November 13, 2019
September 24, 2019
What is a Smile Makeover?
Have you ever wanted to reinvent your smile? Luckily for you, there is such a thing as a smile makeover. Smile Makeovers are all the rage and for good reason. They are a process of improving the appearance of your smile through one or more cosmetic dental procedures, like dental veneers, composite bonding, tooth implants, and teeth whitening. What’s more is that the approach is holistic with your facial appearance, skin tone, hair color, teeth – including the color, width, length, shape, and tooth display – gum tissue and lips. There is a variety of reasons for choosing a smile makeover and each is customized for your needs.Some Smile Makeover Options
Tooth color
Tooth discoloration, whether it is from silver or amalgam dental fillings, or from stained teeth, can often be corrected and even improved. Tooth color and shading are often among the top considerations during the evaluation and preparation of different procedures, such as porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, composite bonding, and dental implants. Each of these procedures can be useful for whitening the teeth, but each had different levels of involvement and time required. Dark or discolored teeth can be taken as aged mouth, and a white, well-shaped smile can give your face an immediate youthful appearance. And, special consideration is taken to be sure that the shade of white used is appropriate for your overall appearance and help create a natural appearance.Tooth Alignment and Spacing
Crooked teeth, or teeth that are overlapping, or ones that have gaps between them can often be straightened. When necessary, the teeth can be aligned with options such as orthodontics or products like Invisalign, and be further improved with veneers.Fix Missing Teeth
If you have one or more missing teeth, this can negatively affect the appearance of your smile. It can also have an effect on your ability to chew food and increase the risk of tooth decay. Replacement teeth can be an integral part of your oral health and facial aesthetics. Missing teeth can be remedied by dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures.A More Aesthetically Pleasing Smile
A smile that has chipped or cracked teeth, or an uneven appearance can be corrected by a cosmetic bonding, and a smile with a lot of cum can be shaped to help improve the overall look of the smile. Your face can be rejuvenated by cosmetic dentistry procedures that can reshape your whole face. A cosmetic dentist will help you create a treatment plan that is designed to achieve the exact results that you want from your smile makeover. The treatment plan may include both cosmetic and restorative procedures. These could include teeth whitening, composite bonding, veneers, dental crowns, orthodontics like braces, oral maxillofacial surgery, and even gummy smile reduction.What Things Are Considered in a Smile Makeover?
When creating a treatment plan for a smile makeover you will have a lot of things to consider when working with your dentist to help create your perfect smile. Here are some options that you might consider:- Tooth Length: Short teeth or a gummy smile can make your teeth look shorter, and this can significantly age you. Long teeth help to lend a more youthful appearance. This can also change the overall appearance of your face. Long, square teeth on a person with a round-faced individual can often create a very slimming effect. Some procedures that can be used to create this effect include: reshaping and lengthening the two front central teeth with cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers.
- Improving the Smile Line: The smile line is the name for an imaginary line that follows the edges of your upper teeth from one side to the other. Ideally, the line runs parallel to the curve of your lower lip when you smile. This is a standard point of reference when you want to determine how long your teeth should be.
- Keeping your Teeth in Proportions: One of the first things that your dentist will determine is if your teeth are in proportion. Generally, an aesthetically pleasing smile is one that has the two front teeth as the dominant ones and width to length ratio of 4 to 5. This proportion is the guide by which your dentist will keep your smile in balance.
- Tooth Texture and Characterization: The veneers and crowns can be customized to create a look that matches the look and feel of a natural tooth.
Keeping Your Smile Shining with a Smile Makeover
You will still require regular oral care and will require maintenance in order to keep your smile glowing over time. Teeth whitening will sometimes need to be repeated to maintain brightness. Veneers may chip and require replacement. If you are serious about getting your perfect smile, you will also follow a regular oral health routine, including brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day. Any oral health problems – such as gum disease, or a misaligned bite – will need to be taken care of before cosmetic treatments are applied. If you are interested in getting your own smile makeover, and you live in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, give Golden Smiles Dental a call at (909) 481-8990.
