Ten to Fifteen Years

Your veneers, with proper placement, care, and maintenance, will likely last ten to fifteen years. This will depend on your oral health habits as well as the placement of your veneers. Getting your veneers installed by a dentist who takes the time and care to understand your mouth and give you the perfect placement of your veneers is important. You have a role to play in the lifespan of your veneers, too, though. With proper care, your veneers could last up to twenty years or maybe even longer! How can you extend the lifespan of your dental veneers?

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Veneers

You can maintain your veneers by keeping up with regular oral health practices—you’ll still need to brush, floss, and visit your dentist. It’s important to brush properly and not brush your teeth hard. Hard brushing could damage your veneers (as well as your natural teeth) over time. Gentle brushing with a quality toothpaste is important. Avoid drinks that can be destructive to your veneers, namely soda and alcohol, as much as possible. You can also protect your veneers by not misusing your mouth. Your mouth was meant to bite, chew, and grind up food—it’s not meant to chew ice, crack nuts, or bite on inedible objects like pencils and pens. Engaging in all of these practices can be very damaging to your dental veneers.

You and Your Dentist Make a Good Team

While you can engage in healthy oral practices to make your veneers last longer, you’ll also need to team up with your dentist in order to create a longer lifespan for your veneers. Your dentist can give youthe care you need during regular checkups, and ensure that your veneers are doing fine. Your dentist may look for cracks or chips, and your dentist should also check whether or not you’ve been grinding your teeth. An improper jaw bite can be very damaging to dental veneers, therefore creating grinding or improper use of your veneers. If you grind your teeth, your dentist should be able to tell, and can talk with you about how to protect your teeth from grinding and even help prevent it. Grinding can cause headaches, jaw pain, and it can crack or chip your veneers, leading to early replacement.

Your dental veneers were meant to last at least ten years, but could last as many as twenty! By taking care of your oral health and visiting your dentist, you can ensure that your dental veneers last a long time, and keep your smile looking great for years.

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Know Before You Go

With cone beam technology, there’s no estimation involved as far as measurements go for your dental implants. Your dentist already knows the precise measurements needed—the thickness the dental implant needs to be, your bone quality, and the angle the dental implant will need to be inserted at. This information allows your dentist to perfectly place your dental implant. Knowing the best position for the dental implant before insertion means that there’s no risk for hitting a nerve and no estimating the best position for your dental implant. Your dentist can know and see all this will the cone beam imaging. The imaging is painless and only takes a few seconds. It allows your dentist to see your mouth in 3D and color! The dentist then uses this image with computer software to determine the precise measurements and construct your perfect dental implant, which will be inserted in the best possible position in your mouth.

Faster Healing Time

The cost for cone beam technology is reasonable, and in addition to this, the radiation is exposure is lower as well, therefore reducing your risk for any potential problems with this. The technology is easy to use for your dentist and best of all, you’ll have a faster healing time. When your dentist knows the exact placement of your dental implant before the surgery, this means they are able to make a smaller cut in your mouth because they already know where the dental implant is going and they won’t need to look around in your mouth because they’ve already seen everything on the CBCT scan. Your dental implant will be inserted into its proper position, and your healing time will be faster because you’ll only have had a minor incision in your mouth. The smaller incision combined with the accurate placement of the implant increase the chances of success with your dental implant, meaning there’s an even lower risk for rejection or infection if properly cared for.

With cone beam technology, your dentist will be able to assess the bone quality of your jaw, see all your roots, and be able to provide you with the perfect placement for your dental implant with very minimal risks. This new technology is changing the field of dentistry and helping to bring you better, more accurate care for a successful healthy smile!

