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Patients who are dissatisfied with aesthetic flaws in their smiles have a number of solutions at their disposal. For example, a cosmetic dentist can use porcelain veneers to address a number of deficits in the smile’s appearance. Because porcelain veneers are designed to match each patient’s unique smile, they result in a natural appearance. Your cosmetic dentist can also make any further adjustments to the veneers that you may desire prior to placing them on your teeth. Porcelain Veneers For Custom-Designed Enhancements Porcelain veneers are thin tooth-shaped shells that are bonded to the front surface of your biological teeth to conceal a variety of issues, such as: Chipped teeth Cracked teeth Deeply stained or discolored teeth Undersized teeth Slightly crooked teeth Porcelain shares a number of optical qualities with biological tooth enamel, which provides a good starting point for the most natural appearance possible. Your dentist will tailor the design of each porcelain veneer to match your smile’s unique specifications. This means that the porcelain veneer will closely match the shade of your surrounding biological teeth and its shape will blend in with the rest of your smile. We work diligently to make sure that the tooth that has been treated with a veneer looks just like its natural neighbors. The Porcelain Veneer Treatment Process: What To Expect Your path to enhancing your smile with porcelain veneers begins with a consultation. At this initial appointment your dentist will collect information such as photos, measurements, dental impressions or x-rays, needed to design the veneers, and your teeth may be prepped for the veneers. All of the pertinent data is then forwarded to the dental lab that will be creating your veneers. When they are ready, you’ll return to our office to have them placed. Before they are permanently bonded to your teeth, your dentist can tweak the shade or shape further as you desire. The veneers, which cannot be altered further after they’re bonded to the teeth, become quite strong when they’re attached to the teeth. They can last for many years if you take care of them as directed by your dentist. Have you been concerned about a flaw in your smile? Porcelain veneers might be a good fix. Contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan and schedule a consultation to learn more about this treatment option.
Are you considering your treatment options for dentures? If so, we strongly encourage you to investigate implant-supported dentures as a possible intervention. Implant dentures outperform conventional appliances in a number of important ways. When you consult with an implant dentist, you can also learn more about what to expect from the treatment process, which will be helpful in making your decision. Why should I get implant supported dentures? Dental implants are a significant upgrade over previous prosthetics because they offer patients a structurally complete option for tooth replacement. We may take the roots of our teeth for granted, but they perform important jobs in our smile. Not only do the roots of our teeth support the crowns, they also anchor the jawbone, preventing the erosion of bone tissue that is a consequence of tooth loss. Because the jawbone remains constant, implant-supported appliances fit more consistently over time. Improved jawbone stability is just one benefit associated with implant dentures. The others include: More secure appliance Improved chewing function Better comfort More convenient maintenance This list is far from complete, so ask your implant dentist if there are any specific aspects of implant dentures that are particularly important for you. What is involved in the implant supported dentures treatment process? The dental implants are inserted into the patient’s jaw in a surgical procedure. Depending on the technique being used, as few as four dental implants can be placed to support a denture. In such cases, the dental implant placement can be completed in a single appointment. Sometimes, the patient may be able to be fitted with a temporary denture immediately after the dental implants are placed. The patient will get their permanent denture after osseointegration is complete. It’s also important to recognize that patients must have adequate bone tissue at the implant site for osseointegration to be completed successfully. Your dentist will assess the quality of your bone tissue to make sure that your dental implants won’t be at risk for premature failure. Implant dentures can restore a complete smile that is both beautiful and functional. If you’d like to learn more about this treatment option and find out whether it might be a good fit for you, schedule an evaluation at our office.
Sedation dentistry is available in different applications for a variety of reasons. Whether nitrous oxide is used that places the patient in a euphoric state or oral sedation is prescribed, your sedation dentist will discuss the benefits available with sedation dentistry. Nitrous Oxide This type of sedation is considered safe for patients of all ages. It is a gas that is mixed with oxygen. As you arrive for your dental appointment, nitrous oxide will be initiated through a nose cone with time provided that allows the patient to become relaxed before dental treatment is rendered. There are no special requirements needed for this type of sedation. As treatment is nearing completion, the nitrous is terminated allowing oxygen only to be administered. The patient is quickly restored to their normal state. Using this type of sedation allows the patient to drive to and from their appointment, and return to work or school as there are no lingering effects. Oral Sedation Candidates for oral sedation include patients suffering from extreme anxiety; or for patients dealing with physical or mental limitations that make undergoing dental treatment difficult. Believe it or not, there are individuals who are so fearful of the dentist that they may go years, even decades, without even having their teeth cleaned. These patients can now overcome their fears utilizing this sedation option. Oral sedation involves the patient taking a sedative at home about an hour before their dental appointment. Because of this, and additional sedatives that will be given, transportation both to and from the dental visit is required. Upon arrival, the patient will be administered additional sedatives. Your sedation dentist and accompanying staff are trained to monitor and provide all the services needed for your safety and comfort. Your dentist is now free to provide the dental treatment required. Many patients indicated that they felt as if they slept with little or no memory of their dental visit. Total relaxation allows both the dentist and patient to get through needed procedures providing an opportunity for great oral health previously unavailable. And very often, your sedation dentist will combine needed procedures so minimal visits are required. Returning home for the balance of the day is recommended as the patient is likely to feel a little groggy for a few hours. The patient will typically be able to resume normal activities the following day. To learn more about our sedation dentistry services, contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan to schedule a visit.