September 14, 2019
How much does Teeth Whitening cost?
The decision to get teeth whitening done is one that demands the question: How much does teeth whitening cost? The answer, like many things, depends on which method of teeth whitening you choose. There are a variety of options that can be very inexpensive to tens of thousands of dollars. In-office treatments, such as laser treatments can be among the most expensive options, but something simple as adding whitening strips to your daily routine can be a convenient and less expensive way to get dramatic results in a short time frame. In this article, we will compare the most common treatments, including how much they costLaser Teeth Whitening
Laser teeth whitening generally starts at $500 and can increase in price to an upwards of $1000 or more. The procedure is done in the dentist’s office and is often more expensive than at-home teeth whitening treatments. This kind of treatment generally takes about an hour and will provide the fastest and most dramatic results. Be careful! Most treatments will still require that you return for regular maintenance treatments.Teeth Whitening Strips
These fantastic strips are significantly cheaper and can cost up to $70. Many of these products contain similar ingredients to the products that are in use by dentists int heir office and are just as capable in removing stains from below the enamel surface.Bleaching Trays and Gels
Bleaching Trays and Gels offer a middle path between teeth whitening strips and laser treatment. This does require that you visit the dentist so that they can make a mold of your teeth (called a tray) and you will then fill it with bleaching gel at home. The trays can dramatically whiten teeth but may present an inconvenience to people’s daily lifestyle. The trays need to be removed to eat and drink and are often required to be worn overnight. The cost of the trays varies greatly depending on the quality of the gel and how custom made the tray is to your teeth. The cost of replacements should be factored in as well. Generally, trays cost around $300.Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash
The cheapest option, costing between $3.25 to $7 per tube, whitening toothpaste and mouthwash allow for easy and regular teeth whitening without breaking the bank. It is important to choose a product that fits your budget and your lifestyle. Just remember to be consistent with these products if you want to see long-lasting results.What are the benefits of teeth whitening?
There have been many studies that demonstrate that whiter teeth have a dramatic impact on people’s personal and professional life, but the cost of teeth whitening is a major concern for people. In a 2007 study, researches at Loyola Marymount University found that people with whiter teeth were perceived as others as more attractive and they got longer interviews and higher salary offers when compared to when before their teeth were whitened. This study suggests that the effort and cost of teeth whitening are well worth it. A bright, clean smile can give you the confidence you need to improve your chances of doing well at your job, or attracting the perfect made. If you are interested in improving your smile contact Golden Smiles Dental in Rancho Cucamonga, CA at (909) 481-8990 to arrange an appointment today.
May 7, 2019
How Dental Implants Work
Dental Implants are among the most popular options for full tooth replacement. They have many advantages over traditional dentures. This article will explain some of the features and benefits of having a dental implant. First, let’s examine what exactly a dental implant is.What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are, to put it simply, an artificial tooth, similar in shape to a small screw. The implants are placed in the jawbone where they bond with the bone. This leads to a sturdy and stable base that supports one or more artificial teeth, called crowns. This also meant that unlike traditional dentures, dental implants help preserve the bone and so preserve your natural face shape. An abutment is placed on top of the implant. This is a connector between the implant and the crown. This is here to hold and support the crown. The crowns are then custom made to match your natural teeth and fit your mouth. Modern implants have a long 30 year history of success, and they are the strongest device to support replacement teeth. What makes them even more spectacular is that they allow these new teeth to feel, look and function naturally. The dental implant surgery is one of the most safe and predictable procedures in dentistry when performed by a trained and experienced dental implant dentist.The Process of Getting a Dental Implant
Getting a dental implant begins by a consultation with your dentist. They assess if you have enough bone in your jaw to support the implant. Sometimes a bone graft is needed in order to allow for a strong base of support for the implant. This process may take a number of months of healing and recovery, but once complete, the dentist will generally perform the surgery in one or two sittings, beginning with placing the implant. Then, after some time as passed to allow for some healing, the crown is fitted. The healing process can be lengthy and while it may require some months of discomfort, you are effectively getting your tooth back. Isn’t getting your natural smile restored worth some discomfort?Top Five Facts about Dental Implants:
- Dental implants have been used for over a thousand years, with the earliest archaeological record being a tooth-like piece of shell that had been hammered into the jaw of a Mayan woman. Luckily, dental implants have come a long way since then.
