It would seem that your troubles with chipped teeth and other dental problems would be history once you have dentures. However, there is always the chance for an unexpected dental emergency whether your smile is natural or prosthetic. A chipped denture is not always as tragic as it might first appear, however, it is often an opportunity to explore the latest and greatest solutions for tooth replacement.

Your prosthodontist will certainly need to assess your damaged denture in order to offer the most appropriate repair options. Most dentures are constructed from an acrylic or metal base and fitted with various types of artificial teeth. If a repair is feasible, it is possible to restore the denture’s function and esthetics. The quality of the denture and the severity of the damage will largely influence the chances for a successful repair. 

The fit of the denture may also have contributed to the damage. Does your denture stay in place throughout the day? Perhaps it fits loosely or falls out accidently. The impact of a fall to the floor or in the sink can weaken and eventually break your false teeth.

If the denture cannot be repaired, or if the original denture was lacking in fit and performance, you may want to consider custom dentures. By fabricating a new denture, your prosthodontist can offer a snuggly-fitting replacement that is made from the best available materials. There is an opportunity to add lifelike details to the prosthetic teeth and gums when you enter the realm of custom prosthodontics.

For the ultimate in stability and security, your custom denture can even be fitted to communicate with dental implants. Your artificial teeth can be made to attach to a series of dental implants for a strong removable or permanent solution. This new, secure fit can eliminate the risk of your teeth falling out or requiring gummy adhesives.

If you have chipped your denture, never compromise your health by using Superglue, and don’t inconvenience yourself by attempting to live with damaged teeth. Contact our experienced team of prosthodontists today to discuss your options.

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For people who tend to be anxious about any type of dental treatment, the prospect of an initial consultation with a prosthodontist may prompt some worries. The good news is that your first appointment primarily involves an examination and generally does not entail any invasive procedures.

A prosthodontist offers a number of different treatments designed to restore a beautiful smile to patients who have been affected by issues like tooth loss, advanced decay or gum disease, or facial trauma.

Patients who are considering dentures or dental implants often consult with a prosthodontist, and it helps to be prepared for your first appointment so that you can have a good start to your treatment plan.

At that first appointment, the prosthodontist will visually examine your teeth, soft tissues and facial structures. The prosthodontist may also want to take x-rays or impressions to further inform the recommended course of treatment. You will also be asked about your smile goals.

If you are coming to our office for a second opinion and have already undergone such a diagnostic exam and imaging at another practice, it will be helpful for you to bring those records to your consultation with our prosthodontist.

All of this information that the prosthodontist gathers at the consultation is then used to shape your treatment plan. The prosthodontist will follow-up with you initially by mail, and then a second consultation may be scheduled to discuss the proposed interventions and estimated costs in greater detail.

Some patients may need to see an oral surgeon in conjunction with the prosthodontist. If this is true in your case, the prosthodontist can initiate a referral for you. You should plan to meet with the oral surgeon early in your treatment timeline to avoid any delay or disruption to your care. For patients with particularly complex cases, other specialists may be recommended as well.

Your initial prosthodontics consultation will ultimately result in a more attractive smile. Being prepared for this important appointment will help you take a big first step toward achieving your desired treatment outcomes.

For more information about what you can expect at the office of Drs. Buskin and Castellon, call our caring staff at 972-503-7200 to schedule an appointment.

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Many people are dissatisfied with the appearance of their natural teeth, but fortunately a cosmetic dentist has a variety of treatment options that can significantly enhance aesthetics.

One such device is the veneer, which is a thin, tooth-shaped layer of porcelain that is bonded on top of a natural tooth to improve upon its shape or color. The porcelain used in veneers has optical qualities quite similar to biological tooth enamel, so these devices are quite lifelike in appearance. Furthermore, they can be custom-designed to match the shade of your natural teeth.

Veneers are particularly useful in cases of narrow smiles, with undersized teeth that either appear to be too short or too thin. A cosmetic dentist can use veneers to bring your teeth into the proper proportions. 

The process of getting veneers is rather simple, and you’ll see results in a matter of weeks. At your initial planning appointment, the dentist will take impressions of your tooth that will be used to design the veneers, which are then created in a dental lab. Depending on the thickness of the veneer, your teeth may also need to be prepped. That is, the dentist may need to remove a thin layer of enamel to accommodate the veneer so that it does not protrude from the rest of the smile.

