Man grinning while holding a phone.

If you have more than just a few teeth that require attention, full-mouth reconstruction may be your solution to a healthier, more attractive smile.

What Is FullMouth Reconstruction?

This type of reconstruction involves rebuilding, replacing, or improving the appearance of all of a patient’s teeth. A dental makeover works by combining restorative dentistry’s scientific qualities with aesthetics. The purpose of such a procedure is to improve your mouth’s beauty, function, and overall health.

Candidates for FullMouth Reconstruction

You are an excellent candidate for this type of makeover if improving both the aesthetics and the function of your teeth is important. 

For instance, you might benefit from reconstruction if you are missing several teeth. Likewise, you can take advantage of this if your fillings are failing in several teeth or if several teeth are showing signs of decay. You’re also an excellent candidate for this type of reconstruction if you have broken teeth or need extensive restoration due to another health condition.

FullMouth Reconstruction Treatment Options

A dental makeover can take many forms. It’s important to discuss your options with a qualified cosmetic dentist to determine the plan that best fits your needs.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used to replace teeth that are missing. Implants are effective in that they heal into the jawbone over the span of several months without compromising the teeth surrounding them. They also enhance your teeth’s function, allowing you to chew and eat just as you would with natural teeth.

You can use an implant to replace a single tooth, or you can use several implants to support implant dentures if you are missing all of your teeth.

Teeth Whitening

As you age, your teeth naturally become yellower and duller. If you smoke or consume soda and coffee frequently, this may speed up your yellowing or staining process. To fully restore your teeth’s white color, consider undergoing a whitening treatment.

This procedure can be performed in the dental office in less than an hour. You can also take advantage of professional-strength whitening options that are designed to be used at home. Either option can be helpful for restoring your teeth.

Veneers

Veneers are also an effective and popular full-mouth reconstruction option. By placing these thin porcelain shells directly onto your natural teeth, you can conceal imperfections as well as chips and cracks. 

Veneers provide the uniform color you need to sport a healthier and younger-looking smile without drastically alternating the tooth structure underneath them.

An up-close view of a man’s teeth

Dental Bonding

This dental makeover option involves applying a composite resin that mimics your natural tooth color to any tooth with an imperfection. During this procedure, your dentist will shape and polish the resin. Then, the dentist will apply a light designed to harden the material and bond it to your tooth.

Dental bonding is an excellent option for correcting minor dental problems ranging from cracked or chipped teeth to gapped teeth, teeth that are irregularly shaped, or receding gums.

Dental Crowns and Bridges

Tooth-shaped caps known as crowns are components of a dental bridge, a type of restoration used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. The teeth on both sides of the tooth you’re replacing have to be prepared to receive the crowns. 

Crowns and bridges are excellent full-mouth reconstruction treatment options due to their cosmetic and restorative functions. They can immediately improve your smile while also making it easier to chew food. Crowns are frequently applied to the molar teeth, although they can also be used to replace front teeth.

Consider undergoing a crown or bridge procedure if you have chipped your tooth. Your dentist may also recommend either of these options if you have recently undergone root canal treatment, if your tooth contains a sizable filling, or if your tooth is significantly decayed.

A technician working on dental crowns

Dentures and Partials

These dental makeover treatments are recommended for replacing entire arches of teeth that are missing. A partial may be all you need if you still have the majority of your natural teeth. Meanwhile, a custom-fit full denture is recommended if most or all of your teeth are missing. 

Orthodontic Treatment 

Finally, consider orthodontic treatment if you would like to straighten your teeth. This full-mouth reconstruction option is particularly convenient if you use clear aligners, like those from SureSmile. The aligners will easily fit over your teeth and move them gradually into the right position.

Take Advantage of FullMouth Reconstruction with Definitive Dental Today

Definitive Dental takes your smile to new heights with full-mouth reconstruction and other restorative and cosmetic dental procedures. With consistent five-star reviews in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we deliver dentistry done right. We’ve earned our excellent reputation by genuinely listening to our patients and offering our range of treatments to help them to maximize their health.

We especially pride ourselves on our Profound Numbing assurance, where we guarantee that you will experience pain-free treatment every time. If you ever begin to feel pain during your procedure, we will stop and immediately apply more anesthetic.

Schedule an appointment by calling or texting the office at (972) 646-0660. Alternatively, you can reach out via our contact form. We usually call back within a few hours.

Make an appointment today with us to discuss all of your makeover options and enjoy your smile for years to come.

A woman cleans her teeth with a floss pick.

You scrub those pearly whites with your toothbrush, then perform a check with your tongue to make sure that they are smooth as silk.

Yep. Squeaky clean.

Now you’re ready to rush off to bed to get those zzzzz’s, right? 

Not so fast. You missed a step: flossing. 

Flossing your teeth each day removes debris, food particles, and plaque that toothbrushing alone cannot reach. This will help you to keep your gums and teeth healthy long-term. The problem is that it can be difficult to know how to floss teeth properly.

Here’s a rundown on everything you need to know about flossing teeth.

Flossing Can Be Hard

Everyone generally knows you’re “supposed to” floss. But most people don’t floss—or if they do, they do it incorrectly, as the proper technique features multiple steps and therefore can be hard to master at first. 

Fortunately, even though flossing can certainly be tricky starting out, it becomes easier the more you practice it. Once you learn how to properly hold your floss and clean your teeth with it, you can put yourself in the best position to maintain a healthy mouth.  

floss container on a gray surface

How to Floss Your Teeth Correctly

Plan to floss once a day or more. When it’s time to floss, break off a piece of dental floss that is between 18 inches and 24 inches in length. Too short of a strand will be hard to grip. In addition, you will need to use fresh sections of floss whenever you decide to switch teeth. The longer your floss is, the easier this process will be for you.

