Need dental implants? Make sure you find the right dentist

If you’re missing teeth, dental implants are an investment in your smile’s future.
But as a complex procedure, and an alternative to bridges and dentures that
should last you a lifetime, that makes investing in the right dentist all the
more important.

Look at your dentist’s training and experience

First and foremost, you want to know that your dentist is knowledgeable and skilled.
So make sure you choose someone who is not only properly trained but also has plenty
of experience placing dental implants. Ask your dentist for his/her educational background
and inquire about the number of successful implant procedures he/she has performed.
While any general dentist can legally perform the procedure, you’ll want someone with a
proven track record. Dr. Cureton, for example, is proud to offer procedures that are normally
referred to specialists, and he has extensive experience with implants.

Ask for before and after photos

Seeing is believing, so the next step is to ask for before and after photos from real cases your
dentist has encountered. If they’re experienced, they should have an album you can review.
You can specifically ask to see pictures from cases most similar to yours.

Do you feel comfortable?
It’s also essential that you trust the dentist you choose. So ask yourself, “Is the staff friendly?
How do I feel when I’m in the office? Am I comfortable asking questions and do I feel like I
get satisfactory answers?” It’s critical that you feel like you can answer any of these questions
positively. If you can, it’s a sign that you’re with a practice that is high-quality and committed to
providing you with a great and safe experience.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Don’t just stop with asking yourself the aforementioned questions. Make sure you ask your dentist
plenty of questions, too. Starting by inquiring into your dentist’s experience and training is the first
step. But consider also asking questions like, will other team members be a part of the procedure,
how long will the dental implant procedure and recovery process take, what kind of follow up is
involved, do you have reviews that can be shared? Now is the time to ask any and all questions so
that you feel completely comfortable in making your decision.

If you’re ready to get the ball rolling with these tips at your disposal, feel free to contact
Dr. Cureton at his Salinas office to set up an appointment. He and his staff want to
provide you with the best information and treatment so you can be on your way to a
better smile.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that's used to fill the gap left by a missing tooth. It is made up of a false tooth permanently fixed to the real tooth (or teeth) next to it. Bridges serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Filling in a tooth gap is better for your jaw and for the teeth around the gap. A bridge helps fight food build-up in the gap. It also gives your opposite tooth something to chew against, which is important for blood circulation in your roots and gums. Below is some basic information about bridges before you ask your dentist if a dental bridge is the right option for you.

How Long Will a Dental Bridge Last?

The life of a dental bridge can vary widely. The most common answer is five to fifteen years. This wide range depends a lot on how rigorous you are with oral hygiene. Since the health of your dental bridge partially depends on the health of the teeth next to it, you want to keep brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly.

You also want to avoid chewing hard foods on your dental bridge. It is possible to damage it by crunching down on a hard peanut or cherry pit. Also, if you don't get all the food out from under and around the bridge with brushing and flossing, that build-up can put pressure on the bridge from angles it wasn't designed to withstand.

How Much does a Dental Bridge Cost?

The cost of a dental bridge comes down to how many teeth are being replaced. The average cost is $500 to $1200 per tooth. If you lost two teeth, this would be twice the price of only replacing one. There are other factors that can determine how much your bridge will cost. The material that you choose to make it out of is one such factor. It also depends on how much shaping your neighboring teeth will need to be able to hold the bridge. At least one tooth, and sometimes two, will need to be shaved and shaped so it can attach to the bridge itself.

Alternatives to a Dental Bridge

If you want to fill a gap in your teeth, you do have options. While dental bridges are the most common, and typically cheapest option, dental implants can also work. A dental implant is a titanium screw that is surgically implanted into your jaw. It is then finished with a cap, so it looks like your other teeth. It is typically more expensive but is expected to last a lifetime. It's not practical if you want to replace more than one tooth in a location, however. A bridge is a cheaper and easier option for spanning a gap made up of several missing teeth.

A dental bridge repairs the look and function of your mouth. Though it costs a fair amount of money, it does you a world of good. With proper care you could have upwards of fifteen years with a dental bridge. Talk to your dentist to find out if a dental bridge is right for you.

Can You Use Invisalign With Missing Teeth

Invisalign has been helping many people to feel their best about their smiles. It also helps them not to feel self-conscious; like so many do when they wear regular braces. Like most people, you probably want to know if you can use Invisalign even if you have missing teeth. In this post, we want to address this question and more.

Can You Use Invisalign

Before determining if Invisalign is right for you, it’s important to understand just how it works. Simply put, Invisalign uses a series of custom-molded aligners to straighten your teeth, invisibly. The process is fascinating.

With this information, it’s easy to see that even if you have missing teeth, Invisalign is still an option for you. Yes, there are a few caveats. For this reason, it is challenging to give a definitive answer. For instance, the main determination rests on the recommendation of your dentist and whether he or she believes you are a good candidate.

Sometimes, the decision depends on the location of the missing tooth. For example, a missing front tooth could make the procedure more difficult. If this is the case, you still have options. Occasionally, when a front tooth is missing, your Invisalign dentist can actually create a fake tooth for you. It does mean more dental work, but the end result would be worth it.

Reasons for Invisalign

There are many reasons that people get Invisalign. Some of the most popular reasons are listed below:

 They Are Removable- This is one of the biggest pros compared to braces. Even if you have missing teeth or really bad alignment, you can still remove Invisalign when you need or want to.
They Are Invisible- Everyone loves Invisalign because no one knows you are wearing them. It can be embarrassing when you are missing teeth and braces at the same time. Invisalign takes the embarrassment out of aligning your teeth.
Short Time to Straighten Your Teeth- Traditional braces and aligners can a very long time to give you a straighter smile. Invisalign is designed to do exactly what you need in a shorter time span. It can take as little as six months and up to two years for severe cases.
They Are Comfortable- Even though you will feel a little discomfort for the first two weeks with each new set, Invisalign is fairly comfortable. Even when you are missing teeth, this doesn’t change the comfortability level.
Fewer Visits to The Dentist- Not many people enjoy going to the dentist a million times especially with a busy schedule. Luckily with Invisalign, you cut down on those visits. Because there are no metal brackets and wires to check, like braces, you do not have to go to the dentist as frequently.

The benefits of Invisalign vary. However, because it is removable and invisible, it is a popular choice. Imagine straightening your teeth in a shorter time span and with more comfort than the average braces. You also won’t have to visit the dentist as often, to tighten any wires or bands.

Even though it presents a challenge, Invisalign is still an option even if you have a few missing teeth. However, at the discretion of your dentist, a different route might prove easier. For example, if you are missing a front tooth, creating a fake tooth allows you to opt for Invisalign. Don’t let the condition of your teeth stop you from inquiring about Invisalign. Missing teeth or severely crooked teeth are no problem. Speak with your dentist thoroughly about it before getting any work done. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (831) 449-8363.