Dentures provide a way for a patient to restore tooth loss that is effective and aesthetically pleasing. But as with anything new and different, adjustments can be anticipated. Your dentist will likely outline what may occur, but everyone is different and your experience may actually be easier than you expected. Are Dentures My Best Option? The main variables involve how many teeth are impacted and whether you require a partial or full denture; and if your denture will be fixed or removable. A partial denture is available when the patient still retains some biological teeth. These teeth must be relatively healthy … if their condition is questionable, your dentist might recommend a different option. A full denture is required when all teeth from the upper or lower arches are gone. If teeth are being extracted, an immediate denture might be an ideal choice. It is a temporary measure that allows you to have a denture placed at the time teeth are being removed. A permanent denture will be placed once healing has taken place. A fixed denture usually requires more of a financial investment, but allows for the denture to be permanently affixed. A removable denture is attached using some type of clasp (for a partial). What About Those Adjustments For a brief time the new denture wearer is going to require patience as they get used to their new prosthesis. Saliva flow – Any time something new is introduced into the mouth, saliva production usually increases. Speaking – You may feel awkward at first, but practice and perseverance will help you overcome this hurdle. Eating – Soft foods will be on your menu for a brief period of time. As you adjust, slowly introduce more foods eating slowly and in small bites. Smiling – This will be the easiest adjustment of all! Finally, as you get used to your new replacement teeth, additional adjustments may be needed for your denture. Never attempt to fix anything on your own … your dentist will not be surprised that your new dentition requires a little alteration. The key is patience as you adapt to this improvement to your oral health. To learn more about your tooth replacement options, contact our team today to schedule a consultation.
There’s no shortage of “health” advice touted on television and online. While some advice, like eating plenty of leafy greens and getting regular exercise are good, there’s an abundance of harmful advice circulating. Some popular health trends are downright dangerous for your teeth and gums. Before taking advice from the media or the Internet, be sure to speak with your dentist and your physician. Following are some popular health fads that can harm your oral health. Non-Dairy Milk Non-dairy milks are great for those who are ethically opposed to animal-derived products and for those with dairy intolerances. If you choose to drink almond, oat, or cashew milk, make sure that it is unsweetened. Consuming excess sugar will contribute to erosion of your tooth enamel and potentially inflame your gums. Non-dairy milks should also contain a decent amount of calcium, preferably 120 milligrams per 3.4 ounces. Calcium is an essential mineral for protecting the mineralized structures in your body like bones and teeth. Apple Cider Vinegar If one were to Google “apple cider vinegar” a plethora of web pages promoting this product as a miracle elixir would appear. Most of the information about apple cider vinegar’s health benefits are anecdotal and not rooted in science. Some websites recommend that people drink a couple ounces of apple cider vinegar, in its full concentration, every day to boost the immune system, control weight, and decrease blood sugar. This advice is harmful, though, because apple cider vinegar is acidic. Drinking and eating acidic items can permanently damage tooth enamel. Juicing/Juice Cleanses Juicing fruits and vegetables might seem like an easy way to give your body a nutritious boost. Although very healthy foods like kale and spinach can be juiced, citrus and fruits contain acid and sugar. Consuming these foods too frequently will weaken teeth and increase one’s risks for common oral diseases. Instead of juicing, try to incorporate more leafy greens and vibrant-colored vegetables into each meal. If you do consume juiced fruits and vegetables, do so with a straw. Drinking with a straw will help reduce contact with your teeth and gums. For additional information or reserve a checkup or cleaning with our dentist, contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today.