Hand Positioning

The next step in mastering how to floss teeth correctly is to wrap the floss’s ends around the middle fingers. Begin with one hand, and then, wrap the floss around the middle finger of the other hand. You should wrap the floss several times until it is taut when you pull it.

Afterward, hold a floss section spanning one inch to three inches between the forefingers and thumbs. Use the forefinger and thumb on each of your hands to hold your floss. Then, create a one-inch to three-inch space between the hands. You will use this section of your floss to clean your teeth. As you floss your teeth, your fingers should move along your floss to set apart a fresh area for flossing.

How to Floss the Teeth

Once your fingers are in the right positions, you’re ready to floss. Begin with the top and center of your mouth, and then, floss your teeth on each side. Try to begin with either the right side or the left side first each time—in other words, develop a habit—so that you do not miss any areas of the mouth.

During the flossing process, you’ll need to slide your floss between the teeth as close to the gum as possible. Be gentle as you work your floss between the teeth using a rocking motion. Then, slide the floss slowly below the gums.

Another important step is to curve your floss so that it forms a “C” shape around each tooth. Then, work your floss down and up the tooth. This process is essential for getting each side of every tooth clean.

As a general rule of thumb, you should make between eight and 10 strokes on one side of a tooth with the floss before switching to the other side. This will ensure that all plaque or debris that is stuck between the teeth is removed.

While you’re learning how to floss teeth properly, don’t forget to floss the back parts of your molars in the rear of your mouth. Simply loop your floss around these molars and work it against them to remove all debris.

What Flossing Prevents

Learning how to floss teeth is critical for preventing tooth decay and gum disease. These problems are especially common on your back teeth as they are more difficult to reach with a toothbrush. So, it’s paramount that you floss your back teeth as completely as possible.

Note that you might experience a little bleeding in the gums as you get started with the flossing process. Don’t worry—this is completely normal. The bleeding should dissipate within a handful of days.

While this little bit of pain may seem inconvenient, remind yourself that flossing is well worth the trouble. If you don’t floss, you may end up developing gingivitis (a milder form of gum disease) and eventually periodontal disease (a more severe form of gum disease). In this scenario, tooth extraction, also known as tooth removal, might be unavoidable. 

In addition, failing to floss may make you more prone to developing cavities. This will require the removal of your decay followed by dental fillings in the impacted teeth. If you experience pain or bleeding more than three to five days after starting a new flossing routine, contact your dentist for a checkup.

Getting into a Good Habit When Flossing

Try to floss each day before you hit the sack at night. Flossing at night will help to prevent plaque and food particles from sitting on your teeth all night long.

Also, if you ever get food particles caught between your teeth during the day, feel free to floss your teeth at those times as well.

You can also floss before you brush if you wish. This can be helpful in that you’ll be scrubbing away the plaque and food you dislodged with the floss. This translates to potentially cleaner teeth.

In addition to brushing and flossing, try to use water or a mouthwash to rinse out your mouth. This will furthermore help to remove stray particles remaining in the mouth. Plus, it will give the mouth a clean, fresh feeling. 

Chlorhexidine mouthwash in particular is great at destroying virtually all traces of bacteria. It also creates a strong protective barrier for your flossed teeth and gums. Fluoridated mouthwash also provides extra cavity protection.

A toothbrush with floss on a white surface

Protect Your Dental Health with Definitive Dental

Definitive Dental is proud to be a full-service dental practice serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. In addition to showing you how to floss, we provide a full range of dental treatments including:

We stand out for using only the latest advances in technology. We have also developed a reputation for offering a clean office and a consistently caring, friendly staff. We genuinely listen to our patients as we seek to guide them to complete oral health for years to come.

Book your next dental appointment with us by calling us today at (972) 646-0660, or reach out via contact form to request an appointment.

Close up of a dental implant

Do you frequently have the urge to hide your mouth from others? Do you often feel embarrassed about your “hockey smile?” Don’t worry! If you’re looking at how to replace missing teeth, know that there are several high-quality options that can restore your beautiful smile. If your smile is suffering from missing teeth, find an option that caters to you and reclaims your confidence. 

The Reality of That “Hockey Smile”

Woman holding broom upside down and hiding her teeth

If you or a loved one is missing a tooth or several, it’s okay! And you’re not alone. Dr. Guirguis estimates that one in every three people in the US is missing at least one tooth, and a quarter of those over 75 years of age have no teeth left at all. Besides the obvious concerns that come from having to live with holes in your smile, it’s important to realize that people without teeth live on average 10 years less. Many people suffer from a sagging face because of missing teeth, so you could even say that it affects more than just your smile. Other consequences or difficulties include problems with speech, eating, and even digestion.

It’s clear that this is a common problem, and luckily there are a variety of ways to replace missing teeth. Let’s explore some of the possibilities and when they work the best. 

Leave the Hole Empty

The first option when it comes to missing teeth is just to do nothing. Rather than finding some teeth covers or another similar solution to fill the empty gap, people can choose to leave the gap in their mouth empty. However, this method is not ideal for your oral health and can even impact your self-esteem. Even though you might be able to get by for a while by doing nothing, it can soon lead to other problems. 

