When you are missing multiple teeth many aspects of your life are affected. Your nutrition may suffer because you’re not able to properly chew your food, making digestion a challenge. Your self-esteem may suffer because you feel self-conscious about talking or smiling in front of other people. Your oral health suffers when you begin to experience bone or additional tooth loss due to missing teeth. Dentures are one of the options for replacing missing teeth, but how do they stay in place? Your Arnold dentist explains more about dentures.

A denture is a removable appliance typically made of acrylic with prosthetic teeth, designed to replace an entire arch of teeth. The secret to the success of dentures is a perfect fit. Traditional dentures stay in place through suction to your underlying gum tissue and bone. A dental adhesive can sometimes be used if there’s not enough support from your jawbone.

Your dentures can easily be removed for cleaning and sleeping, and you should go into your dentist periodically to have them checked and ensure a proper fit.

While dentures immediately restore form and function to your smile, there is a learning curve at first as you’re getting used to your dentures. Eating and talking can take some getting used to, and some patients have trouble with slippage while they’re chewing at first. You may need to visit your dentist for some alignment appointments.

For those patients who desire a more secure fit from their dentures, dental implants can be used to support them. Two implants are placed on your upper arch and two on your lower arch. After the appropriate healing time your implants will be strong enough for your dentures to “snap” into them, making movement or slippage a thing of the past!

Implant supported dentures can still be removed for regular cleaning and you should still have regular dental check ups to ensure the health and success of your implants. Many patients enjoy the freedom that implant supported dentures offer.

At JL Dental, Dr. Jonathon Mears and Dr. Laura Mears have been helping patients restore missing teeth with dentures in Arnold, MO for many years now. If implant supported dentures are your choice, these highly skilled dentists are both able to surgically place and restore dental implants so there is no reason for you to go anywhere else for treatment. If you’re missing multiple teeth, contact the team at JL Dental to learn which options might be available for you.

Now is the right time to get your teeth straightened by your Arnold, MO orthodontist. At JL Dental, Drs. JonathanandLauraMears see patients of all ages who desire healthier, more attractive smiles.

Dentistry and oral health online magazine, “Dear Doctor,” estimates that 20 percent of American orthodontic patients are of non-traditional age. In other words, a new wave of adult patients has cropped up. Why should adults get Arnold, MO braces?

The more appropriate question may be, “Why not get braces as an adult?” And, the answer is simple. Adults need orthodontic correction for the same reasons children and teens do:

Crooked, crowded teeth are notorious for developing extensive dental decay and gum disease. While people desiring braces must have active gum disease treated before braces or aligners are applied, they definitely experience far less gingivitis or periodontitis when their smiles are finally corrected.

Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears offer traditional metal bracket and wire braces for the most complex orthodontic issues.  They also offer American-made Clear Correctaligners. Great for mild to moderate tooth alignment problems, Clear Correct aligners move teeth into more favorable positions without the hygiene, aesthetic or dietary problems metal braces cause.

Clear Correct aligners look like professional whitening trays. They are incredibly clear and thin–practically unnoticeable when the patient smiles, laughs or talks.

Customized according to Dr. Mears’ specific instructions and a special 3-dimensional model of the patient’s mouth, the aligners fit tightly over the top and bottom teeth. Worn about 22 hours a day, the appliances move teeth into healthier, better-looking positions. Delivered in pairs, the aligners straighten teeth comfortably and quickly–in less time than traditional braces.

Clear Correct appliances are fully removable, too. Patients take them out to eat and to perform routine brushing and flossing. There are no dietary restrictions or complex hygiene routines to follow. Patients simply enjoy the healthy foods they always have and use fluoride toothpaste and floss as usual. Plus, they can take the aligners out for special occasions such as professional presentations and weddings.

 

Yes, older teens and adults can enjoy the benefits of orthodontics from JL Dental in Arnold, MO. Braces and aligners move teeth–no matter the age of the patient. Of course, the sooner you get them, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, healthy smile.

Contact JL Dental to set-up your own orthodontic evaluation. The doctors will tell you how adult braces in Arnold, MO can help your smile and confidence, too.