When the veneers are ready, you will have a second appointment at which the dentist can make any further desired adjustments to their shade and shape. When you are satisfied with the veneers, they will be attached to your teeth using a strong dental bonding material.

Porcelain veneers are also appropriate to address other flaws in your smile, such as stains or chips or even slightly misaligned teeth. As long as you take good care of them and follow your dentist’s instructions, your veneers should last for several years, up to a decade or so.

If you long to flash a broad, beautiful smile, consider the benefits of veneers. Schedule a consultation with our team of cosmetic dentists to learn more about this treatment option.

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One of a range of available cosmetic dentistry treatments available, porcelain veneers can deliver a stunning finish to any smile. Veneers can be used to treat a range of aesthetic dental issues, helping to restore the natural brilliance of a patient’s smile, and yet are highly versatile and durable.

The process of porcelain veneers involves the cosmetic dentist removing a small amount of available tooth enamel. The dentist takes a series of impressions which are then sent to a dental lab where the veneers are manufactured. Upon return, the dentist then cements the veneers into place.

The treatment is suitable for a wide range of aesthetic issues, from straightening crooked teeth to concealing damaged or badly stained teeth. The veneers can even be shaded to best match the remaining teeth in order to provide a natural appearance, and as the underlying tooth provides support to the veneer, the treatment also provides a long-lasting, durable solution.

That is not to say veneers are impervious to damage; they are not. The porcelain used is wafer thin and can be chipped and damaged in the same way as a normal tooth. The best course of action when it comes to caring for veneers is to remember that anything which could damage the enamel of a natural tooth could well damage the porcelain in veneers, and so certain actions such as biting on fingernails, biting hard on solid foods such as hard candies or to leverage certain items should be avoided.

Dietary changes, such as a reduction in sugary, dark colored drinks can also help to prolong the appearance of veneers by avoiding staining and reducing the production of plaque acids. Wearing a night guard over the teeth, especially if the patient is prone to bruxism at night, can also help to extend the life of veneers.

With good care, veneers can last for a long time. Well-fitted veneers should have little to fear from normal day-to-day use, and regular dental checkups with a cosmetic dentist will ensure veneers remain in good condition. A good dental health program involving brushing with a soft brush and using dental floss can also help to maintain the appearance of veneers, while preventing plaque from affecting the underlying tooth, which in turn can compromise the stability of the veneers.

Contact the office of Drs. Buskin and Castellon at 972-503-7200 to learn how you can benefit from veneers.

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Dental implants are a popular method of tooth restoration which carries a number of benefits to patients. The treatment involves a prosthodontist placing small titanium rods into the patient’s gum tissue where a tooth has been lost, where it bonds with the natural jawbone in a process called osseointegration.

This process affords the dental implant greater strength than in other treatments, where the tooth replacement is supported by other teeth. This is because the titanium effectively acts as the tooth’s root, helping to stimulate the continued health and growth of jawbone and gum tissue. The treatment is completed with a porcelain crown that the prosthodontist can shape and shade to blend seamlessly with existing teeth, to give a natural finish.

Of course, like all medical procedures, the chances of success of dental implant treatment can be compromised by several factors. These factors can include, amongst others:

• A lack of good quality jawbone in which to place the dental implants, which might lead to bone grafts being required. A bone graft can increase the chances of failure of successful osseointegration.
• Smoking tobacco, which can slow down and hinder the process of osseointegration, meaning the titanium may not fully or properly bond with the jawbone.
• Gritting and grinding teeth can cause the implant to shift away from the jawbone.

To improve the chances of successful dental implant recovery, the dentist will recommend a series of steps to take in order to ensure the best possible outcome. These steps will include a dental hygiene program comprising of regular brushing and flossing, and dental checkups.

In addition, the dentist may recommend that the patient avoid overloading or placing excessive force on the implant area during the healing process. This may require some dietary changes, such as avoiding hard, crunchy foods for a time afterwards.

The success rate of dental implants is typically very high, with only a small chance of failure, and most patients suffer no issues following treatment. If cared for properly, and in accordance with your prosthodontist’s advice, dental implants can last a lifetime.

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Dentures are used to replace teeth that have been lost to trauma, disease or decay. There are partial dentures that can replace one or two teeth and full dentures to replace the entire arch.

When dentures are placed, great care is taken to provide the optimal fit and aesthetic appearance that is possible. But over time, even the best fitting denture can feel loose or not the same as it did initially. This can happen for many reasons.