Leaving that space in the mouth, especially over longer periods, causes teeth around the space to tip and shift. When teeth move around like this, it makes it increasingly likely for one missing tooth to become multiple missing teeth. Plus, having a missing tooth or two on one side of the mouth generally leads to chewing on the other side exclusively, causing accelerated wear and tear on that section as well. And, if that wasn’t enough, it can also change the profile of your face. Face sagging from missing teeth can also make you look older. Leaving the holes empty in the mouth is a bad idea, especially in the long term. 

A Single Missing Tooth: The Ideal Solution

So if you shouldn’t leave the gap empty, how should you replace missing teeth? It all depends on how many teeth need to be replaced. A single missing tooth would ideally be replaced with a dental implant. This is the closest replacement, both in appearance and feel, to a natural tooth. Plus, this option doesn’t affect the surrounding teeth in the way that some of the other options may. 

Unlike a bridge or a partial denture, dental implants are independent, which means that they don’t compromise surrounding teeth. Made of titanium, implants act as both the roots and crown of a natural tooth. Through the osseointegration process, an implant will integrate into the bone, eventually helping not just with the appearance but also in fulfilling the function of a natural tooth. 

How to Know if An Implant is Right for You

Because implants need solid and healthy bone structures in the mouth, they are not always possible as options for missing teeth. You will need a dentist’s approval to get an implant. Your dentist will be able to determine if an implant is right for you, as in most cases, it is considered the last option.

Here at Definitive Dental, this process is simple and effective for each of our patients. We create a customized plan to determine the optimal teeth covers for missing teeth in each person’s unique circumstances. With 3D scans, we carefully evaluate the height, width, and even the density of the hole in the mouth. From there, we can see if we would recommend an implant based on the bone structure and size of the hole in the mouth. You may be recommended another option if our dentist determines that an implant may not improve your oral health or smile.

Another Possibility: Getting A Bridge

If an implant doesn’t seem to be the best solution for the gap in your mouth, getting a bridge is another option for missing teeth. With a bridge, you get a permanent fixture that doesn’t necessarily require the adjacent teeth for support. This bridge is essentially three dental crowns put together with a false tooth fused in the middle. 

A bridge can be a good option if there is not enough bone for an implant, which can happen if a tooth has been missing for several years. In some cases, we can use two implants to connect a bridge, essentially replacing three. When you’re looking at how to replace missing teeth, there are other options that are removable, unlike a bridge. Our flexible solutions can create personalized smiles. 

Choosing a Partial Denture

A partial denture is also a great option, especially if the missing teeth are spread across both sides of the mouth. Partial dentures typically have a metal frame and clasps for strength but can also be made of flexible plastic. At Definitive Dental, we recommend using a metal frame, as they can be easily tightened or loosened. This feature allows more teeth to be easily added if more gaps occur. So adjustments can be made without having to remake the entire denture. 

For a single missing tooth, a small, one-tooth partial denture can be fitted. This is the least expensive option for missing teeth if you don’t mind having something that comes in and out of your mouth. Just be careful not to lose your partial denture or accidentally throw it away. It would be best to get a storage container for times when you’re not using it or when you’re taking it off for the day. 

Considering Complete Dentures for Multiple Missing Teeth

An older man puts in his complete dentures

Finally, if you are missing all of your teeth in an arch, a complete denture is the option for missing teeth that will allow you to eat and smile. Most people are just fine with the complete upper denture, but a complete lower denture can take some getting used to and there will be an adjustment period. 

For that reason, we recommend an implant retained denture if a complete lower denture is needed. When you add implants to the denture, you gain a lot of stability. This option for missing teeth is supportive, making the transition easier than other types of dentures. This works so well that, in some cases, people do not ever need to remove the denture if it is supported by implants. While this option is, of course, more expensive, it may work better for your lifestyle and needs. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to thoroughly discuss this option and know if it will work for you.

Let Us Take Your Smile to New Heights

Don’t get overwhelmed with all the different options for missing teeth. When you’re determined to find out how to replace missing teeth, this can seem like a lot of information to process immediately. But, at Definitive Dental, we’re known for Dentistry Done Right. So we are here to help you understand which solution for missing teeth will be ideal for your oral health, lifestyle, and smile. With the right information, we can help you evaluate different options and how they will work for you. Personalized care from our dedicated dentistry team will help you build confidence in your smile and help you on your journey to better oral health.

Ready for the first step of loving your smile again? Schedule an appointment or reach out today to get started with your journey in evaluating and fixing your missing teeth. We’ll get back in touch soon to work on your personalized plan. Say goodbye to your face sagging from missing teeth. No need to hide your smile because of holes or gaps anymore! We can’t wait to help you Take Your Smile to New Heights.

happy woman waking up after a good night's rest

If you wake up with sore jaws in the morning, it’s very possible that you’re grinding your teeth at night. While most people who grind their teeth are unaware that they’re doing it, there are a few ways to find out if you do, as well as, prevent it from damaging your teeth. Let’s take a look at what your teeth have to do with sore jaws and solutions to the problem.

Do You Grind Your Teeth?

If you grind your teeth, you may have an idea that you’re doing it or you may not. While the action of grinding your teeth at night is involuntary, the symptoms may cause you to wake up feeling tired, painful, and worried. 