Are you embarrassed by stains on your teeth? Perhaps you’ve given store-bought whitening products like strips and toothpaste a try but saw little, if any, results. The best way to tackle tough dental stains is through professional whitening. Professional teeth whitening treatments are powerful enough to lift deep stains to reveal a vibrant, white smile. Our cosmetic dentist offers take-home whitening systems that utilize prescription-grade ingredients for predictable and effective results. This means you can whiten your teeth in the comfort of your home while you clean house or watch television. Why Store-Bought Products Fall Short Teeth whitening products found in grocery stores and pharmacies cannot lighten permanent stains. Their formulas are not strong enough to penetrate the enamel surface of teeth. These teeth whitening products tend to contain abrasives, which can lift some surface stains but do pose a threat to tooth enamel. On top of permanently damaging tooth enamel, these abrasive ingredients contribute to tooth sensitivity. How Take-Home Teeth Whitening Works Those receiving take-home kits from our practice can enjoy powerful whitening at their convenience. Take-home kits contain prescription-strength bleaching solutions and custom trays that are worn over teeth. It’s important to follow teeth whitening instructions exactly as directed to see optimal results. Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening Professional teeth whitening is safe and effective. With proper use, a take-home kit could lighten a person’s smile eight to ten shades brighter. Since harsh abrasives are not used, professional teeth whitening does not cause permanent tooth sensitivity or enamel damage. Whitening your teeth has positive effects on your appearance and your emotional wellbeing. Our patients report a boost in their confidence and self-esteem after lightening their smiles. We recommend that you maintain your results by practicing thorough oral hygiene, receiving routine cleanings, and avoiding teeth-staining foods/beverages. Our cosmetic dentist offers a number of smile-enhancing treatments. Call our office to schedule a smile makeover consultation with our experienced team.
Dental crowns have been around for a long time, but in recent years the improvements made have resulted in long lasting, beautiful restorations that are difficult to discern from your biological teeth. Materials Make a Monumental Difference Before the use of porcelain, metal crowns ruled the day. Back teeth may have received a gold or metal crown while teeth in the smile line often received crowns made from porcelain fused to metal. This was the best thing available, but could result in a visible dark line where the crown and tooth base meet. While metals are still used today, especially for teeth not easily seen, porcelain dental crowns have grown in popularity for many reasons. Porcelain crowns are strong, long lasting, and aesthetically pleasing. Your dentist has the capability of placing a crown that so closely resembles neighboring teeth, it is virtually impossible to detect a crowned tooth. Your dentist may discuss an onlay or inlay … these are crowns that require less of your tooth’s structure to be removed and are often placed on teeth with decay to protect and strengthen the tooth. Dental Crowns Serve Many Useful Purposes If a tooth is broken, a dental crown allows your dentist to save your tooth from being extracted. A severely decayed tooth can be protected from loss or further damage when covered with a crown. A dental crown is often the final step to complete a root canal. With endodontic treatment, an access point is needed to clean out the root canals. Very often this access point is permanently sealed with a dental crown. Patients who opt for a fixed prosthesis may require adjacent abutment teeth to be crowned to attach a partial or bridge. Following tooth loss, patients who select a dental implant will complete treatment with a crown that will be secured to the implant abutment. Caring for a tooth that has received a crown is as easy as what you do for all your teeth. Brush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste and floss daily. Your dentist will demonstrate how to floss around a crowned tooth. Visit our dental team every six months for cleaning and exam. It is important to remember that although a crown has allowed your dentist to save your tooth, proper care is needed to prevent gum disease from developing.
If you have experienced tooth loss, you may have heard about dental implants. But many patients don’t realize just how important it is to replace missing teeth. It’s not just about your smile … there are many other important factors to consider. Aesthetics And Bone Loss When a tooth is lost, the bone that held it in place will begin to atrophy. This can impact bone in neighboring teeth putting adjacent teeth at risk as well. Since having sufficient bone is necessary for a successful implant procedure, you may require a preliminary procedure to augment bone where the implant is to be placed. If bone loss is allowed to continue, gum tissue can shrivel leading to facial changes – muscle loss can lead to sagging skin making you appear older. Unlike other tooth replacements, a dental implant actually promotes bone growth in the area where tooth loss has occurred. The dental implant will become a permanent part of your dental anatomy. Bone will incorporate the titanium implant which means it will never have to be replaced. Dental implants have become very commonplace and have a soaring success rate. Things you can do to make sure you experience a successful procedure include following all instructions provided by your implant dentist. Keep the implant area clean, and do not use tobacco in any form. Understand Your Treatment Plan Your implant dentist will provide you with a treatment plan that will outline each step and phase in your dental implant procedure. If you have questions or concerns, get answers. If something worries you, ask about it. The phases of treatment involve the consultation that will include a thorough dental exam; bone augmentation, if required; surgical placement of the implant; healing period; placing an abutment on the implant; and securing the cosmetic restoration to the abutment. The final result will allow you to eat all your favorite foods without discomfort or fear of your dentition moving. Missing teeth can result in speech difficulties, so that problem will be eliminated. And you will smile with self-confidence because you no longer suffer from the embarrassment of tooth loss. Caring for your implant is as easy as the care provided for all your teeth; brush and floss daily, and visit the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan every six months for cleaning and dental exam.