When teeth are lost, bone in gum tissue starts to deteriorate allowing gum tissue to shrink. This will alter how a denture fits and feels. A reline allows the prosthodontist, which is a dentist specifically trained in replacing lost teeth, to remove the material that keeps the denture fitting snugly and replace it to fit changed gum formation.

Changes in body weight, either in loss or gain, can make dentures fit differently. Mouth sores may develop due to ill-fitting dentures, so any change in how a denture feels should be investigated. For persistent sores, a material that contains medication can be used to help heal stubborn areas of concern.

A denture is a wonderful solution to supplant tooth loss, but is subject to a lot of wear and tear throughout the course of a day. The teeth in a denture are very strong, but the material that fits closely to the gums and mouth tissue is made for optimal comfort and may need to be replaced.

It is not uncommon that a denture may require relining every three to five years. By relining the denture, the life of a denture can be extended indefinitely. Many patients may not even realize that their denture can feel and look better with relining, but with regular visits to the dentist the patient can receive professional guidance in determining when it is time for a reline.

But in between those dental visits, any change in how the denture feels is a sign that should not be ignored. Although there are pastes and aids that can help a loose denture feel more secure, your dentist can provide a more permanent and satisfactory solution.

Caring for a denture is important for extending its life. Never boil or microwave a denture to clean or disinfect it. There are denture soaks available that will help keep dentures looking their best. For more information on dentures and denture care, contact our skilled dental team today.

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The purpose of a dental crown is to salvage a tooth. A tooth that has broken, required endodontic therapy, has experienced excessive decay … all of these situations can benefit from a crown. Your cosmetic dentist will determine the best type of material for your crown based on the location of the tooth to be saved.

For a back tooth that must withstand much of the pressure from chewing, a stronger material like metal may be the best option. For a tooth located in the smile line, a porcelain crown may be recommended. Whichever material is selected for your dental crown, the bottom line is that your tooth has been saved which is the ultimate goal.

Once the permanent dental crown has been cemented into place, there are virtually no restrictions on diet with a very few exceptions. Sticky foods like caramel can loosen a crown, and if that should happen it is important to rescue the crown if it is dislodged so the dentist can re-cement it into place.

Any foods that cause discomfort while chewing should be avoided or should be few and far between. A properly fitting dental crown should feel and act much like the natural tooth it protects. Initially, there might be a period of adjustment, for example, if the crown doesn’t feel right, your cosmetic dentist can make the necessary adjustments to correct.

Sensitivity might be experienced briefly, but that should be temporary. Persistent sensitivity should be discussed with the dentist.

Decay can still occur beneath the crown, so limiting excessive sugary snacks and beverages is advised.

Many patients will try to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where a crown has been placed. Learning to chew on both sides might take a little practice, but you will soon realize the dental crown performs as well as the tooth it covers once did.

Caring for a dental crown involves the same hygiene regimen employed for all natural teeth. Brushing at least twice per day and daily flossing will help keep teeth and gum tissue healthy. Your dentist can demonstrate the best way to floss with a dental crown in place.

Seeing your dental provider twice per year for a professional cleaning and exam will help keep your natural teeth healthy and hopefully prevent the need for additional dental crowns. If you are in need of a dental crown, contact the office of Drs. Buskin and Castellon at 972-503-7200 to schedule an appointment.

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Patients who wear standard dentures often express frustration with the appliances’ lack of comfort and fit. Those who may be facing dentures may have concerns about those same factors.

Did you know that you don’t have to settle for uncertainty with your dentures anymore? Modern dental technology offers a better method to secure dentures than unpleasant adhesives that are sometimes ineffective.

Dental implants can be used to anchor a prosthetic arch of teeth and hold it in place. Implant dentures are more stable and durable than traditional dentures.

When a prosthodontist places dental implants in the jaw, those implants osseointegrate over the next several months as the patient heals from the surgery. The denture is specially designed with holes at the precise sites of the implants to allow the denture to slide over the implants.

In some cases, patients may be able to get the prosthetic arch on the day of the dental implant surgery.

Implant dentures offer a sense of security in many ways. The implants hold the jawbone in place, preventing the change in its shape that leads standard dentures to lose their fit over time.

Patients who choose implant dentures don’t have to worry that the denture will slide out of place at an inopportune time. They also don’t have to fear that their dentures will fail them at mealtime or avoid -their favorite foods because of the dentures.