Here are a few different ways you can confirm if you grind your teeth or not:

  • Ask a friend – If you have a significant other, sibling, or roommate you share a room with, you can ask them to monitor you and let you know if you have been grinding your teeth.
man snoring in bed with frustrated woman
  • Observe yourself – Most people who grind their teeth wake up with teeth grinding headaches and sore jaws in the morning.
  • Flattened teeth – Over time, grinding your teeth can lead to flattened cusps on your canines, followed by flat rear teeth with pits. These pits can trap small seeds or other food in the mouth.
  • Chipped teeth – Grinding teeth at night can lead to chipped teeth, especially chipped front teeth.
  • Tooth sensitivity – Teeth grinding can also lead to tooth sensitivity, which is especially noticeable when no other cavities or causes are present.
  • Worn out retainers – If you wear retainers during bedtime and you notice scratches on them, this may be a result of teeth grinding.

Common Causes

Let’s take a look at a few of the most common causes for grinding teeth at night:

  • Stress – If you’re going through a major change in life or operating on burnt fumes, this may be the cause of your teeth grinding and teeth grinding headaches. As much as possible, try to completely relax and unwind before bed. Take a bubble bath, read a book, meditate, pray, or do whatever you need to release the tensions of the day. Try not to think about the potential stress of tomorrow. Focus on releasing the current stress of today and giving your body, mind, and soul a chance to refuel and recharge. 
  • Daytime clenching – Sometimes clenching your teeth and jaw during the day can also mean that you grind your teeth at night. 
  • Poor quality sleep – Sleeping should be restful and rejuvenating. If you suffer from poor quality sleep and severe snoring, you may grind your teeth. In the case of daytime clenching, snoring, and sleep that is not restful, you may be suffering from a bigger issue like sleep apnea. 

Solutions

There is no need to continue to suffer from teeth grinding headaches and other uncomfortable symptoms of grinding teeth at night, there are solutions. Let’s take a look at some of the tips you can try to resolve the problem:

  • Lowering stress levels – We know lowering stress levels may be easier said than done. However, if you take just a few small steps a day, it will eventually add up. You can try lowering stress levels by going to bed at a decent time, eating nutritious foods, and knowing when it’s time to check out from the world. Another great way to reduce your stress level is to set healthy boundaries and know when it’s time to disengage yourself from work, conversations, or anything that may be considered exhausting. Always put your health and wellness first.
happy woman waking up after a good night's rest
  • Warm compress – Grinding teeth at night and teeth grinding headaches directly affect the jaw. Place a soothing warm compress on your jaw to relax your muscles before bed.
  • Muscle relaxers – Using muscle relaxers can help you to get relief from teeth grinding. However, it is important to note that using muscle relaxers is a temporary fix, not a permanent one.
  • Custom nightguard – Visit your dentist to get fitted for a custom nightguard. While over-the-counter nightguards are not effective in preventing long-term damage, they may help you get used to sleeping with a nightguard. However, a custom nightguard is always best. Your dentist will ensure your nightguard is the perfect fit for long-term use and will safely help you to cope with grinding teeth at night. 

Give us a call to book your appointment and get fitted for your custom nightguard today!

dentist explaining x-ray results to a patient during a visit

Is dental insurance worth it? More often than not, it honestly isn’t. While dental insurance may assist you with a few things here and there, it usually does not cover all of the treatment you may actually need. Let’s dive right in and take a look at the truth about insurance coverage for dental procedures and other alternatives that may be more beneficial to you and your family. 

The Honest Truth

This may sound crazy, but your dental insurance wants you to lose your teeth. You may have noticed that after having a necessary visit with a dental clinic, you’re left with a hefty balance to pay out of pocket. This isn’t by coincidence and it honestly does not have anything to do with the dentist you choose. You’re often left with a balance after visiting the dentist because the coverage with insurance simply is not extensive enough for your needs. 

patient holding a mirror while receiving dental cleaning

When it comes to dental insurance, many patients are often left making an unfair compromise. Insurance can be looked at as more of a discount plan, not actual insurance. You’ll have a co-pay until you max out your dental benefits and then eventually, you won’t have coverage at all. 

Dental insurance really hasn’t changed since the 80s. While medical insurance has maximums for out-of-pocket payments, the amount of out-of-pocket payments for dental can range from $1-$2000. If you’ve had dental work done before, especially emergency dental work, you can testify that this kind of coverage really doesn’t get you far. 

Insurance often downgrades the needs of your oral health. Often only covering silver fillings or metal crowns which are not typically used anymore and having you pay the difference. At Definitive Dental, we know how frustrating all of this can be.

dentist explaining x-ray results to a patient during a visit

Teeth are often referred to as luxury bones and that’s simply not true. Your teeth and oral health are important to your overall health, happiness, and comfort. There’s no need to suffer or go without the treatment you need because of the lack of affordability and restrictive dental insurance. When it comes to dental emergencies and maintenance, having treatment on time makes all the difference. 

A Better Alternative

At Definitive Dental, we offer an affordable alternative to dental insurance that will actually give you the coverage you need. Our in-house dental membership plan is available to both children and adults. We want our patients to have happy and healthy smiles, which means, our patients need accessibility to regular cleanings and emergency procedures when necessary. Dental emergencies will never become cheaper or less painful, unfortunately, they will always become worse. 

Our in-house dental membership plan can be used in place of dental insurance, or alongside it if you choose. For only $348 a year or $29 a month ($25 a month for children), you’ll get;

  • Two cleanings per year
  • X-Rays and exams
  • An extra exam for emergencies 
  • 15% off all dental work

For patients that require four cleanings a year, the total cost is $45 a month. And best of all, there is no maximum benefit. You can receive the dental treatment you need without worrying about restrictive dental insurance and hefty out-of-pocket balances. 

We created our affordable and effective in-house dental membership plan because we are passionate about what we do. As seasoned experts in the industry, we deeply understand how important it is for dental maintenance and emergency procedures to be completed in a timely manner. From our dentists to our team members, we all have one goal, maintaining and restoring the oral health of our patients.

