There are many types of restorative dentistry to get your smile back on track. Regardless of
whether you’ve experienced tooth decay, missing teeth, cracks, or broken teeth, restorative
dentistry is here to return your smile to its absolute best. What are your restorative dentistry
options?

Fillings

Dental fillings are a very common restoration. Using a filling material that’s safe and effective,
your dentist will fill in your cavity to protect the tooth from further decay and keep the rest of
your mouth healthy. Almost everyone has had some type of dental filling in their lifetime.
Dental fillings will need to be maintained and ultimately replaced to ensure continued
protection.

Bridges

A dental bridge may be a good fit for you if you’re missing one or more teeth in a row. Dental
bridges rely on the surrounding teeth to bridge the gap with a dental crown. Bridges are ideal
for missing back teeth and, like most other forms of restorative dentistry, will need to be
maintained and replaced after a certain number of years.

Crowns

A dental crown is a ceramic tooth replacement that looks very much like your natural tooth.
Crowns are used in restorative dentistry when a filling is too large to be restored or the tooth is
so damaged it needs to be capped to protect it. A sturdy crown will fit over your existing tooth
to prevent it from experiencing further decay or harm. A dental crown will be indistinguishable
from the rest of your teeth.

Veneers

Dental veneers, like crowns, consist of ceramic. They are thin and light, yet very durable and
strong. Veneers are placed over your natural teeth and permanently fixed into place. They can
fix a variety of issues with your smile for a complete transformation, from stubborn stains to
extensive chips to worn-down teeth.

Implants

Dental implants consist of a titanium implant that’s inserted into your jaw where your missing
tooth is. Once this is healed, a crown is placed on the end of the implant. Dental implants mimic
your natural teeth and, once healed, will never need to be replaced, although your dental
crown will need to be replaced at some point in the future.

Bonding

Dental bonding involves the use of composite resin—a tooth-colored material sometimes used
for fillings—to fix cracks, chips, broken teeth, and even gaps. Dental bonding is effective for a
variety of uses in restoration dentistry to complete your perfect smile.

Dentures

Dentures are false teeth that are designed to fit comfortably in your mouth. Unlike dental
implants or veneers, dentures are removable and will need to be removed and cleaned daily.
You have the option of a partial denture or a full set depending on how many of your natural
teeth are missing.

For whatever has impacted your smile, restoration dentistry can make it right. Addressing the
root cause of your concern can help you and your dentist make the best choice for your smile.
Make an appointment with your dentist today to talk about your restorative dentistry options
and get your beautiful smile back!

The post What Are the Different Types of Restorative Dentistry? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What are some of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments in Hollywood? The following are some options to upgrade your smile to look just like your favorite people in Los Angeles!

Professional Teeth Whitening

Even those who are born with naturally straight teeth have had a little help. One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options is a professional teeth whitening, which enhances the beauty of an already straight and problem-free smile.

A professional teeth whitening procedure is available at most dental offices. You’re able to customize your level of whitening; from a subtle improvement to a dramatic dazzle, your dentist can help you choose the right shade for you. A teeth whitening typically only takes an hour and has no lasting side effects, leaving you with a camera-ready smile in just an hour!

Orthodontic Treatment

For the majority of us who weren’t blessed with naturally perfect teeth, there’s orthodontic treatment. Before they were stars, and even some while they were stars, many of Hollywood’s most famous people had some form of orthodontic treatment—including Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, Emma Watson, and even Prince Harry.

From traditional braces to Invisalign, Hollywood knows the value of having straight teeth. Besides an aesthetic improvement, getting your smile properly aligned sets you up for a lifetime of oral health. Because crooked teeth can be difficult to clean and a misaligned bite can cause chronic pain, orthodontic treatment is well worth the investment.

Dental Veneers

Many celebrities have benefited from getting dental veneers to improve their smile. Dental veneers consist of a very thin yet strong porcelain shell that’s placed over your natural teeth. Veneers can correct a variety of dental issues, such as:

 Deep staining that won’t respond to a professional whitening
 Teeth that have been worn down from an improper bite or teeth grinding
 Mildly crooked teeth or teeth that are pointed or oddly shaped
 Gaps in the teeth

You can also customize the color and fit of your dental veneers, making them unique to your smile. Dental veneers are considered a permanent solution, so be sure to discuss all your options with your dentist to determine if veneers are the right fit for you. If your smile has more than one of the issues above, dental veneers may be the best choice to correct all these problems with just one treatment!

