Call for an appointment:Fayetteville, AR 479-582-3360

Should a Denture Be Worn at Night?

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Implant Dentist Fayetteville AR

With today’s advanced dental technology, dentures are designed to look and feel so natural that they can be hard to differentiate from real teeth! Still, it’s important to remember that dentures are not real teeth. They should be cared for in the manner prescribed by your dentist for the protection of both your health and your smile. This means that they should be removed and cleaned each day, and patients should avoid wearing them at night.

The inclination to wear your denture overnight is understandable. Your dentist can contour and design your new teeth to fit like a glove, providing so much comfort and security that you may not want to take them out. For others, there may be sense of self-consciousness at the thought of being seen without teeth. If you enjoy an active lifestyle, it is easy to forget to take dentures out before retiring to bed each night. 

With today’s advanced dental technology, dentures are designed to look and feel so natural that they can be hard to differentiate from real teeth!

Though there are a host of reasons for wearing a denture at night, there are just as many reasons for remembering to remove them.

Dentures are designed to rest on the gum tissue for support, and it’s important to care for that delicate tissue. Continuous wear can be irritating to the gum tissue leading to sore sports and discomfort. Removing the denture for several hours can help to reduce the amount of pressure on the gums.

Choosing to remove your denture at night also plays a significant role in the reduction of harmful bacteria. The denture should be thoroughly cleaned and soaked and the gums should be free from plaque bacteria and food particles. When left in place, the denture traps bacteria on the gums which can lead to inflammation and bad breath. Wearing your denture overnight creates a virtual breeding ground for harmful bacteria to multiply and colonize while you sleep.

For additional information about caring for your dentures in Springdale AR, schedule an appointment with our dedicated and experienced dental team today.

Posted in dentures | Tagged | Comments Off

How Stain Resistant Are Porcelain Veneers?

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Implant Dentist Fayetteville AR

veneers Fort Smith ARIn the field of cosmetic dentistry, there are multiple options for improving your smile. The shape, size, shade, and position of your teeth can all be transformed to reveal the show-stopping smile that reflects your true personality. Selecting the solution that is right for you should be a very individualized decision.

That’s why, when one particular method or material takes the lead as the standard for almost all cosmetic dental procedures, it is important to take note. Porcelain veneers have become an example of one such phenomenon. Porcelain is the material of choice when it comes to the dental veneer and the reasons are numerous.

Porcelain’s physical properties make it ideal for cosmetic purposes as well as functional purposes. Your beautiful smile should also be sensible enough to withstand the impact of the foods that we eat and drink. Combining a material such as porcelain with the versatile restoration such as a veneer has proven to be one of the most successful concepts in cosmetic dentistry.

The ability to resist stain is only one example of porcelain’s redeeming qualities. Porcelain is essentially a non-porous ceramic with a smooth surface that does not attract stain. Even patients who enjoy daily coffee and red wine can do so without the fear of discoloring their dental work.

Like glass, ceramic or porcelain is durable, but also susceptible to scratches and abrasions. Highly abrasive toothpastes and toothbrushes with hard bristles can slowly damage your veneer’s glossy surface. The resulting roughened surface will be more likely to become stained or discolored. In fact, these products can also damage the enamel and gum tissue of the neighboring teeth. Instead, choose a soft bristled toothbrush and gentle toothpaste to care for your teeth, gums, and veneers.

In general, porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining from dark foods and beverages. By following your dentist’s instructions and maintaining your regularly scheduled checkups, you can expect to enjoy your new smile for many years.

To arrange a consultation with our cosmetic dentist, call Ozark Prosthodontics, serving Fort Smith AR and the surrounding areas, at 479-582-3360 for an appointment today.

Posted in veneers | Tagged , | Comments Off

Aesthetic Dental Transformations

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Implant Dentist Fayetteville AR

Few people are born with a set of permanent perfect teeth. Anything from genetics to trauma to environmental influences can leave an unattractive imprint on the smile’s appearance.

The good news is that patients can always improve upon their smiles with various cosmetic dentistry procedures.

A dentist can use a variety of treatments to enhance patients’ smiles. For patients who have properly aligned teeth with no damage in need of repair, teeth whitening alone may suffice to make a dramatic improvement in the teeth. 

The good news is that patients can always improve upon their smiles with various cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Often, patients can even complete teeth whitening treatment at the convenience in their own homes, thanks to systems such as the Nite White take-home whitening kit.

Other patients may have more complex cases that require the cosmetic dentist to provide more involved interventions.

When teeth are damaged or severely discolored, veneers can help to conceal the flaws. Veneers are thin porcelain tooth-shaped shells that act as cover-ups for gaps, chips and cracks in the teeth. Veneers can also be used to fill gaps between the teeth and to brighten stained teeth that don’t respond to standard whitening treatments.