- Dental implants are the only type of dental restoration that actually preserves the natural bone of your jaw! And, it even stimulates bone growth
- In 1951, the AAID – American Academy of Implant Dentistry was founded by a group of dentists who were very successful at placing dental implants. Their mission was to share their knowledge and practice of implantology. The AAID is the first professional organization dedicated to advancing implant dentistry
- Not long after the founding of the AAID, in 1952, a Swedish orthopedic surgeon, named P.I. Branemark found that titanium actually fuses with bone, leading to its adoption as the go-to metal for metals from knee and hip replacements to dental implants
- An amazing 3 million people in the United States have implants and that number grows each year by about 500,000.
May 1, 2019
Top 10 Reasons Why Dental Implants Are a Smart Investment
Dental Implants are the latest innovation in the replacement of missing teeth. You are probably familiar with traditional full dentures, which is the most common restoration used for patients missing all or most of their natural teeth. The image of dentures soaking in a cup of water each night is a common one, but it doesn’t have to be like that. Here are ten reasons that prove that tooth replacement doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or inconvenient. If you are interested in seeing if Dental Implants are the best option for you, give us at Golden Smiles Dental in Rancho Cucamonga, CA a call (909) 481-8990 to book your appointment today.- Boost your look Dental implants can dramatically improve your appearance by offering a more natural and attractive looking option than removable dentures. What is amazing is that they look and feel just like your natural teeth! Even better, the implants will fuse to the jawbone, so that they are just as permanent as your natural teeth. Worries about slippage, or irritating the gums are gone!
- Improve your confidence Traditional removable dentures can become loose and rock causing embarrassment and difficulty speaking and eating. With dental implants you can enjoy food, chat as much as you’d like, and do all your normal regular activities with confidence and without any sort of fear of embarrassment.
- Experience greater comfort and convenience Removable dentures can cause sore spots by rubbing on the gum beneath them. This is not the case for dental implants. Dental implant supported prostheses do not rub because they are fixed into the jaw, and there is no risk of slippage. Removable dentures must be removed at night and cleaned, and they may need messy adhesives, unlike dental implants which can be brushed like natural teeth, and need no application of adhesives
- Dental implants are durable Dental implants have a high rate of success and are much more durable than dentures. They can last years, or even decades with the right care. If kept clean and well-maintained, they can last a lifetime – just like natural teeth.
- You can improve your ability to eat the foods you used to love Removable dentures slide around, clicking when speaking and slipping when speaking. This can cause once pleasurable activities overly complicated and cause extreme unhappiness. The ability to chew foods improves dramatically when someone has dental implants. Removable dentures are only 20-25% as efficient as natural teeth, whereas dental implants are 80% as efficient as your natural teeth.
- Improve the taste of your foods When you are fitted with a full upper removable denture it covers the roof of the mouth, which makes food more difficult to taste and to enjoy. However, a implant supported prosthesis allow you to enjoy the full flavor and texture of your food without compromise.
- Improve your health and nutrition Food forms the foundation of health, and having an impaired ability to chew and enjoy food, can damage your health. Because you are unable to eat as many foods your health can be severely impacted. Traditional removable dentures can prevent you from eating certain foods, which are required to have a healthy and varied nutrient-filled diet. Chewy, crunchy foods, like vegetables and fruits can become very difficult to eat with a removable dentures. Dental implants make eating them about as easy as with natural teeth.
- You can regain your natural speaking ability Removable dental prosthesis can impede your ability to speak clearly and effectively, negatively impacting all aspects of your life. This can dramatically impact your quality of life in almost every area. A dental implant can help you speak clearly without difficulty and any slippage or popping.