Are you ready to show your best and brightest smile? Consider these most popular cosmetic dental treatments in Hollywood to show the world what you’ve got. Your smile can benefit from a simple whitening, get straight with orthodontics, or see a total upgrade with dental veneers. Why wait? Discover your perfect smile today!

The post Hollywood’s Most Popular Cosmetic Dental Treatments appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Snap-On Smile

Snap-On Smile can be completed in just two visits and is completely reversible, meaning the change won’t be permanent. It’s also non-invasive, so you won’t need any type of altercation to your natural smile in order to take advantage of this smile improvement.

Your Snap-On Smile will be thin yet strong and will have all the advantages of your real smile. It’s made of a durable dental resin and fits right over your natural teeth. It can hide many imperfections such as staining, chips and cracks, gaps in your teeth, and missing teeth.

Snap-On Smile is for both upper and lower rows of teeth and can be used as a short-term or long-term solution for your smile. You can even eat and drink with it in, so you don’t have to worry about taking it out in public. You and your dentist can talk about whether Snap-On Smile is right for you!

Implants in a Day

Dental implants are an excellent replacement for your missing natural tooth or teeth. They’re permanent, they’re sturdy, and they’re easy to care for. However, dental implants are part of a restoration process that’s known for taking months to complete. What if you knew you could get dental implants in just one day?

For people who qualify, you can get dental implants in just one appointment. With a carefully planned procedure and the right technology, you can go home that day with your new teeth. A consultation with your dentist can determine if you’d be a candidate for dental implants in just one day.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin yet strong shells that go over your natural teeth. Veneers can address a variety of cosmetic dentistry concerns, such as deep staining, gapped or pointy teeth, and in some cases, even crooked teeth. Dental veneers are typically made of ceramic and are resistant to stains and chips. Veneers should be considered a permanent replacement to your natural smile.

The good news about dental veneers is that they can be placed in as little as 1-3 visits, depending on the type of veneer you choose. If you have any oral health concerns such as tooth decay, they’ll need to be addressed before your restoration is complete.

Are you ready to have a brand-new smile? Regardless of what’s holding your smile back, you can have a beautiful new smile in less time than you think. You can make an appointment with your dentist to discuss all these treatment options that take less time than traditional cosmetic procedures. Happy smiling!

The post Want to Improve Your Smile in Less Time? These Options May Be for You appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

With a successful procedure and the right care, dental implants last for life! Although your
dental crown will need to be replaced every 10-15 years, the titanium post will fuse with your
jawbone and should never need to be replaced. If you properly care for your smile, it’s possible
that your dental crown may last even longer. This gives you the strongest, most effective
replacement for your missing tooth that’s also the most natural-looking!

Why Should I Choose Dental Implants?

Dental implants have become popular replacements for missing teeth for a variety of reasons.
Dental implants look just like your natural teeth, so there’s no need to fear that anyone will
notice your tooth replacement. Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements, which
means they never come out of your mouth. They also function just like your natural teeth, so
you can eat all the things you did before.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

The procedure for your dental implants will happen with an experienced oral surgeon.
Generally, only local anesthesia is needed for the procedure. After a consultation in which your
dentist ensures that you’re a candidate for dental implants, 3D x-ray technology helps your
surgeon see exactly where the dental implant needs to go for maximum success. There won’t
be any pain and although you may experience some discomfort while your dental implant is
healing, most people report little to no pain and a quick recovery. It all depends on how healthy
your smile is!

Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?

Anyone with a healthy mouth and adequate bone in their jaw can be a candidate for dental
implants. If you’re a smoker or drink alcohol heavily, your mouth may not support healing of
dental implants. Your dentist will help determine if you qualify. Even if you don’t have enough
jaw bone to support a normal dental implant, you may qualify for mini dental implants or bone
grafting to help support your new implant.

What Is the Success Rate of Dental Implants?

Fortunately, dental implants have a high success rate—up to 98%! Although rejection or
infection of dental implants can happen, these instances are rare. The vast majority of people
have no problems with their dental implants and enjoy a secure, functional smile for life.

