Missing Teeth? Choose Dental Implants!

Whether due to age or injury, tooth loss is something that many people will encounter at some point in their lives. Some people might lose just one tooth while others lose them all. Either way, it’s a good idea to consider the various ways to replace your missing tooth and restore your smile.

Why Replace My Tooth?

While it may take a few appointments, replacing missing teeth is the best option for the longevity of your smile. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone deteriorates in that area. The surrounding teeth have a tendency to shift, causing gaps and crookedness in your smile. This can eventually change the shape of your face and lead to other, more serious dental problems down the line.

Why Dental Implants?

A dental implant is used to replace the root of a tooth and stimulate the jawbone, so it doesn’t erode over time. Dental implants provide a sturdy base for artificial teeth and allow you to eat, drink, and speak normally without having to worry about your new teeth falling out.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

An implant is a metal rod that is implanted deep into your jawbone. Once it heals, you can attach a crown or a row of dentures to the protruding end of the rod to restore the look and feel of your natural smile. Implants last a lifetime with proper care and provide a stable base to your artificial teeth.

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth, but they might not be right for everyone. Book an appointment with Dr. Gibson to talk about whether dental implants are right for your unique situation.

5 Common Misconceptions about Porcelain Veneers

If you find yourself unsatisfied with your teeth, the first thing you should do is book an appointment with Bella Smiles! There, Dr. Gibson may recommend a cosmetic treatment that can very possibly be the answer to your smile’s aesthetic woes.

One of the most common treatments recommended are porcelain veneers. They usually are the answer to any trauma, discoloration, or minor misalignment that may be keeping you from advancing socially or professionally. Many dentists are aware, however, of the misconceptions associated with cosmetic treatments such as veneers. In the following, we will briefly discuss 5 of these common misconceptions, and whether or not there’s truth to any of these myths.

Misconceptions Associated with Porcelain Veneers

  • The application is painful. Just like any other procedure performed by a reputable and professional dentist, the use of local anesthetic prior to veneer placement eliminates any possible pain.
  • You only need veneers for the front of your mouth. While it is most common and practical to have veneers placed in the six tooth spots that are most visible, they can also be placed on the lower teeth and premolars.
  • The entire tooth must be filed down before veneers can be placed. There is a minimal amount of reshaping done on the teeth to prepare for veneers, but it is much less than commonly perceived.
  • Veneers only serve aesthetic purposes. Veneers can be used to fill out cheeks and rebuild molars, while their main purpose is to enhance the overall look of teeth.
  • Veneers are unnaturally white and noticeable. Veneers are specifically fitted, and color matched to have the most natural look as possible.

Ultimately, a chat with Dr. Gibson at Bella Smiles will hold the definitive answer as to whether porcelain veneers are right for you. In any case, don’t delay and don’t believe these common misconceptions about a procedure that has the power to potentially change your life!