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What is implant dentistry and how can it benefit me?

April 03, 2009 @ 07:21 PM — by unknown
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If you have lost a tooth or are missing several teeth, you need to understand that missing teeth can lead to a number of dental problems and general health problems. A missing tooth or missing teeth can lead to speech impediments and self-consciousness. If a person is missing multiple teeth, it may affect their facial features around the cheeks and lips, causing them to appear sunken in. A person with missing teeth will likely experience problems chewing certain foods or, in extreme cases, food in general. Missing teeth can also cause the misalignment of the teeth surrounding the tooth gap; in severe cases, it may even cause the jaw to become misaligned, leading to any number of painful dental problems. While people often rely on dentures and bridgework to treat these problems, both of these options have their limitations. For instance, both dentures and bridges can slip or come lose at inopportune moments, causing a great deal of embarrassment. Sometimes the dentures may not look particularly good. Implant dentistry (dental implants) presents a much sturdier and more permanent solution for missing teeth. In implant dentistry, artificial tooth roots made from titanium are surgically placed into the jawbone and gum tissue. These dental implants will be held securely in place after a period of healing and joining to the gums and bone. Once this healing period has been completed, the dental implants will be capped with a natural-looking dental crown, an artificial tooth that will blend seamlessly with the rest of your surrounding teeth. Rather than individual dental crowns, your dentist may find it a good idea to have dentures or bridgework supported by dental implants. This will ensure they do not slip and are strongly set in place much like real teeth. Some people may not be good candidates for implant dentistry, such as people who have undergone radiation therapy in the mouth or who have insufficient jawbone density. In the latter case, your dentist can recommend bone grafting surgery. This will help patients build up the necessary jawbone to receive dental implants. To learn more about dental implants as well as tooth whitening, sedation dentistry, Invisalign, and more, it is important to visit a skilled cosmetic dentist near Memphis, Tennessee.

Invisalign and Braces Compared - Which is Better?

April 03, 2009 @ 07:12 PM — by unknown
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If you have crooked teeth and you want to get them straightened you may be wondering what type of orthodontia is best. You know traditional braces work, but what about Invisalign? Although Invisalign is appealing, traditional braces usually work better. Invisalign straightens your teeth through a series of clear plastic molds or aligners. These molds are created by your dentist using bite impressions and computer imaging. The aligners use gentle pressure to move your teeth into their desired place. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and there will be 18- 30 aligners depending on your own individual needs. The bonus of Invisalign is that the aligners are more aesthetically appealing than traditional braces. The aligners are clear and they are removable. In addition to this, they allow for normal dental hygiene and fewer dietary restrictions. Traditional braces come out on top over the Invislign system for a number of reasons. First and foremost, traditional braces are not removable. This leads to less instance of corrective error as a result of the braces not being worn as often as they should be. In addition to this, Invisalign is not capable of correcting all dental imperfections. Most orthodontists will not recommend the Invisalign system for people with severe problems. In particular, Invisalign cannot be used to make adjustments to your bite. They can are only used to make slight modifications to the alignment of your teeth. So, while they can straighten your crooked teeth, they cannot correct the manner in which your top and bottom teeth fit together. Traditional braces can make these more complex corrections. In most cases Invisalign is only recommended for adults who need a minor correction of alignment. They are also recommended for people who have had braces and need a little touch up when their teeth begin to shift with age. In most cases, traditional braces work best, but only your dentist can determine which system is best for you. To learn more about porcelain veneers, tooth whitening, dental implants, sedation dentistry, and more, it is important to visit a skilled team of cosmetic dentists near Memphis, Tennessee.