Have you considered dental implants for your missing tooth or teeth? Schedule a consultation
with your dentist to talk about your candidacy for dental implants. These natural tooth
replacements are functional, beautiful, and sturdy. The best part is that they last for life. Ask
about dental implants today to transform your smile!

The post How Long Do Dental Implants Last? Cosmetic Dentists Answer Your Questions appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

How can you know if an investment in cosmetic dentistry is right for you? With so many options
to perfect your smile, here’s why you might consider scheduling a consultation!

Professional Presentation

Everyone wants to ensure that they look as professional as possible when they have a career
where face-to- face interactions happen daily. If your smile is stained, you have gapped teeth or
missing teeth, or your teeth have a shape that you’re just not proud of, professionalism might
feel out-of- reach for you.

Cosmetic dentistry can help fix all these problems and more to provide you with the
professional presentation you’ve been missing. From a simple whitening to porcelain veneers
to dental implants, you can attain the professional look you want and finally feel proud to show
your smile at the office!

Self-Confidence

Whether you want to look professional or just be confident with your smile, cosmetic dentistry
may be the choice for you. If you’ve spent years feeling like your smile isn’t attractive and your
entire self-confidence has suffered as a result of this, it’s time to make an investment in a
change that’ll last you for life.

Your teeth are always going to be a part of you. You can improve your self-confidence by
getting the smile you feel best represents you. Your professional cosmetic dentist can talk with
you about what your dream smile looks like to give you the confidence boost of a lifetime!

Positive First Impressions

Meeting new people isn’t easy for everyone! If you’re back in the dating game or just trying to
switch careers, it helps to be confident in the way you look. This is especially true when it
comes to your smile, which is often the first thing that many people notice about you. Don’t
hide your smile just because you aren’t happy with the way it looks—cosmetic dentistry can
change that!

You can make a positive first impression with a great smile. Even a professional whitening could
completely transform the way your smile looks. You can meet with an experienced cosmetic
dentist to discuss how you envision your smile so that you can make a lasting first impression
on employers, potential partners, and all the people in your life who you’ve been hiding your
smile from.

When was the last time you felt like your smile was something to show off? If you’ve been
hiding your smile because you aren’t happy with how it looks, schedule an appointment with
your dentist today. You have options to make your smile something you love to show people. It
could be worth it for you to invest in cosmetic dentistry and change your life for the better!

The post Is an Investment in Cosmetic Dentistry Right for You? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Although dentures tend to be common among older people, the truth is that dentures are an
effective tooth replacement for just about anyone. Here’s why.

Dentures Complete Your Smile

Dentures are for people of all ages. Whether you’re missing one tooth or your entire set of
natural teeth, dentures allow people to enjoy their smile again. There’s no age limit for
dentures—a simple consultation with your dentist can let you know if you qualify and what
your options for dentures are.

Full or partial dentures allow you to complete your smile regardless of your age. No one should
have to go through life without a set of teeth to help them chew, speak, and smile with
confidence. Dentures are for anyone who’s missing teeth and wants an effective replacement
for them.

Choose Full or Partial Dentures

You have options when it comes to dentures. People of all ages can quality for full or partial
dentures. Full dentures allow you to replace an entire row or both rows of teeth. This means
your dentist will help you construct your perfect smile, from tooth shape to color to size.
Matching your natural teeth is ideal with partial dentures. These dentures allow patients to
replace one or a few missing teeth without any invasive procedures. Partial dentures clasp
around your neighboring teeth to provide you with a subtle yet effective replacement to your
missing natural teeth!

How to Care for Your Dentures

Just like your natural teeth and just like any form of tooth replacement, your dentures will need
to be cared for.

Since dentures can be fragile, keeping them in a case during the night when not in use can help
you protect them from falls and breaks. If your dentures break, they’ll need to be repaired or
replaced before you can use them again. Dentures also need to be cleaned every day. Whether
you choose to brush them or also store them in a solution, dentures do their best when
properly cleaned!

Many patients also don’t know that dentures will need to be replaced every so often. In fact,
every five years is about the average amount of time that your dentures will need to be
replaced. This is because changes in your jawbone from your missing teeth will cause the
dentures to fit differently, so an adjustment will be required.

