(217) 546-3333Advanced Dental Care of Springfield Blog
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.
Cosmetic Dentistry for Seniors
November 18, 2013
Cosmetic Dentistry Benefits All Age Groups
Cosmetic dentistry is most commonly performed on those in their 20s-50s, but this age range is not indicative of who can have this type of dental work done. Most cosmetic dental procedures are within your reach, if you are a healthy senior.
As a senior, your smile mean so much to your self-confidence, so why not keep your teeth looking fresh and pearly with cosmetic dentistry. It's no secret, that a glowing smile at any age is universally pleasing. But, there are many more options out there for seniors to maintain and even improve their smile to a youthful radiance.
Common cosmetic dentistry procedures available to seniors include crowns, porcelain dental veneers, and teeth whitening. Dental implants and crowns provide more of a functional update, while also improving the aesthetics.
Visit Advanced Dental Care to discover what cosmetic dental procedure is right for you. Dr. VanderMolen will check your overall oral health and discuss which options would suit you best.
If you live in the Springfield area, Advanced Dental Care is the cosmetic dentistry office of choice. Dr. VanderMolen works with patients of all ages and is in-tune with the specific cosmetic and general dental needs of seniors. Call (217) 546-3333 today to make your impression on the world a youthful one. Click here for more information on all the services available at Advanced Dental Care.
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Cosmetic 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.
How to Manage Pain with Modern Sedation Dentistry
November 4, 2013
A certain amount of discomfort is inevitable in some dental procedures, but it is rarely noticed because of the careful dental care procedures followed in modern dentistry. Dr. VanderMolen takes exceptional care when undertaking dental procedures with his patients. He understands that some people just hate to go to the dentist and are worried about the possibility of pain or are simply uncomfortable sitting in the chair.
To take those fears away and make your whole visit a pleasant and relaxed experience, Dr. VanderMolen can use sedation to ensure a comfortable and rewarding treatment. Relaxation is his aim and an anxiety-free patient is the result. Sedation dentistry allows essential treatments in the easiest and most comfortable way.
How can sedation keep your anxiety away?
Dr. VanderMolen uses the most gentle and advanced sedation dentistry techniques at Advanced Dental Care. You will be conscious throughout the procedure but will be pleasantly relaxed all the time. If you were afraid of going to the dentist to receive much needed treatment then this technique will put you into such a relaxed state that it will relieve your fears.
You will be better able to tolerate any discomfort that might take place throughout the procedure. The idea is for the patient to be completely sleepy, but still able to talk and reply to questions, although there might be some slurring of speech. Sometimes the patient may not be able to recall what has taken place afterwards.
Dr. VanderMolen uses sedation as it puts his patients at ease while completing their course of treatment and they feel so much the better for it. For a patient who has been delaying urgent dental treatment through fear, he can put an end to that by ensuring that your dental appointment is the best one you have ever experienced.
Some people put off going to the dentist because they are busy people who are worried about the length of time it can take to complete a procedure. With sedation, the normal time in the chair tends to be reduced, as the dentist is able to complete what is needed with less distraction. This is the perfect way to save time as well as come out smiling with cared for teeth.
If you have made an appointment with Dr. VanderMolen for a dental procedure, don’t hesitate to ask him about the benefits of using sedation. He will only use the type of pain management that is most suitable for your procedure and your level of pain tolerance. Above all, he will ensure that you are thoroughly relaxed throughout your dental experience. For more information about sedation techniques, call Advanced Dental Care of Springfield at (217) 546-3333 today.