Restorations like crowns and bridges can also help to enhance a smile. A cosmetic dentist can recommend the most appropriate treatment based on a patient’s concerns and goals.

For teeth that are absent, dental implants come in handy. These small titanium screw-like structures hold a prosthetic tooth in place and stabilize the jawbone at the same time, preventing unsightly atrophy that can age a patient prematurely.

In some instances, a comprehensive smile makeover including a number of different cosmetic dentistry techniques may be warranted. In addition to the cosmetic dentist, other specialists may be involved in the care to realign the teeth.

Rest assured that modern cosmetic dentistry can help nearly any patient get a Hollywood-quality smile. If you have been holding back on flashing your pearly whites, consult with Ozark Prosthodontics, serving Bentonville AR and the surrounding areas, to learn what procedures can help you smile with pride. Call 479-582-3360 to schedule your visit.

Posted in cosmetic dentistry | Tagged , | Comments Off

Custom-Designed Dentures: Something to smile about

Posted on April 15, 2012 by Implant Dentist Fayetteville AR

dentures Fort Smith ARIf you’ve lost all of your teeth and are dreading the idea of dentures, you’re not alone. Many patients are less than enthusiastic about wearing appliances that they perceive as uncomfortable and unattractive.

Those patients may not be aware of the advances in denture technology. Unlike their predecessors, which offered subpar fit and functioning, today’s dentures are custom-designed to meet each patient’s needs.

Patients have distinct bone and facial structures that influence how well their dentures fit and how well those dentures replace the missing teeth in important roles such as chewing and speaking. By designing dentures to a patient’s particular specifications, the prosthodontist can increase patient satisfaction with the appliances.

Most patients have two primary concerns about their dentures: appearance and function. Incorporating the patient’s precise measurements into the denture’s design enhances both of these aspects. The best denture aligns with the patient’s gumline, which is shaped by the jaw bone.

The prosthodontist will begin the process by taking various measurements that will then be used to create the patient’s denture.

In addition to the detailed planning that goes into crafting our patients’ dentures, we have an in-house dental lab that also makes the denture-fitting process go more smoothly. Our lab technicians can have a face-to-face consultation with your dentist at any time to clarify the specifications for your dentures.

The process of fitting a patient with dentures is a progressive one that is tailored to the patient’s unique mouth structure. In the beginning, the denture serves as a “treatment denture.” It is equipped with a soft liner that gives your jaw bones and soft tissues an opportunity to adjust to the denture.

At the beginning, the patient will also be getting used to chewing and speaking with the denture.

As the patient grows accustomed to the appliance, a series of liners is then placed in the dentures. When the patient feels that optimal functioning has been achieved, that final liner is used as a model for the permanent denture.

It’s also important to recognize that the gumline will evolve over time when no teeth are present. As such, the dentures will need to be refitted periodically to maintain their fit.

If you are a patient in need of complete teeth replacement in Fort Smith AR, or the surrounding areas, schedule an appointment with our experienced team to learn more about custom-designed dentures and their benefits for you.

Posted in dentures | Tagged | Comments Off

What is Prosthodontics?

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Implant Dentist Fayetteville AR

Prosthodontics is the dental specialty that involves restoring damaged teeth and replacing those that are missing. A prosthodontist might use veneers, crowns, or other methods to achieve a patient’s treatment goals. Prosthodontists can also place bridges or dental implants or provide dentures to replace absent teeth.

Not only can prosthodontists improve the aesthetics of your smile, these specialists can also enhance functioning by addressing structural issues with the teeth. 

Prosthodontics is the dental specialty that involves restoring damaged teeth and replacing those that are missing.

In restoring the teeth, the prosthodontist begins by collecting information that will provide the foundation for the treatment. At this initial appointment, the prosthodontist will conduct a visual examination of the teeth and get x-rays. The prosthodontist will also discuss treatment goals with the patient.

Prosthodontic work also involves a dental lab in which the restorations are crafted. The lab technicians responsible for creating the veneers, dentures or other prosthodontic devices use the information provided by the prosthodontist to develop those devices.

After the veneers, crowns or other restorations are complete, the prosthodontist then places them on the patient.

Our practice has an in-house dental lab, which can speed up your treatment timeline. Because the lab is on-site, the time required to transmit records and information to the technicians is eliminated and the time the patient spends waiting for the restorations to be delivered to the practice is greatly reduced.

A prosthodontist completes an in-depth residency after graduating from dental school. This training lasts for three years and gives the specialty’s practitioners an opportunity to thoroughly explore prosthodontic interventions and refine their techniques to prepare for practice.

Prosthodontists also stay updated on advances in the field by attending continuing education. They often collaborate with other general dentists and specialists in the overarching treatment to ensure that the patient is satisfied with the final results.

