Archives for January 2019

Is a Pretty Smile After 20 Years of Dentures Possible?

January 28, 2019 by admin

I’ve had dentures for about 20 years. I’ve never liked how they looked, but what could I do. Dentures are dentures. I’m wondering if it’s possible to get a beautiful smile now. I’ve learned about dental implants and think they’d be awesome.

Margaret

Dear Margaret,

and image of dentures side by side to a dental implant

I’m sorry you’ve spent this many years disappointed in your smile. That had to be hard for you. Fortunately, you won’t have to stay that way. You can have a beautiful smile again.

You’ve had dentures for quite some time. There is an unfortunate side affect of this where you begin to lose some of the bone that usually retains the roots of your teeth.

Your body starts reabsorbing the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere in your body where it perceives they would be more necessary. After a number of years (definitely by 20) you no longer have enough bone to support dental implants. This is known as facial collapse.

You can still get them as long as you take one additional step. You’ll need to find a dentist who does bone grafting. This builds the bone back up so the dental implants can be retained.

Getting a Beautiful Smile with Dentures or Dental Implants

Truthfully, the key to a beautiful smile, regardless of whether you get dentures or dental implants, is the dentist you chose. A skilled cosmetic dentist will give you a stunning smile. So where do you find this miracle worker?

The mynewsmile.com website is one which screens cosmetic dentists. They verify their training, skill, and artistry. Anyone listed on their website will be a great option for you.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Dentist Dr. David Newkirk.

Dentist Pushing Me to Get Implant

January 19, 2019 by admin

I have lost a tooth and want to get a removable partial denture for it. My dentist doesn’t like that idea and has been pushing me to get a dental implant. I do get that they’re better. I really do. But, it’s a lot of money. Money I just don’t have right now. Maybe I can get one later, but I can’t get my dentist to understand this and he’s acting like I’m beating a child if I get the other procedure. I wonder if you think I should switch dentists over this?

Kathy

Dear Kathy,

I truly do NOT like it when dentists pressure patients over the ideal procedure. You have clearly understood it was the best option, but just as clearly communicated it is out of your budget.

Here’s the thing. It’s a single tooth. A removable partial denture will hold that space open if you decide to get a dental implant later. Either way is fine.

If you wanted to go one step up, a dental bridge would feel (and be) more secure. Again, though, that is up to you. It has one drawback of needing to crown the two adjacent teeth. If they’re healthy, you may not want to do that.

When Dental Implants are More Important.

If you were replacing all your teeth, then dental implants would be more important. When your teeth are removed your body recognizes the roots of your teeth are no longer there and interprets that as no longer needing your jawbone.

As a result, your body begins to reabsorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere throughout your body. After about ten years or so you’ll no longer have enough jawbone to support your dentures.

This is known as facial collapse and will be devastating to your health. To prevent this, the implants serve as prosthetic tooth roots. This signals to your body you still need your jawbone.

You’re not in this situation at all. Because of that, there isn’t nearly as much imperative for an implant.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Dentist Dr. David Newkirk.

Essential Oils for Teeth Whitening

January 5, 2019 by admin

I’ve been looking for a natural way to whiten my teeth. I don’t like the idea of using chemicals. I keep reading you can use lemons or lemon essential oils to whiten them. Have you seen this work with your patients? I use lemon essential oils in my cleaning regimen but I’d never thought of using it on my teeth.

Caroline

Dear Caroline,

You will find these types of things on lots of natural websites. While you can brighten your teeth with lemons, I wouldn’t recommend it. Think about the fact that you use the lemons to clean around your house. This is because of the citric acid.

Citrus is used in most cleaners, even oven cleaners. The reason for that is it not only kills bacteria, it’s corrosive and eats away at the mess. It will do that to the enamel on your teeth.

The erosion of your enamel not only leaves you susceptible to decay, it also allows them to pick up stains more easily.

The Safe Way to Do Teeth Whitening

I know you’re worried about chemicals, but even the lemons are made of chemicals. The peroxide used in the teeth whitening gel is proven safe for patients. It’s also perfectly safe for your tooth enamel.

There are two types of professional teeth whitening options available for you:

At-Home Teeth Whitening: This is done with custom fitted trays and whitening gel which your dentist will provide for you. This biggest benefit to this type is you can control the level of whitening you achieve. Once you get your teeth the whiteness you want, you just stop wearing the trays.
In-Office Teeth Whitening. This is often called Zoom Whitening because that is the brand most dentists use. The benefit to this option is you get your teeth completely white in just one appointment.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Dentist Dr. David Newkirk.