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What Do I Need to Know About Dentures? | Tyngsboro Dentist

We commonly think of dentures as a solution for elderly individuals with a lifetime of oral hygiene and age considerations that have contributed to the full or partial loss of teeth. However, younger demographics have increasingly sought dentures to repair damage caused by poor oral hygiene practices or in extreme sports.

Dentures are removable acrylic replacements for missing teeth. They can be created to fill in gaps, or replace a full set of teeth, depending on your need. Typically, individuals who need dentures have experienced a trauma to their teeth that caused them to decay, fall out or become chipped.

Here are some things to consider if dentures are a solution for you:

  • They take some getting used to. As with any new thing in our lives, speaking with new dentures will take some practice. Over time however, the muscle memory from speaking throughout your life will help you overcome the unfamiliarity in no time.
  • Made of synthetic materials, a denture might not feel like your teeth, but are hand created to look good and be comfortable to wear. Dentures are first molded to the space or row of teeth that has experienced the loss and fastened according to your need.
  • Dentures are available as a full, partial, or implant-supported set.
    • Full Dentures. Used for patients missing either arch or both, full dentures are permanently secured into a base. They can be held in place via adhesive or suction.
    • Partial Dentures. More like a retainer, false teeth are held by a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Partial dentures are for patients missing only a few teeth.
    • Implant-Supported Dentures. These dentures snap into implants inserted into a patient’s jawbone. The implants give the denture more support, preventing movement while you speak, eat or drink.

Before you embark on attaining a set of dentures, your dentist will consult with you about your options, the healing process, and best practices for maintaining your dentures. It is important to maintain your daily brushing routine as well as clean and sanitize your dentures for overall mouth health.

To learn more about dentures, or to schedule an appointment today, visit us at http://www.tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com/.

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Natural Solutions for Whiter Teeth | Tyngsboro Dentist

Everyone wants that Hollywood perfect smile, but over time, daily decisions can discolor our teeth despite best practices with our oral care. While habits such as smoking and drinking coffee may require professional whitening to correct, certain foods can aid in the daily maintenance of whiter teeth.

It is important to note that too much professional or at-home whitening products may work to decay tooth enamel over time. If you have tried different whitening methods and nothing seems to work, a closer look at your diet may hold the missing key to bright white teeth.

Here are some ways you can incorporate natural teeth whitening solutions into your routine.

Fruit. Apples are a powerhouse food for a white smile. The crispness of an apple works our gums and strengthens them when we bite and chew. The tart taste produces saliva which helps clear bacteria that may produce cavities. Pears are another great fruit to indulge. Like apples, pears help strengthen gums while neutralizing odor-causing, stain-inducing bacteria. If citrus fruits are more your taste, reach for an orange. The Vitamin C boost is great for overall health, and the citric acid helps remove top-level stains.

Vegetables. Vegetables may not seem like the most likely way to maintain pearly white teeth, but the benefits of eating veggies go beyond nourishment. Vegetables contain a mix of water, fiber and texture that work to scrub and clean your teeth. Celery and other fibrous vegetables act like natural flossers while the texture of veggies like cauliflower scrub away at surface buildup.

Dairy. Dairy products such as milk and yogurt are rich in calcium. This mineral works to strengthen your tooth enamel, an important contribution to long-term oral health. Each of your teeth have their own shell of enamel that protect it from erosion and cavities, but we only generate tooth enamel once in our lifetimes.

Along with regular brushing and flossing, consuming these foods work to maintain your pearly white smile without breaking the bank or eroding enamel.

To learn more about safe whitening practices, or to schedule an appointment today, visit us at http://www.tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com/.