Patients may find themselves in need of a prosthodontist for any number of reasons. If a tooth has been damaged by decay or injury, a prosthodontic procedure may be appropriate.

Although patients may initially consider replacing missing teeth or restoring broken ones primarily out of concerns for their appearance, prosthodontic treatment can also boost oral health by preserving the natural teeth and the functions they perform.

To learn more about this dental specialty and to schedule a consultation in Arkansas, contact Ozark Prosthodontics at 479-582-3360.

Posted in dental lab | Tagged , | Comments Off

What Steps Are Involved in the Teeth Whitening Process?

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Implant Dentist Fayetteville AR

cosmetic dentistry Springdale ARWho said that it’s so hard being beautiful? The advances in cosmetic dentistry have made it simple to obtain the beautiful smile that you desire. A procedure as easy as teeth whitening may be all that you need to boost your smile to the next level. If you desire a complete smile overhaul, teeth whitening may be an important part of your treatment plan.

For successful and predictable teeth whitening, begin by scheduling an appointment with our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Dean McNeel. After discussing your main concerns, Dr. McNeel will determine if teeth whitening is right for you. As the most commonly recommended whitening method, custom-molded trays can effectively eliminate a wide range of discolorations. Once you have completed the teeth whitening process, you may choose to continue whitening periodically in order to maintain a bright, white smile.

Obtaining your custom whitening trays typically consists of two brief office visits.

The first visit begins with a set of dental impressions. Molds of your upper and lower teeth will be used to fabricate models of your teeth. These models will be used to create custom-molded whitening trays. The trays are designed to conform to the curvatures of your teeth and gums as well as hold the whitening solution.

At your second visit, the doctor will ensure that your whitening trays fit comfortably and you will be provided with your take-home whitening solution. Detailed homecare instructions will be reviewed at this time. These instructions will include placing the whitening solution in the custom trays and how frequently the trays should be used. Your dentist will take note of the initial shade of your teeth for future comparison and address your questions or concerns.

Armed with your custom whitening trays and whitening solution, you will be well on your way towards your new smile. Although individual results will vary, most patients report a significant improvement in the shade of their teeth. Along with your custom trays, careful and diligent oral hygiene will be critical steps in maintaining a brilliantly white smile.

Begin your journey towards a new, bright smile. Contact Ozark Prosthodontics, serving Springdale AR, for an appointment today.

Posted in cosmetic dentistry | Tagged | Comments Off

Replacing Multiple Teeth: What are my options?

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Implant Dentist Fayetteville AR

Making the right decision about tooth replacement can be a hefty responsibility. You may be able to recall hearing about various tooth replacement options, but it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. The decision also becomes much more important when the decision is personal. 

Dental implants are widely recognized as the most effective tooth replacement solution.

Talking about false teeth for a friend or acquaintance is much different than trying to sort out the options for replacing your own teeth. After all, this is a choice that requires a significant investment in terms of time and money. More importantly, this will be a decision that remains with you for the rest of your life.

Sitting down with your implant dentist may be the best way to begin exploring your options. Dental implants are widely recognized as the most effective tooth replacement solution. Implants are typically recommended for the replacement of single or multiple teeth. Your implant dentist will need to conduct a thorough examination in order to determine if dental implants are appropriate for you.

Removable appliances such as dentures and partials can be difficult to stabilize since they are designed to rest on the surface of the gum tissue. Without a steady foundation, false teeth can become uncomfortable as they slip out of place during eating or speaking.

The success of the dental implant is based upon the fact that the implant is securely fused to the underlying jaw bone. Rather than resting on top of the gum tissue or connecting to another tooth, dental implants are integrated into a secure foundation.  With the use of dental implants, multiple teeth can be effectively replaced. Your implant dentist may utilize dental implants to create a dental bridge or as an anchor for a denture or partial.

Learn more about your options for replacing multiple missing teeth in the Rogers AR area by contacting Ozark Prosthodontics at 479-582-3360 today.

Posted in dental implants | Tagged , | Comments Off

Eat the Foods You Want With Dental Implants

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Implant Dentist Fayetteville AR

dental implants Fayetteville ARThe relationship between your dental health and your overall health is far more than a coincidence. Having strong, healthy gums and teeth can be a sign of good physical health. Conversely, poor dental health and periodontal disease have been closely linked to systemic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Aside from the systemic benefits of good dental health, there are functional benefits as well. The ability to chew and eat the foods that you want should not be under-rated. When tooth loss is an issue, the effect on your chewing ability can become a major problem.

Turning to an implant dentist to discuss how implant dentistry can be used to restore your chewing ability may be the best available solution. Dental implants are a strong and permanent, and are the most stable alternative for replacing missing teeth.

