Dentures are a tried and true tooth replacement solution. Although they have been used for years, the modern incarnations of dentures are more comfortable, natural looking, and long lasting than ever before. Unlike other tooth replacement options, such as dental implants, dentures require some special care to keep them looking and feeling good.

Maintaining dentures is simply a matter of cleaning your dentures and your mouth and natural teeth appropriately. In order for your dentures to fit well and feel comfortable, your gum tissue and natural teeth must be healthy as well. Here are some recommendations from our Saint Louis dentures dentists:

·       After you eat, remove your dentures and take the time to rinse them out. This will help to flush out particles of food that were trapped by your dentures, so they won’t irritate your gums or contribute to infection.

·       Once a day clean your dentures with a denture cleaner. Don’t use harsh or abrasive tools; a simple soft-bristled brush will suffice. Just as it’s important to clean your teeth twice a day, you have to thoroughly clean your dentures at least once a day.

·       Soak your dentures in mild dentures solution overnight. If your dentures have metal parts you should check with your dentist to determine the best way to store your dentures overnight.

If you choose to pursue dentures as a tooth replacement solution, our Saint Louis dentures dentists can help you understand how to care for your specific dentures. The important thing to know is that by incorporating only a few simple hygienic steps you can maintain your dentures for years. Give us a call for more information or to schedule an appointment at (314) 332-1307, we’re here to help you enjoy a happy, healthy smile!

Last week I met with a regular patient of mine, Tricia. Tricia recently experienced a dental trauma, in which she lost three teeth. Tricia considered a number of tooth replacement options, weighing the pros and cons of each. One treatment she was particularly excited about was dental implant therapy.

A dental implant is an innovative tooth replacement option that actually mimics the natural feel and structure of teeth. Dental implants are comprised of three parts that together allow a patient to enjoy an attractive and functional smile.

The Root: this part of the dental implant is made of titanium or titanium alloy. The dental implant root is surgically implanted into the jawbone in phase of one of the treatment process. These titanium screws replace the tooth root, providing a strong foundation for the abutment and dental restoration.

Abutment: this portion of the implant connects the implant root to the dental crown. The abutment allows the crown to fit securely on the dental implant root, and it contributes to the exceptional stability and longevity of dental implants.

Crown: this part of the dental implant resembles a natural tooth. It is secured to the abutment in phase two of the dental implants process. The crown is made of porcelain or composite resin, and it will blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

After considering her options, Tricia chose to replace her teeth with durable dental implants. She is thrilled with the results—she can now eat her favorite foods and smile with confidence again. Our Kirkwood dental implant dentists designed Tricia’s implant to fit her specific smile, for a natural-looking result. If you’d like more information about dental implants, or if you have any questions about tooth replacement options in general, don’t hesitate to give our Kirkwood dental implant dentists a call—(314) 332-1307.

Welcome to our new dental blog! I’ll be using this space to discuss innovative developments in dental technology, provide more information on what’s happening in our practice, and answer common patient questions. As you consider your dental options, I hope that you’ll find this is a useful resource.

This first blog post is devoted to a hugely popular cosmetic concern for many patients—how to get (and keep) white teeth. I’d like to briefly discuss how teeth become discolored in the first place, and then review some ways to combat dark, dingy dental enamel.

First, it’s important to keep in mind that there is no “right” level of whiteness for dental enamel. Different patients naturally have different shades of dental enamel—some people are born with teeth that have a slightly yellower tint, for example. Therefore, when evaluating your own smile, remember that teeth bleaching treatments can actually whiten enamel beyond its natural white. So if you feel like your teeth were never brilliantly white, bleaching may be an option to explore.

Additionally, there are foods and drinks that discolor dental enamel. Some common culprits include tea, coffee, red wine and soft drinks. Both chewing tobacco and smoking tobacco also stain teeth. It’s best to enjoy discoloring drinks in moderation, and avoid tobacco all together in order to minimize staining. You can also brush or rinse directly after consuming staining substances.

It seems that more patients than ever are looking to rejuvenate their teeth and brighten their smiles. Luckily, teeth bleaching treatments are fast, non-invasive, and effective. Our St. Louis County Cosmetic Dentist Office offers a variety of teeth whitening and bleaching treatments that can be administered in-office or at home.

Working with a professional dentist to whiten your smile is the best way to ensure that you get stunning results. With a cosmetic dentist’s help, you can achieve a natural-looking, brilliant smile— avoiding a “too white” fake looking smile and tooth sensitivity. Our Kirkwood cosmetic dentists are here to answer any questions you may have about tooth discoloration and teeth whitening options. Don’t hesitate to give us a call— (314) 332-1307.