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Linked to Other Health Ailments

The inflammation is what ties gum disease to other health ailments. The inflammation in your mouth when periodontal disease is present is linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, and premature birth in women who are pregnant. These are all serious health conditions that affect your quality of life and your lifespan—and let’s not forget that heart disease is the primary cause of death in men and women in the United States. Gum disease is linked to all of these health problems by the common factor of inflammation. By treating the gum disease in your mouth, you’re making it easier for your body to maintain health and eliminate the inflammatory response that comes with infection. By alleviating inflammation in your body, you can help reduce and prevent your risk of heart disease, stroke, and arthritis. Not to mention you can help save your teeth! Be aware of the signs and symptoms of gum disease—this includes bleeding gums when brushing, chronic bad breath, red gums, loose teeth, and buildup of plaque that looks brown along the gum line.

How to Treat Gum Disease?

Gum disease happens when plaque builds up on your teeth over time and eventually turns into tartar—a very hard substance that can only be scraped off and removed by a dentist. This tartar will affect the space where your gums meet your teeth, causing the gums to pull back from the teeth, infection to breed in this space, and inflammation. Inflammation of the gums is simply gingivitis, but gingivitis is a serious condition that can easily lead to periodontal disease. You can treat gingivitis or periodontal disease by visiting your dentist—he or she will properly clean your teeth and gum line to get rid of the tartar and help reduce the infection. Prevention is the best measure to take when it comes to gum disease or gingivitis. Brushing regularly (and properly), flossing to get at the hard-to-reach areas in between your teeth, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups are all important practices for your oral health—and your body!

Being aware that inflammation in your mouth in the form of gum disease is linked a variety of other serious health ailments is important. Taking care of your oral health is just as important as taking care of your body. One affects the other and by taking care of your oral health, you help to decrease inflammation in body. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, visit your dentist today!

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If You Have Bad Breath…

The tongue can harbor plaque and bacteria just like the rest of our mouths, but since the tongue is
constantly bathed in saliva, moving against certain foods, and cleaning itself, the plaque and bacteria don’t gather on the tongue in the same way they do in the small spaces between our teeth or on the surfaces of our teeth. However, if you have bad breath, the tongue might actually be housing a lot of the bacteria that could be causing your bad breath. Many people find brushing their tongue helpful when it comes to bad breath, especially in the morning. If you find that brushing with a tooth brush makes you gag, there are certain “tongue scrapers” that you can buy. While these are not necessary for optimal oral health, you may want to consider these if you have bad breath or an unpleasant taste on your tongue from certain foods. Usually, the taste from certain foods will go away quickly as the tongue cleans itself, but for certain foods like garlic, salmon, or onions, the taste may unpleasantly linger. Bad breath can also be a sign of gum disease or tooth decay, so remember to always get routine check-ups with your dentist!

Is it Necessary?

Cleaning your tongue is not strictly necessary as long as you keep your mouth clean. This means
brushing at least once a day, flossing once a day or between meals as necessary, and visiting your
dentist. Brushing your tongue is optional. The bacteria on the tongue can spread back to the teeth and gums after brushing if the tongue is not itself brushed, but as it takes at least 24 hours for plaque to form in your mouth, you should be fine as long as you’re brushing once a day. Remember that it’s the quality of your brushing that matters over quantity—no use in brushing your teeth several times a day if you are missing the same areas every time, therefore allowing plaque to build up! Your dentist can talk with you about which areas are being missed in your mouth when brushing just by examining your teeth during your check-up.

While many people give their tongue a quick scrub, it’s not wholly necessary. If you have bad breath or frequently eat foods that feel like their taste “clings” in your mouth, you may find it helpful to brush your tongue along with your regular brushings. As always, healthy oral hygiene consists of brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist!

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Alcohol Irritates Mouth Tissues

The soft tissues in your mouth can become inflamed when exposed to alcohol repeatedly. Irritating your gum tissues can lead to inflammation, which over time can damage the roots of your teeth. The
components of alcohol (mainly acidic components and sugar) can also be very eroding to the enamel of your teeth, meaning you’re even more at risk for sensitive or painful teeth over time. In addition, alcohol dehydrates you, and these dehydrating effects take a big toll on your mouth. Our saliva protects our teeth and helps keep our oral bacteria balanced, but when drinking alcohol, the mouth becomes dry and is therefore a breeding ground for bad bacteria and plaque. If you are going to drink alcohol in moderate amounts, be sure to stay hydrated while doing so. Alcoholic drinks do not count towards your hydration fluids.