Without teeth that can chew foods comfortably and effectively, many patients discover that they are held captive by their dietary limitations. The impact on your physical health can be tremendous. Our bodies need the vitamins and nutrients that are provided by a full and balanced diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables, though difficult to chew with ill-fitting dentures or partials, are essential to healthy eating. Enjoying stringy or textured foods such as steak or chicken are often too difficult to manage with teeth that are not anchored to a secure foundation.

Including dental implants as part of your tooth replacement treatment plan may improve your diet as well as your attitude towards eating. Implants are permanently fused to your jaw bone, and designed to withstand the forces of biting and chewing. Though implants are virtually the same size as a natural tooth, they are incredibly strong. You can expect to chew and bite foods of all textures and varieties with no worries about shifting, sliding, or irritation.

If you are excited about enjoying the foods that you love and teeth that won’t interfere with your pleasure, consult our experienced team at Ozark Prosthodontics in Fayetteville AR for more information.

Posted in dental implants | Tagged | Comments Off

Enjoy a Brighter Smile with Teeth Whitening

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Implant Dentist Fayetteville AR

Teeth whitening may be one of today’s most popular solutions in cosmetic dentistry. A whiter smile can immediately brighten your face and lift your spirit. Most patients tend to feel more self-assured and confident when they are able to display a brilliant white smile.

Generally, customized whitening trays produce the most ideal and consistent whitening outcome, as compared to other teeth whitening methods.

Although there are literally thousands of teeth whitening systems on the market, both professional and over the counter, custom whitening trays are still the top recommendation in most cases. Customized, professional whitening solutions are significantly safer and more potent than over the counter solutions. With the guidance of your cosmetic dentist, you can achieve beautiful and predictable results.

Generally, customized whitening trays produce the most ideal and consistent whitening outcome, as compared to other teeth whitening methods. The trays are shaped and molded to conform to the contours of each of your teeth. The trays are designed to provide complete coverage for each tooth while preventing the whitening solution from irritating your delicate gum tissue.

There are a number of notable advantages to professional teeth whitening. With your cosmetic dentist’s assistance, you will have complete control over the whitening process. For teeth that do not whiten quickly, the custom trays allow you to focus your whitening efforts. For patients who prefer to maintain an exceptionally white smile, the trays can be reused for periodic touch-ups.

Many patients have expressed an interest in achieving a whiter smile in spite of the daily habits that can dull the shade of the enamel. Highly pigmented beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine are daily indulgences for most adults. Smoking is also a known contributor to teeth staining and discoloration. With professional whitening, it is possible to rejuvenate your smile and reverse the effects of these lifestyle choices.

You deserve a whiter smile. You may desire a whiter smile in anticipation of a special event. Perhaps you are simply interested in restoring your formerly white smile. No matter your motivations, you should contact our Fayetteville AR office at 479-582-3360 and schedule a consultation to learn how you can enjoy a brighter smile today.

Posted in cosmetic dentistry | Tagged , | Comments Off

Dental Bridges: A great option for tooth replacement

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Implant Dentist Fayetteville AR

cosmetic dentistry Fort Smith ARToday’s generations understand the importance of replacing missing teeth. Still, selecting the appropriate option for tooth replacement can be challenging. It is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of all available choices. Which option is best for your needs?

Discussing your tooth replacement needs with a dentist who understands the fundamentals of cosmetic dentistry can yield beautiful results. A cosmetic dentist is a highly qualified and experienced dentist with a particular focus on esthetics. After all, your teeth serve many important functions in addition to chewing. Having a smile that looks natural and attractive says a lot about your personality.

Your dentist may recommend a dental bridge to prevent a missing tooth from damaging your eating habits as well as your smile. As a permanent (or fixed) restoration, a dental bridge allows you to bite and chew comfortably with no removable parts and minimal maintenance. The bridge is securely connected to at least one natural tooth on either side of the missing tooth and is joined in the middle by an artificial tooth. By cementing the bridge firmly in place, your dentist can prevent the neighboring teeth from shifting or moving out of alignment.

The dental bridge has been considered to be a great option for replacing missing teeth for a number of decades. This is partly due to the permanent nature of the restoration, and partly due to the esthetic appeal. Bridges can be constructed from various materials including gold and metal alloys. When the bridge is used in an area that is visible when you speak or smile, porcelain is often recommended.

Utilizing the concepts of cosmetic dentistry, your dentist can design a dental bridge that includes anatomic details for a more natural result. The shade and size of the bridge can also be customized according to your dentist’s specifications.

If you are missing one or more teeth in the Fort Smith AR area, consult with our experienced team at Ozark Prosthodontics about the possibilities of a dental bridge

Posted in cosmetic dentistry | Tagged | Comments Off