth contact while sleeping and thereby help in prevention of further wear and tear as well as the jaw pain that can result from grinding and clenching during sleep.
Dental bonding can be a cosmetic treatment option in mild cases of wear of front teeth. Composite resins are used for this technique. These do not have enough strength to withstand heavy loads so they cannot be used for back teeth. Dental bonding can be a cost-effective way to enhance the smile and hide worn areas.
Dental crowns are an extremely durable and highly aesthetic treatment option. These are suitable for both front and back teeth. The most common type is a porcelain crowns that covers the entire tooth. Dental crowns serve as a great solution for teeth that have lost vitality (when attrition reaches the level of pulp which is the innermost part of the tooth).
Dental veneers are thin layers of tooth-colored material that are cemented to the prepared tooth surface. They are commonly made of porcelain for durability and a natural look. An advantage is that only a very small amount of tooth surface needs to be removed to make room for the veneers.
Now, there is no need to get upset about your worn-out teeth. Call (217) 546-3333 for an appointment with Dr. Matt VanderMolen. His team will work to remove the worn-out look and bring a youthful smile to your face!
Click here for more information on all the services available at Advanced Dental Care.
Dental Implants: A Popular Dental Treatment
September 9, 2013
Why Are Dental Implants So Popular?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are inserted into the jaw bone surgically. They provide an excellent means of tooth replacement. They are usually made out of titanium and titanium alloys. The success of dental implants lies on the level of osseointegration (fusion of implants to the jaw bone); thus good oral hygiene and bone density are essential.
Dental implants are one of the latest innovative developments in dentistry and are gaining popularity day by day. Some reasons for their increasing popularity are:
- High Aesthetic Appeal
A dental implant cannot be distinguished from a natural tooth easily because it gives the impression of growing out of the gums naturally. The growing popularity of dental implants is due to their excellent aesthetic properties. To look great and feel confident is what everyone looks for while opting for any type of tooth replacement.
- Superior In Function
Apart from looking natural, dental implants give a natural feel as well. They function independently similar to any other tooth in dentition. The biting forces on the implant are directed to the jaw bone directly without affecting the adjacent teeth. Patients have stated that they feel extremely comfortable while chewing with dental implants. This is mainly due to their enhanced efficiency compared to dentures. Dental Implants are the superior option for smile restorations.
- Highly Durable
When compared to dentures, dental implants are highly durable and long-lasting. Dentures need replacement after about 5 years whereas implants do not need to be replaced once they are taken up by the jaw bone. They can last for a lifetime with good oral hygiene and preventative dental maintenance.
- Renders Confidence
Many people with dentures become self-conscious while smiling. This is because sometimes dentures can be loose and snap down creating an extremely embarrassing situation. Such incidents are less than ideal, for certain. On the contrary, dental implants are secure and natural feeling and can boost the self-esteem.
Are you interested in learning more about dental implants? Attend one of our monthly Dental Implant Seminars. For details and dates, please contact us at (217) 546-3333 or Click Here.
Dr. VanderMolen has the answers you need. Call and make an appointment at Advanced Dental Care today, (217) 546-3333.
Implant Dentistry: Preserving Natural Dentition
June 3, 2013
Preserving natural dentition
Dental implants have become one of the most comfortable and effective means of teeth replacement. The reason for the wide-spread use of dental implants in restorative dentistry is the excellent set of aesthetic and functional properties of dental implants. Among the numerous benefits of dental implants, the most important is the preservation of the natural dentition.
After the loss of a tooth, the surrounding bone undergoes resorption (bone loss) extensively due to lack of support. A dental implant placed in the same socket holds the bone and prevents undue loss.
Loss of a tooth creates an imbalance in the dental occlusion. The tooth present opposite to the missing tooth becomes functionally compromised. There can be a drifting of the rest of the teeth causing gaps between them and the tight contacts open up. Food particles and debris can get trapped in these gaps and become difficult to remove. Eventually, the teeth undergo decay and might even progress to the stage of loss of vitality if treatment is not done in the right time. Proper oral hygiene in such circumstances becomes difficult, thus increasing the chances of periodontal disease. Dental implants can prevent these problems by providing a functional replacement for the missing tooth.
If crowns and bridges are utilized as an option for teeth replacement, the integrity of neighboring teeth can be affected adversely. 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 have to bear extra stresses which in due course of time weaken them and, at times, even lead to their loss. Dental implants are inserted directly into the bone so they do not require support from the neighboring teeth. They function independently and naturally similar to every other tooth in the dentition.
Are you interested in learning more about dental implants? Attend one of our monthly No Cost/No Obligation Dental Implant Seminars. For details and dates and to register CLICK HERE or call us at (217) 546-3333
Dr. VanderMolen has the answers you need. Call and make an appointment at Advanced Dental Care today, (217) 546-3333.
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!