Poor Oral Health

People who drink alcohol excessively tend to neglect their oral health by not brushing and flossing
regularly in addition to not getting dental check-ups. This combination of practices can lead to buildup of plaque and bacteria over time from the dry mouth that alcohol creates as well as symptoms of tooth decay and gum disease. Frequent drinkers tend to not notice or ignore any symptoms they’re experiencing when it comes to their oral health, such as gums that are red and inflamed, bleeding, sensitive, or pulling back from their teeth. It’s important to get regular check-ups at your dentist so that your dentist can help you treat any symptoms you have before they get worse. Alcohol can be very harsh on the gums and can eventually lead to tooth loss because of gum disease, tooth decay, or cavities.

A Maintenance Routine Is Important

If your drinking habits are causing you to forget to brush once in while, this is not a big deal. If, however, this is happening regularly or several times a week, you’re giving bacteria and plaque time to build up on your teeth. Many people enjoy mixed drinks, which can be very high in sugar and damaging to the teeth. The combination of the sugar and alcohol can irritate your gums, damage your tooth enamel, and if left with enough time in an ideal environment such as a dry mouth, can wreak havoc on your teeth.

Nearly everyone has different ideas about what they consider abuse of alcohol to be. When it comes to your oral health, drinking alcohol can be considered abusive when it interferes with your oral health through gum disease or other problems with your mouth. Keep to a routine and remember to brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly—your teeth depend on it.

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How Your Jaw Is Connected Throughout the Body

First of all, TMJ throws off the balance of the entire body. The spine is rather slender compared to the size of the human head that it must support. If anything is out of alignment, including the jaw, it can cause everything to become misaligned. The result can often be headaches. This occurs when long-term muscle tension around the jaw turns into tension in the face and neck. Tension headaches may begin to recur. Even more concerning is the fact that this imbalance can be transferred down the spine resulting in muscle tension all over.

Pinched nerves are another painful side effect of TMJ. The trigeminal nerve, for example, is very close to the jaw. Pinching this nerve can result in back and neck pain. From there, pain often travels to the extremities.

The Results of TMJ Correction

Correcting TMJ may be the first step in eliminating these other serious problems. Some patients have discovered that when their TMJ was fixed, other problems went away that they did not realize were related. For example, one woman found that her hand pain and gripping problems went away. Obviously, her TMJ had resulted in a problem with her brachial nerves. After correcting the root cause, the symptoms were relieved.

One of the primary connected issues is headaches including tension headaches and migraines. Fixing a problem with TMJ with frequently result in fewer headaches or relief from them altogether.

How Is TMJ Corrected?

The first step to overall health is correcting TMJ. This will also relieve any other symptoms that have TMJ as their root cause. Treatment for your TMJ will depend on an examination and the severity of the case. Treatments include:

· Conservative, Self-Treatments – This involves exercises for the jaw, a change in diet to make eating easier on the jaw, and the use of ice.

· Pain Management – NSAIDs, such as medications containing ibuprofen, may be prescribed or certain brands recommended if an over-the-counter dose is suitable.

· Bite Guards – This is more of a temporary relief of symptoms rather than a cure. Bite guards can only be used on a temporary basis and will not reverse the problem.

· Botox – Clinical trials are being used to determine if this is a viable treatment option for TMJ. This treatment is not currently approved by the FDA making it an off-label treatment option.

· Surgery – This is considered to be a last resort in extreme cases because the surgery is invasive and cannot be reversed. Be sure that your doctor discusses all of your available options before deciding on surgery.

· Implants – One form of TMJ surgery involves a surgical implant. Be sure to consider the possible effects before deciding on this option.