Conclusion

Teeth are not luxury bones, they are necessary bones. Healthy teeth help us to properly chew and digest delicious foods, speak clearly, and they also give our face shape. No matter how your dental insurance makes it out to be, there’s nothing luxury or optional about that, it’s essential. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits will help you to maintain good oral health and deal with any uprising issues, as quickly as possible. Having healthy teeth can prevent issues like:

  • Tooth decay and loss
  • Bad breath
  • Gum disease and bone loss
  • Strokes
  • Higher chance of oral cancer
  • Worsening of diabetes
  • Heart and respiratory disease
  • Low self-esteem and shattered confidence 

How can poor oral health lead to the above issues? The digestive process begins at our mouth. With healthy and strong teeth, the system works well and can perform its intended function. If your teeth are in poor health, it affects more than just your smile, it affects their optimum functionality. Give us a call today to book a visit and learn more about our in-house dental membership plan.

young boy smiling and giving a thumbs up in dental office

Finding a dentist that’s right for you is a huge step. Your oral health, comfort, and happiness depend on it. Choosing a dentist that’s the perfect fit for you will prevent you from dreading and avoiding necessary visits.

Regular dental visits are essential for both children and adults, there’s no need to neglect your dental health because you’re not sure which dentist you should visit. Let’s take a look at our top three tips for finding the best dentist for you and your needs. 

Social Proof

dentist explaining x-ray results to patient in exam room

A great dentist will have positive social proof readily available for new clients. Aside from having close friends and family visit the same dentist’s office, it’s very reassuring to see favorable reviews from others, as well. Take time to read reviews about dentists you may be interested in to learn what others may have experienced. 

When it comes to finding a dentist, you want to ensure that many of the reviews include being comfortable. While receiving routine or extensive dental procedures, you should not have to suffer from pain. 

During your procedure, you should be comfortable and informed about what is taking place. A good dentist will not make you feel like you’re being dramatic if you express extreme discomfort or pain. A good dentist will do everything in their power to ensure you’re relaxed, comfortable, and ready before, during, and after your procedure. 

If you’re not pleased with the work you received, the right dentist will continue the work until you are satisfied. The mission of a good dentist is to go above and beyond to exceed your expectations.

Training and Technology

Choose a dentist who prioritizes training and technology. As times change, newer equipment and technology become available to the dental industry. Find a dentist who keeps up with dental technology and practices. This kind of dentist will make sure they always deliver the best products and services to their clients. 
All machines and equipment should be clean and up-to-date, and all staff members should have proper and current training. Newer and better ways to perform dental procedures are readily available to all dentists. Choose a dentist who makes it a priority to study and practice modern techniques for the safety and comfort of all of their patients.

young boy smiling and giving a thumbs up in dental office

A team that is developed both personally and professionally will give clients a world-changing experience from the first call, all the way up to the follow-up call made after the dental procedure has taken place. Alongside finding a dentist with a personable and professional team, aim to select a dental office that uses digital technology, at a minimum. Some offices will go above and beyond and offer digital impressions and x-ray machines that are typically only found at specialists. When you select a dental office that takes their practice and investment seriously, you can rest assured, you’ve found a good thing. 

Office Environment and Culture

Have you ever walked into a dental office and felt like you’ve just entered an ice-cold box in the middle of nowhere? That feeling shouldn’t exist. A cold, lifeless dental office creates an anxious unwelcoming feeling that can be discouraging.

The right dentist’s office for you will be warm, welcoming, and inviting. You should be greeted by friendly team members who are excited and eager to assist you. The space should be immaculately clean and you should not feel an intense urge to spin around and walk right back out the door. Whether you’re heading in for a routine cleaning or a restorative procedure, you should feel right at home when you find a dentist that works best for you.

The dentist should always be comfortable but especially for those who have fear or anxiety when it comes to dental visits. One bad experience can scar an individual for a very long time. Avoid developing a negative connection with the dentist by choosing a dentist with an impressionable environment and friendly culture. 

Conclusion

Find a dentist office that has social proof, advanced training and technology, and a warm office environment and culture. With a dentist’s office that excels in these three areas, you surely won’t have any regrets. When making your choice, always be sure to put your comfort and safety first. 

A good dentist will be patient, kind, and helpful. Do not hesitate to ask your dentist or their team members any questions you may need clarification on. The right dentist will be more than happy to assist you with anything you need. For more information about our services here at DRG Dentistry, you can visit our website here. We proudly service the Grand Prairie area and are happy to help you with all of your dental needs!

A closeup of a person wide awake after insomnia.

Do you wake up tired after a whole night’s rest? Do you snore loudly at night? If you experience these problems and feel extreme fatigue the morning after, you might be suffering from sleep apnea.  In this post, we’ll discuss the benefits of sleep apnea dental appliances and other forms of treatment.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a medical disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. This can happen hundreds of times throughout the night. There are three types of sleep apnea, with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) being the most common form of this disorder. OSA is when the upper airways get wholly or partially blocked during sleep.

Why does this happen? During sleep, the muscles in the back of your throat relax. In some people, these relaxed muscles can collapse and block the airways. When you stop breathing, your brain senses danger and partially wakes you to reopen the airways. These recurrent apnea episodes interfere with deep sleep, leading to chronic fatigue and a host of health problems.

