Denture-Downers-Grove-Dentist

Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. While dentures take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as one’s natural teeth, today’s dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever.

There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Your dentist will help you choose the type of denture that’s best for you based on whether some or all of your teeth are going to be replaced and the cost involved.

How do Dentures Work?
With full dentures, a flesh-colored acrylic base fits over your gums. The base of the upper denture covers the palate (the roof of your mouth), while that of the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue.

Dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of your mouth. Your dentist will determine which of the three types of dentures described below is best for you.

• Conventional Full Denture
  A conventional full denture is placed in your mouth after any remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed. Healing may take several months, during which time you are without teeth.
• Immediate Full Denture
  An immediate full denture is inserted immediately after the remaining teeth are removed. (Your dentist takes measurements and makes models of your jaw during a prior visit.) While immediate dentures offer the benefit of never having to be without your teeth, they must be relined several months after being inserted. The reason is that the bone supporting the teeth reshapes as it heals, causing the denture to become loose.
• Partial Denture
  A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Sometimes crowns are placed on some of your natural teeth and serve as anchors for the denture. Partial dentures offer a removable alternative to bridges.

How Long Before I Get Used to My Dentures?
New dentures may feel awkward or uncomfortable for the first few weeks or even months. Eating and speaking with dentures might take a little practice. A bulky or loose feeling is not uncommon, while the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to hold your dentures in place. Excessive saliva flow, a feeling that the tongue does not have adequate room, and minor irritation or soreness are also not unusual. If you experience irritation, see your dentist.

How Long do Dentures Last?
Over a period of time, your denture will need to be relined, remade, or rebased due to normal wear. Rebasing means making a new base while keeping the existing denture teeth. Also, as you age, your mouth naturally changes. These changes cause your dentures to loosen, making chewing difficult and irritating your gums. At a minimum, you should see your dentist annually for a checkup.

Here are tips for caring for your dentures:

• When handling your dentures, stand over a folded towel or basin of water. Dentures are delicate and may break if dropped.
• Don’t let your dentures dry out. Place them in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in plain water when you’re not wearing them. Never use hot water, which can cause them to warp.
• Brushing your dentures daily will remove food deposits and plaque, and help prevent them from becoming stained. An ultrasonic cleaner may be used to care for your dentures, but it does not replace a thorough daily brushing.
• Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures. This stimulates circulation in your tissues and helps remove plaque.
• See your dentist if your dentures break, chip, crack or become loose. Don’t be tempted to adjust them yourself — this can damage them beyond repair.

Call Alivio Dental to schedule an appointment today! Proudly serving patients from Downers Grove, IL, Lisle, IL, Darien, IL, Lombard, IL, Clarendon Hills, IL, Bollingbrook, IL, Woodridge, IL, Westmont, IL, La Grange, IL and Wheaton, IL communities now.

Credits: Colgate-Palmolive Company

Teeth Whitening Dentist Downers Grove

There are 2 kinds of tooth stains. One is internal, while the other is external.

External stains are found on the tooth surface. They may be caused by tobacco, tartar, and colored food and drink. Some drinks that cause stains are coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sodas.

Internal stains are those found beneath the surface of your tooth. They may be caused by aging, excessive fluoride intake, and certain kinds of medicine.

At-home whitening treatments you can buy at the store

• Whitening strips get rid of internal stains. These strips stick to teeth, allowing a whitening agent to work its way into the tooth.
• Place whitening strips on top and bottom teeth
• Wear the strips for up to 30 minutes or as instructed by packaging
• A whitening toothpaste can take away surface stains if used often. Every time you brush with a whitening paste, you are preventing stains that can be caused by food, drinks, tobacco, or plaque buildup.

Professional whitening At the dentist

Your dental professional can offer you helpful in-office tooth whitening options. These include gels and whitening lights.

The gels contain high levels of peroxide that penetrate teeth to reduce staining. Talk to your dental professional to learn more about in-office whitening treatments.

• Whitening gel will be put on your front teeth
• The gel is left on for 15 to 20 minutes and then washed off

At-home treatments prescribed by your dental professional

You can also whiten your smile at home with products prescribed by your dental office.

Your dental professional will make a mold of your teeth and then give you a clear plastic tray made just for you. At home, you will fill your custom-made tray with whitening gel. This gel will stay on your teeth for at least an hour.

• Put the whitening gel inside your custom-made tray
• Wear the tray for at least 1 hour

Quick tips for stain prevention

• Brush and floss twice daily to prevent plaque and tartar buildup and remove surface stains.
• Cut back on dark foods and drinks such as berries, coffee, tea, and red wine.
• Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.
• Use whitening products such as whitening toothpaste and strips.
• Visit your dental professional every 6 months for a regular dental cleaning.

Call Alivio Dental to schedule an appointment today! Proudly serving patients from Downers Grove, IL, Lisle, IL, Darien, IL, Lombard, IL, Clarendon Hills, IL, Bollingbrook, IL, Woodridge, IL, Westmont, IL, La Grange, IL and Wheaton, IL communities now.

Credits: The Procter & Gamble Company