People often assume that as you get older, tooth loss is inevitable. However, that perception is largely inaccurate. With advances in dental care, an increasing number of patients are able to keep their natural smiles well into their senior years. However, older patients do face certain oral health risks, so it’s important to do everything possible to prevent oral diseases and monitor your teeth and gums for them so that you can seek treatment promptly. A partnership with a knowledgeable dentist and adequate home oral hygiene habits will go a long way in helping you to protect your smile as you age. Oral Health Risks Associated With Aging As patients get older, they face an increased risk of gum disease. Furthermore, older adults are more likely to have certain general health conditions that appear to have some correlation with oral health, such as diabetes. Some health issues, such as arthritis or dementia, may also interfere with an older adult’s ability to perform important oral hygiene tasks, like brushing teeth or flossing. This can increase the risk of oral diseases, as well. Older adults also tend to take more medications, which can have side effects like dry mouth. Maintaining adequate saliva levels is essential to the oral cavity’s ability to limit the proliferation of disease-causing oral bacteria. How To Protect Your Teeth And Gums As You Age To reduce your risk of oral diseases as you get older, it’s essential to see a dentist at least twice a year for exams and cleanings and to practice good oral hygiene habits at home. A dentist with expertise in treating geriatric patients will complete a comprehensive evaluation that assesses for the multiple factors that can affect an older adult’s oral health. A plan can then be developed for the patient to get adequate professional and home care. At a minimum, make sure that you are brushing twice each day, for two minutes at a time, and flossing daily. Keep an eye out for signs of early stage gum disease, like redness, bleeding or swelling of the gums, and reach out to us if you notice any concerning symptoms.If you are an older adult who is due for an exam or cleaning, contact our office to schedule an appointment. We want to help you do everything possible to preserve your smile!
Patients who consult with a cosmetic dentist to improve the appearance of their smiles want to get results that look natural and lifelike. Many cosmetic interventions can be used in order to achieve this goal. Your provider will work diligently to make sure that all treatments used in your case result in a realistic aesthetic, so that the treated teeth will be indistinguishable from your biological ones. Each case’s treatment plan is customized to best meet that patient’s needs. Cosmetic Dentistry Interventions That Enhance Your Smile After assessing your case and discussing your smile goals with you, the cosmetic dentist may recommend one of the following interventions to help you get the smile of your dreams: At-home teeth whitening: The patient wears custom-designed trays containing bleaching gel for a specified period of time over the course of several days. The custom-designed trays achieve maximum effectiveness of the treatment, leaving the teeth 8-10 shades whiter. Porcelain veneers: Thin, tooth-shaped shells made of porcelain are bonded atop the biological teeth to conceal defects like chips, cracks and deep stains that don’t respond to whitening. Composite fillings: Cavities are filled using tooth-colored composite materials that blend in with the rest of the smile. Composite fillings can be used to address new cavities or replace older dark metal fillings that detract from the smile. Porcelain crowns: Tooth-shaped caps are placed on top of a natural tooth that has been severely damaged by decay or injury. Porcelain crowns are used to restore both the structural integrity and appearance of teeth. These interventions can be used individually or in combination, depending on the patient’s needs. Tailoring The Treatment Process For Natural Results A cosmetic dentist blends science and art in their work, allowing them to provide restorations and other treatments that mimic the appearance of the biological teeth in the smile. For example, your dentist can customize the shade of porcelain veneers or a porcelain crown to match its natural neighbors. Similarly, the materials used in composite fillings can be adjusted to blend in with the shade of your enamel. Additionally, porcelain veneers and crowns are crafted based specifically on the unique structure of your teeth, which is provided to the dental lab by your dentist. Therefore, they will be proportionate in size and shape, as well as shade. To learn more about our cosmetic treatments and what kind of results can be expected in your case, call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan to schedule a consultation.
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