The Effects of Sleep Apnea On Your Body

Before diving into how sleep apnea dental appliances work, you must understand the importance of seeking treatment. Sleep quality is as, if not more important than, diet and exercise for your overall well-being. Quality sleep allows you to recover from the day’s stress, recharges your body and mind, and repairs damage to help you maintain optimal health.

Why should you see a sleep apnea specialist? If left untreated, sleep apnea can be fatal. Studies have shown that sleep apnea can cause hypertension, stroke, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure. In addition to health problems, sleep apnea impairs cognitive function. This increases the risk of work-related accidents and motor vehicle crashes.

Treatments for Sleep Apnea

As you’ve learned, sleep apnea has devastating effects on your health. From nasal and throat surgery to sleep apnea dental appliances, ⏤ the good news is that plenty of therapies and procedures help you control your symptoms. If you have symptoms suggestive of sleep apnea, your doctor will perform a series of tests to evaluate the severity of your condition.

For mild cases of sleep apnea, simple lifestyle modifications such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol, or sleeping on your side may suffice to keep the disorder away. If your condition is more advanced, you will need higher-level treatments. Below are the most common therapies sleep apnea specialists recommend for moderate to severe forms of the disorder:

CPAP Machines

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are the most widely used treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. Using a tube and a face mask you will wear while you sleep, the device gently forces pressurized air through your nose and mouth. The increased air pressure prevents your throat muscles from collapsing during sleep, keeping your airway open.

Sleep Apnea Dental Appliances

While CPAPs are the standard treatment for sleep apnea, oral appliances are becoming increasingly popular. Also known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), sleep apnea oral appliances are custom-made mouth guards that look like orthodontic retainers. When worn at night, the mouthpieces reposition your jaws to keep the throat open while you sleep.

Surgical Procedures

If all other treatments have failed to improve your condition, your sleep apnea dentist may recommend surgery. Surgical procedures are very effective for people with excessive or malformed tissues such as enlarged tonsils, a deviated nasal septum, or a small lower jaw with an overbite that doesn’t respond to sleep apnea dental appliances.

How Do Oral Appliances Work?

We talked briefly about what sleep apnea oral appliances are. Let’s now delve into how they work. MADs are two-piece devices that snap over your upper and lower arches. Once in place, these adjustable devices gently push your lower jaw and tongue forward. This helps prevent the tissues in your throat from collapsing and blocking your airway during sleep.

Do these appliances work? Many studies have found oral appliance therapy to improve OSA in a majority of patients, including some with severe forms of the disorder. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (JCSM), two-thirds of patients experienced therapeutic benefits from wearing sleep apnea dental appliances.

Benefits of Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances

Although the most recommended treatment for sleep apnea, many patients can’t tolerate CPAP machines due to their inconvenience. More than 50% of patients drop out of CPAP therapy within the first year of treatment. Compared to CPAP devices, oral appliances are more comfortable to wear, resulting in a higher compliance rate and better treatment outcomes.

When used consistently and under the guidance of your sleep apnea specialist, dental devices can considerably improve your sleep quality. You can start to feel a difference in your symptoms after the first night of use. Convenient and non-invasive sleep apnea dental appliances provide many advantages over traditional OSA treatments. Some of these benefits include:

  • Portable and easy to travel with
  • Works without electricity
  • It does not make any noise
  • Easy to clean and care for
  • More cost-effective than other treatments

Getting an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea

The first step to getting an oral sleep apnea appliance is to consult your doctor. If your sleep apnea specialist determines that a dental device would work for you, they will refer you to a sleep apnea dentist specializing in making these appliances. During your first visit with the dentist, they will examine your dental health to decide if you’re a good candidate for sleep apnea mouth guards.

If you qualify, the dentist will take an impression of your mouth to make your sleep apnea dental appliances. At Definitive Dental, we only take digital impressions to ensure perfect-fitting mouthpieces. The impressions are sent to a lab to custom-design your device. When your device is ready, you’ll return to the office for fittings and further adjustments to optimize care.

Get Your Oral Device From Definitive Dental

While it may seem like an innocuous disorder, sleep apnea not only wrecks your health but is also a threat to public safety. Left untreated, sleep apnea can shorten your life and make you unhappy while you’re alive. Treating this debilitating condition is essential to protect the public from its adverse effects and improve your quality of life.

If you’re considering getting sleep apnea dental appliances in the Grand Prairie area, look no further than Definitive Dental. We are rated a top-three dentist in Grand Prairie, Texas, because we deliver Dentistry Done Right. Whether you need a custom-made dental appliance or a routine dental checkup, we can help. Call us at (972) 646-0660, or click here to book an appointment.

A young woman smiling and revealing perfect teeth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e3K73b4kPA

Do you have one or more missing teeth? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. According to the American College of Prosthodontics (ACP), more than 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Many factors, ranging from cavities to gum disease, can cause tooth loss. Missing teeth not only ruin your smile but also create a host of health problems.

If you have missing teeth, dental restoration can significantly improve your quality of life. The best teeth replacements currently available are dental crowns and bridges. What are dental crowns and bridges and how do they work? In this post, we’ll explain the difference between these two popular tooth replacement options so you can determine which one is right for you.

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are caps that cover a damaged tooth or a dental implant. When placed over a cracked, broken, or decayed tooth, dental crowns can protect the tooth and restore its structure, strength, and appearance. In dental restoration procedures, dental crowns are fixed on top of an implant to serve as the visible part of a missing tooth.

Dental crowns are very versatile and come in different types and compositions. Permanent crowns can be made out of metals, resins, porcelain, and ceramic. In addition to the diverse materials, crowns can offer different levels of coverage. While traditional crowns provide complete tooth coverage, onlays and ¾ crowns only cover a portion of the tooth.