Contact your dentist today to see how dental treatment can alleviate the causes and symptoms of TMJ.

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Men with a Family History

Men are much more likely than women to suffer from sleep apnea, although it’s not strictly known why this is. Men who have a family history of sleep apnea are even more likely, as certain genetic factors may contribute to the disorder. Older men (age 60 and above) are particularly at risk. Men who have a family history of sleep apnea and experience any of the symptoms including loud snoring, headaches, dry mouth, and daytime fatigue should see their doctor or dentist to determine if they have sleep apnea.

People with Small-Structured Airways

People with airways in their sinuses that are smaller than normal may be at risk for sleep apnea. These small-structured airways can create an increased risk for congestion, particularly if you suffer from allergies, colds, or sinus issues, and especially if you smoke. Without treatment, sleep apnea has the potential to damage your quality of life and hinder your health into old age. Untreated sleep apnea could result in high blood pressure, an increased risk for heart disease and stroke, and diabetes.

People with Certain Lifestyle Factors

There are certain lifestyle factors that will increase your risk for sleep apnea. They include:

– Obesity. People who are overweight are more at risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a type of sleep apnea that occurs because excess tissue of the mouth and throat can relax during sleep and cause airways to become blocked.

– Smoking. People who make may be more at risk for sleep apnea, as the nicotine can cause relaxation among the muscles that keep your airways accessible.

– Alcohol. Alcohol and other sedatives such as sleeping medications can also relax the muscles in your airway.

Lifestyle factors are things that you can change. Take advantage of the power you have over your health and minimize your risk for sleep apnea by exercising, quit smoking if you’re a smoker, and decrease your alcohol intake.

What Can You Do?

Dentists are actually often the first people who detect there may be a problem with sleep apnea. It’s always best to be open with your physicians about what symptoms you’re experiencing. Your dentist can refer you to a specialist to confirm whether or not you have sleep apnea. If you do have sleep apnea, your dentist may be able to help you with some lifestyle changes or fit you with a dental appliance. A dental appliance can help reposition your jaw to help increase airflow and alleviate your sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that should not go undiagnosed—it can be life-threatening and damaging to your health. If you’re at risk or are experiencing symptoms, speak with your dentist or doctor today to get the treatment you need to stay healthy.

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Promotes Inflammation

Smoking irritates your airways. This can lead to a constant cough, frequent nasal or sinus infections, and inflammation. This inflammation makes your airways swell and this swelling can obstruct your airways, leading to Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea affecting millions of people all over the world. You are particularly at risk for sleep apnea if you smoke and have airways that are small in structure. This inflammation can also irritate your upper airways, therefore leading to snoring. Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea and should be checked out by your doctor.

Relaxes Airway Muscles

The nicotine in cigarettes is known to give smokers that “relaxation” effect, although in reality it actually increases your heart rate, not to mention is highly addictive and is actually an insecticide, meaning it’s used to kill insects. Exposure to nicotine can greatly affect your central nervous system and can hinder your growth. Nicotine also relaxes the muscles that keep your airways open while you’re sleeping, therefore leading to obstruction of the airways, and hence, Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This, in addition to the irritation, inflammation, and fluid retention that cigarette smoke can cause in the airways, can hinder your breathing and cause sleep apnea.

How Quitting Can Help

Quitting smoking is not easy—thanks to the highly addictive ingredient nicotine—but it is possible and there is help. Quitting smoking can help your sleep apnea almost immediately. You’ll be able to breathe better both while awake and while sleeping. The inflammation and fluid retention in your airways will decrease, and there’ll be no nicotine present to relax your airways, therefore helping by keeping them open and operable. You’ll be less likely to have obstructed airways during sleeping and therefore quitting smoking combined with other lifestyle changes such as exercise and decreased alcohol intake can help you overcome your sleep apnea.