- Lower the chance of losing your dental prostheses Because a dental implant cannot be removed you never even have to worry about losing it. Traditional dentures can become misplaced or lost very easily. You never have to worry about going without the ability to chew or speak clearly and effectively.
- Strengthen the Jaw Bone Your jaw bone will grow around the implants, preserving your natural jaw shape. When a tooth is absent from the jaw the jaw bone will degrade, dramatically altering your natural face. You can keep your natural smile, your natural face – something that removable dentures cannot do for you.
March 20, 2019
Five Reasons to Get Dental Implants
There are several treatment options for a missing or damaged tooth or teeth, like veneers and crowns. However, dental implants provide a number of benefits that make for a better long-term investment overall. Here are some great reasons why you should consider dental implants if you need to replace a damaged or missing tooth.- Get permanent results Other alternatives, such as dentures or crowns, will deteriorate and even break. Because dental implants are anchored directly to the jawbone, proving greater stability and they can last an entire lifetime as long as you provide them with proper care.
- Prevent getting deeper oral health problems Missing teeth can create opportunities for your teeth to shift and these new spaces become a breeding ground for bacteria and cause tooth decay and gum disease. Dental implants eliminate such gaps and hold the surrounding teeth in place. This means you can keep your jaw from shifting and potentially changing your jaw shape.
- More effective oral function Implants hold in place very firmly and this is because they actually fuse to your bone over time, just like as if they are real teeth. The stability provides better functionality than other alternative because you won’t have to worry about changes in speech or an appliance falling out.
- Get back your natural smile An implant can give you back your natural smile without sacrificing the aesthetic quality of your smile. They can also match the color of the implant to the specific color of your teeth, giving you a more natural smile. This allows them to blends seamlessly with your existing teeth.
- A more convenient option Dental implants provide a more permanent solution so you can care for them like your natural teeth. Healthy oral healthy hygiene habits like regular brushing and flossing after meals to remove lingering food particles can let your implants last a lifetime and lessen your daily worries.
March 9, 2019
What you need to know about Dental Implants
Many patients face the decision of whether or not to get a dental implant with a certain amount of fear or confusion. What exactly does that procedure entail? What might you expect? This article will discuss some of the basics about dental implants. If you are left with more questions after the article, give Golden Smiles Dental in Rancho Cucamonga, CA a call to speak with a dentist who can answer your questions. Call us at (909) 481-8990 to set up an appointment today. The truth about dental implants is that they provide you with much more than a great smile. They can play an integral role in maintaining your oral health. When a tooth is missing, due to decay or loss, dental implants preserve facial structure and prevent the jaw bone from deteriorating. After the loss of a tooth, adjacent teeth can shift and create a gap that becomes a potential breeding ground for bacteria, leading to more infection. Another option to consider is the cost. While the procedure is usually more expensive than a bridge or a crown, however the results are permanent and do not require much maintenance. The implants are anchored directly into the jaw bone, creating a strong foundation for the artificial teeth. This means that the implant will not require additional maintenance or replacement. Other factors to consider is that the fear surrounding getting an implant is the biggest obstacle for many. Really, the procedure is a simple one, with the dentist using an anesthetic during the procedure and most patients feel little to no discomfort. Most patients can use over-the counter medications to manage pain following the procedure. This means that dental implants are not as painful as you might expect. A winning smile may be worth the pain. If a dental implant sounds like a good fit to you, call Golden Smiles Dental in Rancho Cucamonga, CA at (909) 481-8990 a call to speak with a dentist who can answer your questions.