What are Dental Bridges?

Although both are fixed artificial teeth, dental crowns and bridges are not the same. A dental bridge is a false tooth ⏤ called a pontic ⏤ that fills the empty space created by a missing tooth. If you have one or more missing teeth, multiple pontics can be used to bridge the gap. While crowns can also be applied to protect a tooth, bridges are only used to replace lost teeth.

Despite their differences, bridges rely on crowns to stay in place. A bridge consists of artificial teeth that are fused to crowns at both ends. The crowns are cemented onto existing teeth or attached to dental implants for support. Once anchored into position, the pontics rest in the area of the gums where there is tooth loss, restoring the look and function of your teeth.

Why Would You Need a Dental Crown?

Now that you know what dental crowns and bridges are, let’s discuss why you might need either one of them. Crowns and bridges have different uses. Your dental needs and budget will determine which option is best for you. Your dentist may recommend a dental crown for any of the following reasons:

  • Protect a weak tooth from breaking
  • Keep together parts of a cracked tooth
  • Restore a broken or severely worn down tooth
  • Strengthen a filled tooth when there isn’t enough tooth structure remaining
  • Hold a dental bridge in place
  • Cap a dental implant
  • Cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth
  • Make cosmetic enhancements
  • Reinforce a tooth that’s been treated with root canal

Why Would You Need a Dental Bridge?

A person wearing purple latex gloves and polishing a dental bridge

While crowns have many applications on their own, dental crown and bridge combinations are solely used to replace missing teeth. Many patients choose to forgo tooth replacement because of its costs. Dental bridges offer a more cost-effective way to get tooth restoration than dental implants. This can help you avoid issues like:

  • Drifting teeth
  • Bite problems
  • Teeth misalignment
  • Tooth decay and gum disease
  • Chewing and speaking difficulties
  • Pain from the extra stress on your teeth and jaws
  • Self-consciousness due to an embarrassing smile

What Is the Process for Getting Crowns and Bridges?

After learning what dental crowns and bridges are used for, we’ll describe what you should expect when getting them done. The process for getting crowns will differ depending on whether you’re seeking tooth replacement or protection. 

To replace missing teeth with dental crowns, you should first get dental implants. A dental implant is a small, screw-like post that is surgically placed below your gums to serve as tooth roots. Once the implant fuses with your jawbone, your dentist will attach an abutment to the post. When your gums and bone heal, the crown is screwed on or cemented to the abutment.

The process of receiving a crown for tooth protection is similar to getting a bridge because bridges have crowns at both ends. Here is what you should expect when getting dental crowns and bridges:

Dental Assessment

During the first visit, your dentist will examine the teeth that will receive crowns. This will involve taking dental x-rays to check the teeth’ roots and surrounding bone. If there is an injury to the pulp, extensive tooth decay, or a risk of infection, a root canal treatment may be performed to prevent tooth loss. 

Tooth Preparation

To receive dental crowns and bridges, the teeth must be prepared to accommodate the prosthetic caps. After numbing your teeth and their nearby gum tissue, your dentist will reshape the top and sides of the teeth that will receive crowns. This will allow the crowns to fit correctly over your teeth.

Mouth Impressions

A dental assistant taking a dental impression of a patient’s mouth

After preparing the teeth, an impression is taken of your entire mouth with a mold or digital scanner. At Definitive Dental, we only use digital scans because it gives us the most accurate model of your jaw and teeth. This ensures perfect fitting dental crowns and bridges, eliminating bite problems.

Temporary Crowns

The impressions are then sent to a lab to build your crowns or bridges. This process can take anywhere from 10 days to three weeks. In the meantime, you will get temporary crowns to cover the prepared teeth. Temporaries are necessary to avoid tooth shifting and calm hypersensitive teeth.

Permanent Replacements

When your permanent dental crowns and bridges are ready, you’ll return to the office to have them applied. After numbing your teeth, your dentist will remove the temporary crowns. The dentist will then examine the new bridge or crown’s color and fit. If everything is acceptable, the permanent crown/bridge is cemented to your teeth.

How to Care for Dental Crowns and Bridges

Getting artificial teeth doesn’t mean you can slack off on dental care. Practicing good dental hygiene helps you ward off oral diseases that destroy your gums and jawbone. Gum recession and bone loss can loosen crowns and bridges over time. Looking after your teeth is essential to make your crowns last longer.

After learning what dental crowns and bridges are, you should also know how to maintain them. Follow these oral care best practices to keep your natural and replacement teeth in tip-top shape:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Floss once daily to clean between teeth
  • Use fluoride toothpaste and rinses
  • Clean underneath the bridge with floss threaders or interproximal brushes
  • Get routine dental checkups every six months

Protect and Restore Your Teeth With Definitive Dental

Whether due to aging or oral diseases, tooth loss is an inevitable fact of life. But this doesn’t mean you should learn to live with missing teeth. From destroying your confidence to depriving you of your favorite foods, missing teeth impairs your quality of life. Getting a tooth replacement not only enhances your smile but also helps you live life to the fullest.