Bone loss is one potential concern for patients who have worn conventional dentures for many years. Significant bone loss can present problems for dental implant placement. The patient must have adequate bone material to support the osseointegration process.

Even long-term denture wearers may still be candidates for implant dentures, though. Supplementary procedures such as bone grafts, or specialized techniques like All-on-4 implants, can still put implant dentures within reach of patients who have already lost an extensive amount of bone from the jaw.

Are you looking for a better solution than standard dentures? Consider implant dentures and schedule an evaluation with the office of Drs. Buskin and Castellon to see if this treatment option is appropriate for your case.

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Patients with some type of damage to their teeth or tooth loss may want to consult with a prosthodontist to learn more about their treatment options.

Prosthodontists specialize in various types of dental restorations to address damaged or missing teeth. Their interventions can be essential in preserving or improving a smile’s appearance.

A prosthodontist may rely on any number of treatments when working with different patient cases.

Dental veneers are often used to improve upon the appearance of teeth that are misshapen, cracked, stained or chipped. Veneers are thin tooth-shaped layers of porcelain that are bonded on top of the natural tooth, after a small amount of enamel has been removed to accommodate the veneers. 

A tooth that has more extensive structural damage may require a dental crown for stability and longevity, in addition to aesthetic concerns.

Many patients who have lost all of their teeth can visit a prosthodontist to be fitted for dentures. Some patients have qualms about getting dentures, but modern materials have improved dramatically on the appearance of dentures, and they can be crafted to meet a patient’s unique specifications for a more comfortable fit.

Now, an increasing number of patients are turning to dental implants in cases of tooth loss. Prosthodontists can also place these titanium implants, which fuse with the jaw, in a surgical procedure and design the prosthetic crown that the implant will hold in place.

Dental implants can even be used to stabilize and secure dentures. Implant dentures are particularly appealing to patients who want to know that they can rely on their dentures to stay in place at all times.

Prosthodontists also may be involved in treatments for other issues, such as restoring the maxillofacial structures of head and neck cancer patients or attempting to alleviate symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorders.

After graduating from dental school, prosthodontists complete a residency in their specialty. This additional education gives them valuable experience with a wide variety of treatments and patient cases.

To achieve a more attractive smile, consider scheduling an appointment with either of our experienced specialists in prosthodontics to learn more about what the specialty can do and how those interventions might benefit you.

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Asking yourself daily how happy you would be if you could just change the appearance of your teeth has a major flaw … you should be asking your dentist, not questioning yourself. A consultation with your cosmetic dentist will likely reveal many options available, among them being veneers.

Dental veneers are the answer to multiple dental imperfections:

• Dull or stained teeth – This can occur due to medications taken, lifestyle, age, or wear and tear.

• Chipped teeth – Chips in dental enamel are easily resolved.

• Spaces between teeth – Can disappear without years of treatment with orthodontics.

• Misaligned or uneven teeth – Can be made to appear straight and uniform.

Veneers are wafer thin shells that are fabricated to correct many of these situations. Your cosmetic dentist will take dental impressions and work to handcraft the precise contour and color needed to provide a perfect match to surrounding teeth.

To place veneers, a very small amount of the tooth’s enamel is removed to give the veneer the most natural appearance possible. The minimal amount of natural tooth removed makes dental veneers the least invasive cosmetic procedure available with the biggest impact.

In a couple visits, intrinsic stains from medication or over-fluoridation are gone. If only a couple of teeth have been affected, that’s OK. Veneers are applied to only the teeth that need repair.

Spaces between teeth or the need to make teeth more uniform in size is easily attainable with veneers. Permanently cementing the veneers over the front of teeth affected provides a natural appearance with the added benefit of providing strength to the treated teeth.

Caring for your new veneers is as easy as daily brushing, flossing and seeing your dental provider twice per year for those important cleanings and check-ups to make sure your teeth and veneers are healthy.  Adding veneers to teeth does provide strength to treated teeth; however, veneers must not be abused by biting into hard items such as ice, hard candy, or even healthy foods like carrots. These are not off limits, but avoiding using teeth treated with veneers to open packages, chew fingernails, and bite directly onto hard objects is critical to maintaining the life of the veneers.

A couple of dental visits later your worn, dull smile is replaced by a stunning “Hollywood” smile thanks to the skills of your cosmetic dentist and dental veneers. For more information on porcelain veneers, call the office of Drs. Buskin and Castellon at 972-503-7200 to make an appointment today.

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