A Denver Dentist Explains Dental Information You Should Know About

As a Denver dentist, we seek to educate patients while also treating them. We understand that when our patients are informed they are better equipped to keep their teeth and gums healthy at home, in between dental appointments.  This is important for lifelong oral health and also makes getting dental work done just a little bit easier.  Still, there are many misconceptions about dentistry that we want to clear up.  

Here are some facts that you should know.

Restorations may need to be replaced.
Modern materials are stronger and more durable than they used to be, but restorations still don’t last forever.  Just like natural teeth can wear out, restorations can too.  While they typically last for a decade or longer at some point a crown, veneer or implant may need to be adjusted or replaced.  If you received a restoration over ten years ago, we recommend having it inspected to see if it needs to be adjusted or to determine what the projected lifespan of it will be.  If it does need to be replaced, we can do so quickly and in a way that looks natural.

Dental work can be comfortable.
One of the biggest misconceptions about dentistry is that it hurts.  This is not the case.  In fact, by offering sedation dentistry we can ensure that our patients remain comfortable the entire time.  For the millions of adults that suffer from dental anxiety, this is a welcome relief.  We can provide you with an oral sedation that will help you to relax before a procedure and medication to keep you comfortable during it.  As a Denver dentist, we can review your sedation options with you prior to starting treatment so that your dental experience will be a pleasant one. 

Cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry go hand in hand.
If your tooth is damaged and you need to repair it, visit a dentist that can do so and is skilled in cosmetic dentistry.  This goes hand in hand because a cosmetic dentist can complete restorations in a way that looks beautiful and natural.  There is no need to choose between a functional restoration and a beautiful restoration when you can have both in one single procedure.  If you want to have the appearance of your teeth improved, you may be able to have procedures done at the same time as your restoration to make it even more convenient. 

Your gums are important.
Many patients are unaware of how important the health of gums is to their teeth.  Gum health is essential because gum disease can lead to infection, bone loss and eventually tooth loss.  People that suffer from gum disease can experience discomfort and may find that their teeth fall out if it is left untreated.  In our Denver dentist office, we offer a variety of procedures to keep gums in good health.

To learn more about dentistry and how we can help your smile to look and feel amazing, schedule a dental exam.

An Invisalign® Dentist in Denver Can Treat You and Your Teen

As an Invisalign® dentist in Denver, we have seen this solution transform our patient's appearance by creating beautiful smiles.  For adults, Invisalign® offers the most convenient and flexible solution for correcting misaligned teeth. In today’s busy world, there are very few adults who have the extra time to spend years wearing braces considering how they can hamper activities. The ability to straighten teeth, while taking the clear trays out when needed, is a huge plus for busy professionals. The clear nature of the trays makes Invisalign® extremely discrete, which is also important for people who do not want to advertise to the world that they are getting their teeth straightened. Additionally, with traditional braces there is a need for repeated orthodontist visits. By eliminating much of this, Invisalign® is an excellent option for people who don't have time for traditional braces. This includes children, especially teenagers. 

For teenagers, Invisalign® offers an entirely new solution that straightens teeth without all of the challenges they face with traditional braces. Teenagers face many of the same challenges that adults do, and often at more intense levels. For example teenagers have very busy schedules, filled with school, activities, and friends. For them having a hassle free experience can make them more willing to go through the exercise of getting their teeth straightened. Additionally, teenagers are known for wanting to eat what they want, when they want, so this is an ideal solution.  The Invisalign® Teen aligners are supposed to be removed while eating so the treatment plan fits their lifestyle.  Simultaneously, since teenagers are often obsessively concerned about their looks, this clear alternative won't hurt their self-image. With braces, your teenager will be stuck with a mouth full of metal, and this can affect their social status. However, using an invisible product to fix their teeth means that it will have no short term effects on their looks. 

Invisalign® works along exactly the same principle and uses the same forces of nature, as regular or traditional braces do. What traditional braces accomplish with metal brackets, rubber bands, and screws, Invisalign® does with the help of invisible retainers that fit over the teeth. These retainers are progressive in nature, gradually pushing the teeth into a more desirable alignment over the course of time. Naturally this means that your teenager will need to wear the aligners for the majority of the day, often between twenty-one and twenty-three hours, for maximum effect. As an Invisalign® dentist in Denver, we will discuss this with your teen at length so that they understand when they can take their aligners out. 

Traditional braces have to be protected from damage and wear. This means that the installed braces come with a laundry list of foods that your child will not be able to eat for the duration of the treatment. Given that treatments can last as long as two years, in extreme cases, this can be quite traumatic for the child. On the other hand, Invisalign® has no such restrictions. Simply remove the aligner, eat whatever your heart desire, rinse and clean your teeth, and put the aligner back in. As an Invisalign® dentist in Denver, we know that this solution is simple and loved by teenagers everywhere.