December 14, 2018
How a Dental Implant is Placed and Why You Want One
Choosing to get a dental implant is an important decision. Knowing how the procedure is generally done and what a typical treatment plan entails can help you to make the best decision you can. In brief, the treatment plan involves replacing the tooth roots with a metal post, typically aluminum, that resembles a screw. Attached to that are an abutment and a crown, and it functions essentially as a natural tooth. Dental implants are a great alternative to dentures or bridgework., which may slip or click. There are a number of factors that change how the surgery is performed. These factors include the type of implant that is going to be used, the condition of the jawbone and how much available bone tissue is present and how soft it is. Your doctor will work with you to make a detailed treatment plan that covers all the specific in’s and out’s of your personalized treatment plan. A dental implant is an excellent option for patients that are missing one or more teeth, as well as having the needed amount of bone structure for the implant to be set in. Having healthy oral tissues is a must, as well as a willingness to commit to a potentially multi-month-long process of healing and recovery. However, a dental implant is a lifelong investment, as unlike conventional dentures and bridgework, they do not need to be replaced every five to ten years. There can be no slippage or clicking with a dental implant, as it fuses directly to the jawbone, just like a natural tooth root.Preparing for the Surgery
The entire dental implant surgery process often requires more than one surgical procedures, so a thorough evaluation by your dentist is necessary and required to prepare for the process. This evaluation can include any of the following:- A comprehensive dental exam in which you get x-rays taken and models of your teeth and mouth are made.
- A treatment plan in which all the factors going into your specific treatment is laid out and considered by your dentist.
- Input from dental specialists to assess if a bone graft or other preparatory measures are needed.
How the Surgery is Performed
Typically, a dental implant surgery is an outpatient surgery performed in a few stages. The first step is to remove the damaged tooth or teeth if still present in the jaw. The patient’s jawbone is then made ready for the surgery. This may involve getting a bone graft if the patient’s jaw is too thin, or not hard enough. A bone graft may be necessary because the chewing exerts powerful forces on your jaw and mouth, and if your jaw cannot support the implant, it will very likely fail. A bone graft, generally taken from another part of the body, may require additional months recovery as they wait to have it heal. The next step is to place the metal post of the implant into the jaw. This requires an additional visit if you needed to get a bone graft. Following this is a healing period that may take many months. It is because of this healing period that dental implants are only recommended for patients in good health. The healing process is for the jaw to grow around the implant to secure it into place, just like a natural tooth root is secure in your jaw bone. The length of this process varies depending on the patient. Next, the oral surgeon will place what is called an abutment. An abutment is the part of the implant which allows the crown of your new tooth to be attached to the implant. In some cases, if the jaw is strong enough and the implant is very stable the abutment can be attached at the same time as the implant is placed. Finally, after the soft tissue heals the creation of the new tooth begin after molds of your jaw and teeth are taken. Once the crown is ready, it is placed and now have a brand new tooth! The process takes many months, most of which are devoted to recovery and healing. It is very common to experience significant swelling and discomfort in the area of the surgery. Symptoms can include swelling of the face and of the gum tissue, bruising of the same areas, pain at the implant site, and minor bleeding. Your dentist may prescribe you pain medication to help manage your pain. If the swelling worsens or there is any other problem after the surgery contact your oral surgeon. You may also have to stick with soft foods for a while as your jaw recovers, but the investment is worth it. You now have a new tooth, that can relieve you of all the hassle that comes with dentures and bridgework.Why Do I Want an Implant?
An implant is not like a denture or bridgework. It is a replacement tooth. While the surgery may be involved, the return means a lifetime of use. It will look and function exactly as a natural tooth does, and won’t require special cleaning or often for you to remove it as some denture types require. Practicing good dental hygiene means that your implant will last many decades. Refrain from smoking, which is especially damaging to the mouth, and practice excellent oral hygiene. Use a soft-bristled brush and brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Avoid damaging your teeth by not chewing on hard materials, like ice or hard candy. See your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and your teeth will last a lifetime.