Are you considering dentures to replace your natural missing teeth? Don’t wait to talk to your
dentist about these effective tooth replacements. Full or partial dentures can help restore your
confidence in your smile and keep you looking young regardless of your age.

Missing teeth can make you appear older— but dentures can help. Schedule an appointment
with your dentist to talk about replacing your teeth with dentures and if they could be the best
option for you!

The post Are Dentures Only for Older People? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Sore Gums

If your gums are tender either to the touch or while you’re brushing, you could be experiencing a symptom of gum infection. If your gums aren’t sore regularly, it might not be anything to worry about. However, if your gums are consistently sore or seem to be getting worse, visit your dentist!

Red or Swollen Gums

This symptom usually goes hand-in- hand with sore gums. If your gums look more red than pink, this could be indicative of a problem. In addition, if your gums look puffy or look as though they’re sticking too far out from your teeth, they’re likely swollen and will need to be evaluated by your oral healthcare professional.

Bleeding Gums

Seeing blood when brushing is a common symptom of either a gum infection or gum disease. Some people think bleeding when brushing is normal—it’s not! Unless you are brushing too aggressively, blood when brushing could be a sign of an infection.

A Bad Taste in Your Mouth

If you have a foul taste in your mouth from time to time, you could have an infection which is causing this. Another sign of a gum infection is bad breath. The bad smell could be coming from the gum infection or gum disease or both. Regardless, persistent bad breath or a terrible taste in your mouth could mean a problem. Your wisdom teeth could also be a source of infection. If you never got your wisdom teeth removed and they haven’t fully erupted, your gum tissue is more prone to infection and may cause this unpleasant taste.

Receding Gums

When there’s an infection in the areas between your gums and your teeth, this could cause your gums to begin to pull back from your teeth. This is also known as gum recession and can actually lead to loose teeth. The infection needs to be treated or it’ll get worse!

Visible Pus

If you visibly see pus in your mouth or have pockets of pus—whether it’s from gum disease or an abscess on your gums, you need to get to a dentist as soon as possible. Letting an infection in your mouth go could lead the infection to get into your bloodstream and could cause serious health problems and even death.

If you have a gum infection, this is not a condition you want to wait to seek help for. It can ruin your smile and even cause you some serious health problems. Seeking treatment sooner rather than later is always ideal. If you suspect you might have an infection in your gums, see your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can properly treat the infection and save your smile!

The post Don’t Ignore These Top Signs of Gum Infection appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

After your procedure to place the implant, it’s imperative that you follow your surgeon’s instructions. These care tips usually include avoiding hot or cold drinks in addition to not touching or disturbing the area in any way—this includes brushing. Avoid brushing the site for a few days, but keep the area clean and free of food particles.

The swelling should go away after a few days. Your surgeon may suggest you use ice as needed at first, then mild heat after 24 hours. If you notice any increase in pain and swelling after a few days, you should contact your oral surgeon’s office to evaluate the problem.

Continue to Brush and Floss as Normal

You’ll want to ensure you still brush and floss your teeth after your implant has healed. Always use a toothbrush with soft bristles and floss once a day. Some dentists suggest avoiding any type of abrasive toothpaste during brushing, as this can limit the lifespan of your crown.

An electric or manual toothbrush is fine, as long as you choose soft bristles. To protect the area around your implant, using unwaxed tape floss is recommended. Many people with dental implants find success with water flossers as well. As soon as your site has healed, you can begin to brush gently around the implant until your dentist places the crown. Once your crown is in place, continue to brush and floss gently around the site. Once it’s fully healed, flossing may require a bit more work to get underneath your crown, but flossing in that area can help keep your implant free of plaque and bacteria.

Stay on Top of Care for the Best Results

Continue to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings as recommended. Any buildup of plaque around your gumline could still cause an infection whether or not you have dental implants. Staying on top of your oral care will provide the best results for your beautiful new tooth!

Should you be experiencing any type of problem with your new dental implant, getting in to see your dentist sooner rather than later is always the best idea. Talk to your dentist about how often you should come in for checkups after the placement of your implant.

Dental implants are an excellent replacement when you’ve lost a natural tooth. To take care of your dental implants, get a good start by following your surgeon’s instructions. Continue to brush and floss around the site as normal after healing. Stay on top of care to see the best results and extend the life of your dental crown. Dental implants last for life, so take care of them!