Visiting your regular physician when trying to quit can also help, as they’ll be able to offer you support for helping you quit, including nicotine patches and gum to help ease cravings. Your dentist can also help you overcome sleep apnea while you’re trying to quit—dental appliances that help reposition your tongue or jaw may be able to help you breathe easier at night.

Smokers are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, so quitting is your best option if you’re at risk or already have sleep apnea. Deciding to quit is the first step. By quitting smoking, you can breathe easier and work with your doctor and dentist to treat your sleep apnea, and hopefully one day be free from the disorder altogether.

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Financing

There is financing available for those who need it when it comes to dental implants. These companies (such as Care Credit and Prosper Healthcare) make it possible for you to get the care you need and then make monthly payments later. Financing is a great option for those who opt for dental implants because dental implants require minimal maintenance and last for many years, so you can minimize any future dental work and be able to steadily pay off the loan month to month. Your dental implants will look great and last a long time; financing is an option worth considering to afford this care.

In-Office Payment Plans

The office doing your dental care understands the need for flexibility, especially when it comes to specialty dental work. Talk with your dentist office about the possibility of an in-office payment plan. These payment plans will be set up based on what you are able to pay from month to month to cover your dental care. If implants are the best option for you but your insurance won’t cover the cost or will only cover part of the cost, in-office payment plans may be able to help you afford the cost. Talk with your dentist to discover how in-office payment plans can make your dental implants available and affordable for your smile.

Prevent Future Damage

One of the reasons that dental implants are a great investment for your oral health is because they help prevent any future damage to your teeth. If you were to opt for a dental bridge to replace your missing tooth or missing teeth, you would need to get to adjacent teeth sanded down to properly apply the bridge. With dental implants, the only teeth affected are the missing teeth. Dental implants will save you money in the long run because you won’t have the health risks and damage from not fixing the missing or damaged teeth or going with a cheaper option that might not be the best for your mouth.

If you need dental implants, don’t let the cost stop you from receiving the care that you need. Consider financing options, discuss in-office payments with your dentist, and consider the cost savings of dental implants for the future. Your oral health is important, so don’t skip on the care you need. Dental implants today are more affordable than ever!

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Proper Dental Hygiene

Since dental implants function just like real teeth, you’ll need to care for them just as you would your natural teeth. This involves eating a healthy diet, brushing and flossing regularly to remove plaque and keep bacteria balanced, and visiting your dentist. People with excellent oral hygiene can have dental implants that will last for the rest of their lives. They’re meant to be a permanent solution to your missing teeth, and they’ll help you keep a natural appearance and functionality of your teeth. Proper dental hygiene ensures that you can keep your dental implants for life and not have to do another reinsertion of the titanium base.

Crown Replacement

Although your dental implants are designed to last for life, the crown that attaches to your dental implant may only last for fifteen years. If you have great dental hygiene and get regular checkups with your dentist, your crown could last well beyond fifteen years. Each person and their mouth is different.

You can expect your crown to last for an average of ten to fifteen years. After this, you may need to get a new crown for your dental implant to maintain the natural appearance and function of your teeth. Getting a crown replaced is not as intrusive as getting the actual dental implant, so this maintenance to your smile will be minor and keep you looking great for years to come.

Location

The location of the dental implant in your mouth could affect its lifespan. If you have a dental implant in the rear of your mouth, it’s likely that this implant will experience more wear and tear from grinding and chewing than an implant that was placed more in the front of your mouth. The crown that’s on your dental implant will get more usage back there and therefore it will probably need to be replaced sooner.

Check with your dentist to make sure you don’t grind your teeth unknowingly as well—this could place extra strain and wear on your crown and dental implant that’s unnecessarily damaging. Implant failures are not common, but if you have extra pressure on your teeth, it could affect your implant’s functioning as part of your mouth.

Dental implants are a great replacement for your natural teeth. They provide excellent support for your dental crown, and your crown is durable and will last for years if taken care of properly. Keep your dental implants functioning great for life by taking proper care of your mouth and getting checkups regularly.

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