If you want to get dental crowns and bridges in the Grand Prairie area, you won’t find a better place than Definitive Dental. Rated a Top 3 Cosmetic Dentist in Grand Prairie, we Take Your Smile to New Heights. Experience Dentistry Done Right with pain-free procedures and plenty of comfort amenities. Call or text us today at (972) 646-0660 to book an appointment.

woman with glasses smiling

As you age, maintaining healthy oral habits is essential to help your teeth last a lifetime. People over the age of 65 have an increased chance of gum disease, tooth loss, and dental decay. Although teeth changes will occur, there are a few ways to help support healthy teeth and gums as you grow older. 

man with a bright white smile

Acknowledge Natural Wear and Tear

Teeth changes are natural. Wear and tear come to all physical aspects of life, including our bodies, and teeth are no exception. After so much use, older teeth are more worn down than younger teeth. As we age, our teeth get weaker, more susceptible to cracks and breaks. This makes proper care more important than ever. This can include being aware of more sensitive teeth and forming specific treatment plans with your dentist as necessary. 

While it is natural for teeth to wear down, you don’t have to expedite the process, and there are some measures you can take to preserve your teeth as much as possible. Wearing a nightguard is a great way to protect your teeth. Another type of protection comes with monitoring what you put in your mouth, as described below.

Recognize Food and Drinks to Avoid

You’ve likely noticed or are already aware that some foods and drinks, including coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco, act as staining agents to teeth, causing mild to severe discoloration, especially with frequent use over time. Tobacco is the most serious of these elements to avoid, since “the risk of developing an oral cavity cancer increases with age and tobacco use,” as studied by Harvard Health Publishing.

Having a dry mouth is also a bigger concern with age, especially since it’s paired with increased cavity risk. Tobacco dries out your mouth even more — another reason to avoid it. It’s the same with alcohol and caffeinated beverages. If you must have these drinks, counteract the dry mouth effects with sugarless gums and plenty of water.

woman with glasses smiling

Be Aware of Gum Health

Teeth changes that come with age are not just about teeth, because your smile is more than teeth: it’s also about your gums. Naturally, gums will thin and recede with age. That doesn’t just make your smile look different; gum recession exposes the softer roots of teeth. Without as much protection, teeth can more easily get cavities. You are also more vulnerable to gum disease as you get older for this reason.

Gum health is critical to be aware of when it comes to maintaining a healthy appearance and sensation in your mouth. The last thing you want is discomfort, swelling, or pain in the gums to affect the look and feel of your smile. Be aware of the symptoms of gum disease and pay attention to your gum appearance and feel. Let your dentist know immediately if you have itchy gums or any pain in your mouth. It’s best to take care of small issues as soon as possible before they become emergencies.

Prioritize Your Dental Care

As your teeth change with age, it’s more important than ever to prioritize your dental care. Establish a consistent routine of regular dental checkups and dedicated oral hygiene maintenance at home to keep a youthful-looking smile even through the natural wear and tear that comes with teeth changes with age.

Here at Definitive Dental, we’re here to help you with personalized care towards promoting your oral health at any age, from 6 months old  to 100 years old. Get in contact with us today so we can get started with your custom treatment plan. From dental emergencies to dentures and regular cleanings, we have all the services you need for complete oral health! 

patient undergoing dental implant surgery

Dental implants are titanium devices that act as replacement roots for missing or damaged teeth. Getting dental implants involves surgical placement, letting them heal, and then adding a metal connection called an abutment. Finally, a crown that functions and looks like a natural tooth is placed on top of the abutment. Dental implants are an excellent alternative to bridges or dentures, particularly in patients who don’t want anything removable or to drill on the adjacent teeth.

When Are Dental Implants Necessary?

If you have at least one missing or broken tooth that needs to be replaced, you may consider getting dental implants. Patients with loose partials, dentures, bridges and those wanting to improve their chewing, speech, or face structure may also benefit from getting dental implants.

Note that you are generally a good candidate for dental implants if you have enough bone to support your implants or with bone grafting to provide the necessary bone. Strong bone is key for implant success, as implants should last for life. 

Benefits of Dental Implants

One of the advantages of dental implants is that they don’t affect the surrounding teeth. In addition, dental implants can prevent bone loss and maintain your jaw’s natural shape and appearance.

Appearance

Dental implants match your mouth’s natural teeth and are available in a broad range of sizes and shapes. Your dental team will make sure that your implants match your surrounding teeth’s color and fit in your gaps perfectly, so only you and your dentist will be able to tell your natural teeth from your implants.

Biting Ability

Dental implants’ benefits also include the ability to restore your bite force. That’s because a dental implant’s titanium post is securely anchored in the jawbone. As a result, it is strong enough to allow you to bite using the same force you would use with a natural tooth. 

Speaking Ability

Yet another reason to choose dental implants is that they will help you speak naturally and easily. Whereas dentures can make it hard to pronounce some words correctly, implants can enhance your speech simply because they function and look like your natural teeth.

Cavity Prevention

Finally, dental implants offer the benefit of being resistant to cavities. You will still have to care for your gums to keep infection-causing bacteria from accumulating in the mouth. However, the material in dental implants can’t decay, which means cavities will never be a problem for them.

illustration of two dental implants

What Are the Next Steps?

If you are interested in getting dental implants, our expert, Dr. Guirguis is eager to help. Dr. Guirguis has trained across the country with some of the best instructors in the nation and has successfully placed hundreds of implants. 

Your implant procedure may take place in a single stage or multiple stages depending on your unique situation, with the surgery generally taking one to two hours each time. There is no postoperative discomfort associated with this procedure. Then it will take about three months for your implants to completely integrate into your jawbone and be ready for a crown. Implant dentures can be made to serve as a temporary in the case all teeth are removed or no natural teeth remain.

Book an implant appointment today by calling or texting us at (972) 646-0660, or reach out via our contact form to request an appointment.

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