The post How to Best Care for Your New Dental Implants appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Once your actual dental implant is placed, this will need to heal for a period of time before you get your crown attached to the end. During this period of time, your mouth will likely be sore and possibly bruised. It’s best to eat cold foods and drinks as much as possible. It’s also vital that you do not touch your dental implant. You can use ice to help with the swelling if needed.

Your dentist may give you a special mouthwash to use during this time, but you should avoid brushing the dental implant while it’s healing; this may take a few days. Always follow your dentist’s care instructions!

Once Your Implant Has Healed

Once your implant has healed and the crown is attached, gently clean your dental implant with a soft-bristled tooth brush. Avoid aggressive brushing—it’s not necessary. You need to keep your dental implant clean and remove plaque daily through brushing and flossing. Keeping your dental implants clean can extend the lifespan of your crown and keep your implant healthy and strong!

If you smoke, getting dental implants is good motivation to quit. Smoking not only increases your risk for gum disease and oral cancer, but prevents healing in the mouth. While your dental implant is healing, it’s crucial to avoid smoking to reduce the chances of infection so that your implant can heal.

Long-Term Care

Brushing and flossing your dental implants regularly just like your natural teeth can help you maintain great oral health. Gentle brushing is easy enough, but flossing may require a little extra effort around your dental implants. You should use the floss to get trapped food and plaque underneath your dental crown near the top of your implant.

Food or plaque that get trapped in this section can cause problems, so take a few extra seconds to get underneath your dental crown. This can help make sure your dental implants are squeaky clean and healthy! You should also visit your dentist regularly to ensure your dental implants are doing great. Your crown will need to be replaced eventually, so your dentist can examine your implants during your visit and let you know how you’re doing with your oral care.

Dental implants are one of the best choices for effective tooth replacement. Taking care of your dental implants requires brushing and flossing just like your natural teeth. You’ll also need to visit the dentist just like you do for your regular smile. Enjoy your new dental implants with these best care habits!

The post How to Best Take Care of Your New Dental Implants appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Gum Disease

Your risk for getting gum disease increases as you age. This is why it’s so important to check in with your dentist. While you may not necessarily notice the signs of gum disease, your dentist will. If you notice bleeding while brushing, sensitive teeth, or red gums, it’s time to visit your dentist because you could be seeing signs of gum disease. Know that your age is a risk factor for getting gum disease!

Dry Mouth

Our teeth and gums need saliva to stay healthy. Not only does saliva help prevent bad breath and enamel erosion, it also helps balance oral bacteria that can lead to cavities. If you’re on medication, one of the side effects you may be experiencing is dry mouth. Many different types of medications can cause dry mouth, from high blood pressure medications to even depression and anxiety medications.

When you have dry mouth, your body isn’t producing enough saliva to protect your teeth. This can lead to enamel erosion and cavities. Since dry mouth increases your cavity risk, it’s imperative to address this symptom with your dentist or doctor. You may consider switching medications or just sipping on water more often throughout the day!

Tooth Loss

Losing teeth is not a natural consequence of aging. However, if you’re experiencing gum disease, tooth decay, or even dry mouth, you do have an increased risk for tooth loss as you age. Older adults are also at risk for bone loss, including osteoporosis. Staying active and getting enough calcium and vitamin D are essential to keeping teeth and bones healthy and strong.

If you do lose a tooth, it’s imperative to replace it. Talk with your dentist about your options for missing teeth, which can help prevent further bone and tooth loss!

Oral Cancer

Although oral cancer can affect anyone, two-thirds of people who have oral cancer are over the age of 55. In fact, people often aren’t diagnosed with oral cancer until they’re 62. This means that older adults have an increased risk of developing oral cancer. Luckily, your dentist can perform an oral cancer screening at your next checkup. This simple screening involves checking your mouth, face, and neck for any unusual lumps or appearances. Early detection can increase your chances of a successful treatment!

Getting older doesn’t have to mean that your oral health declines. However, by being aware of these oral health problems among older adults, you can know your risk for developing gum disease, oral cancer, and having dry mouth or experiencing tooth loss. Getting regular checkups can help prevent and manage many of these problems. Age gracefully and smile big well into your senior years!

The post Which Oral Health Concerns Should You Watch for as You Age? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.