December 1, 2018
What is the Real Cost of a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are the only second best to natural teeth. If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental implant can replace your tooth and preserve your jaw and face, returning your natural smile. Speak with your dentist to determine what treatment plan is best for you, but if you are in good health, have healthy oral tissues and are missing one or multiple teeth, dental implants are a great solution for you. Dental implants offer a permanent solution to missing teeth. permanently to the jaw, protecting your existing teeth, preserving the existing tissue and stimulating more bone growth. They also do not require reducing the amount of healthy tooth on surrounding teeth like how bridgework requires. Despite the potential need for multiple office visits and the sometimes large upfront costs, a dental implant is the best solution to fully replacing one or more missing or lost teeth, as they last for a lifetime, unlike bridges or dentures which often need to be replaced every five to ten years. If your dentures keep slipping, if they click constantly, if they prevent you from speaking like how you used to, if you are embarrassed by having to remove them to clean them, if you are frustrated over having to deal with messy pastes and adhesives, if you are tired of not seeing your natural smile anymore, then consider dental implants. According to WebMd.com, dental implants come with a ninety-eight percent success rate. With proper care of your oral health, an implant can last your lifetime. Because a bridge or denture needs more replacements, it means more visits to the dentist’s office, more dealing with sometimes obstinate insurance, more money spent to upkeep your oral health, and ultimately more headaches and inconveniences. If you ignore a missing tooth for too long it can dramatically change the look of your face. A missing tooth can actually result in bone loss, which will severely impact your bite and can likely causing pain when chewing. It can also result in wearing down and damaging your other healthy teeth. A dental implant is so like a natural tooth that you may even forget it is there. Because it is anchored into the jaw, you won’t experience any slippage during eating or talking, and you’ll never have to remove dentures for cleaning or use adhesives to keep them in place. A dental implant is like having your missing tooth back.What is the process like?
Understanding the process of what a typical placement of a dental implant looks like can help you make a decision if the process is right for you.- The first step is an assessment by your dentist to determine whether or not your jaw has enough bone structure to support the implant. If there is not enough available structure or if your jaw is too soft you may require a bone graft to be performed in order for the site to be strengthened and not fail when the implant is installed.
- A bone graft is a procedure in which some bone tissue is taken from one part of the body and then grafted onto another part of the body. Commonly this area is the hip. This will strengthen the graft site and if this procedure is needed, it will require you spend some months recovering in order to allow for recovery as your jawbone to grow before the implant can be placed.
- The next step is to install the actual implant itself. The implant is a screw-like metal rod, generally made from aluminum. The surgery is an outpatient surgery done with a type of anesthesia. There are a few forms to choose from, such as local, sedation or a general anesthesia. Each one has different recovery times, so be sure to have somebody to take you home so you can spend the day resting.
- After a period of recovery, the abutment will be placed. The abutment is the part of the implant on which the crown will sit. Some cases the abutment can be placed at the same time as the implant.
- Next, you will have to spend several months healing and recovering. In this recovery time, you are getting the bone to grow around the implant to secure in place. This is what gives an implant its longevity and its strength. After the months spent healing, you will have a mold taken of your jaw and mouth and a crown created.
- Congratulations! You have a new tooth!
Let’s talk dollars
Authoritydental.org estimates that a single tooth implant can cost between $1,000 to $3,000, with the abutment and crown adding possibly $500 to $3000 dollars to the total cost of between $1,500 to $6,000 for the restoration of a tooth and the return of your smile. Keep in mind that this is the out-of-pocket price for the treatment plan without the help of implant insurance or dental plans and includes the cost of surgery, and all other associated costs, like consultation and anesthesia. What you actually pay in the end can be higher or lower depending on the exact circumstances and specifics of your treatment plan. While these costs seem high, you should still check with your dentist and your insurance to see what your actual expenses would be, which can significantly reduce the price of the procedure to more manageable levels. Keep in mind that this is a lifetime investment in your oral health, not just a cosmetic desicion. You use your mouth every day to speak with your loved ones, and to eat delicious food and drink. You’re not just paying for a new tooth, but a new ability to enjoy life. When it comes to your overall health, it begins with your mouth. Poor oral health can lead to a whole slew of disease and conditions, so making sure you maintain good oral health is key to living a long and happy life.
November 1, 2018