Dupont Dental - Your Washington DC Dentist


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Archive for July 2016

Comments Off on What Makes a Very High Quality Denture?
high quality dentures

What Makes a Very High Quality Denture?

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Dentures are a traditional method used by dentists to replace one or multiple missing teeth. They are a removable plate that holds artificial teeth, which is then inserted into the mouth. The artificial teeth are positioned in a way that they fill the gap where the missing tooth or teeth were originally located. This can be a partial replacement or a complete one. As well as helping you replace your missing tooth, dentures can provide other benefits to your life too.

One of the main advantages of wearing dentures is the confidence it can give to you. When you are missing a tooth, you’ll find it difficult to eat properly, and it will understandably affect your self-esteem. This can stop you from smiling and eating out in public. A well-fitted partial or complete denture can help you feel better about your appearance and even enhance it. It can also give you the confidence to eat in front of others again. This can give you a new start and make you a friendlier and more self-assured person as a result.

Not only that, but your dentures can also help you live a healthier lifestyle. You may not have been eating the right foods due to the pain or discomfort caused by your tooth loss. This could mean your body isn’t getting the proper nutrients and vitamins it needs to function correctly. With the help of your new dentures, you can start eating better which will improve your overall health. It will also make it easier to clean and floss your teeth each day and remove unwanted plaque and bacteria.

While there are countless benefits to using dentures, like most things they can vary significantly in quality. While it can be tempting to save money where you can, this won’t always give you the best results. Low quality or ill-fitting dentures can cause discomfort and pain when chewing and talking. They often look fake and are more noticeable to others. They can also alter your face shape, by making it look sunken and less attractive. In comparison, high-quality dentures are durable, comfortable to wear and look natural. Their custom fit will also stop them from falling out and keep you looking your absolute best.

Dentures can be made from some different materials, so it can be hard to choose the right one. Porcelain and acrylic resin tend to be the materials that many dentists favour. Each has its pros and cons. Porcelain, for example, is durable and can last for a long time. But they can also get chipped, need careful handling and thorough cleaning. Acrylic causes little damage to your other teeth and can resist unsightly staining. However, they don’t last as long and can wear down, altering the size of the artificial tooth. It’s vital that you consider the pros and cons of each before deciding which one will work best.

For more information on the varying types of dentures, talk to your dentist. They can use their experience and expertise to advise you on which dentures would be most appropriate for you.

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Comments Off on How Invisalign has Revolutionized the Industry
Invisalign braces benefits

How Invisalign has Revolutionized the Industry

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If you have misaligned teeth, you’ll undoubtedly feel embarrassed about how they look. You might also find that they can be difficult to clean each day sufficiently. This can make plaque and tartar build up challenging to remove. If left to progress, this buildup can cause gum disease, which can eventually result in tooth and bone loss. Having braces fitted can help to straighten misaligned teeth and reduce the risk of gum disease from developing. But many adults find traditional braces uncomfortable, painful and unattractive.

Thankfully, Invisalign is a popular and effective alternative to traditional metal braces. Their clear and removable aligners can give you an improved smile in no time. Read through the following benefits to see what you can gain from wearing Invisalign braces.

Appearance

One of the biggest benefits of wearing Invisalign braces is their transparent and almost invisible appearance. Even though they can produce fantastic results, traditional metal braces are noticeable and stand out. Food can also easily get caught amongst the wires, which can cause embarrassment and ridicule. This can make the wearer feel even more self-conscious about their teeth than they did before. Invisalign braces, however, are barely noticeable and don’t draw any attention to themselves. They can give you the straight teeth you desire, but without everyone knowing you are wearing them. This can make you feel more at ease and less conscious about your smile.

Safety

Invisalign braces are smooth, easy to fit and don’t include sharp edges. This is a huge comparison from traditional braces which use sharp metal wires and fixtures. These elements can cause injury to your teeth, gums and tongue. The force used to fit them can damage your teeth too, if not done correctly. They can also make it difficult to clean your teeth properly. This increases your chance of contracting periodontal disease and other issues significantly. These are not issues for wearers on Invisalign braces. They can cause less damage to the inside of your mouth and allow the wearer to brush thoroughly. This can then prevent issues such as gingivitis and cavities from developing.

Comfort

Metal braces are renowned for being uncomfortable and sometimes painful to wear. As they are fixed in place, these issues are to be expected and are something the wearer must get used to. Invisalign braces are created using a 3D scan of your mouth to ensure you get the best fit possible. This bespoke design will provide you will immense comfort when worn. So much so that you might forget you are wearing them. Another benefit is that you can remove the aligners too. This feature means you can take them out for short periods such as when you are eating your favourite meal. Invisalign braces have also been found to have faster treatment times. This means you don’t have to put up with years of pain and discomfort, unlike metal braces.

If you’ve always wanted straighter teeth but hated metal braces, Invisalign could give you the results you crave. Make an appointment with your dentist to get a wider and brighter smile today.

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Comments Off on Cosmetic Bonding: A Quick Fix for your Chipped Tooth
cosmetic bonding and dental bonding

Cosmetic Bonding: A Quick Fix for your Chipped Tooth

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No matter how vigilant you are with your oral hygiene regime, a chipped tooth can happen at any time. You might bite into something hard or be involved in a sporting accident. It’s something you, unfortunately, have no control over. Thankfully it’s not something you have to live with. There are some tooth repair options your dentist could use to fix your chipped tooth including crowns and veneers. But the quickest and often most effective option you could use is cosmetic bonding.

Cosmetic bonding, or dental bonding as it is otherwise known, is the process in which resin is applied to the tooth. This enhances the appearance of the tooth by hiding the imperfections caused by the chip. Your dentist will choose a suitable colour before the resin is applied to help it blend in with the rest of your teeth. The end results are often so good that it is hard for other people to tell the difference.

Unlike veneers and crowns which take a long time to complete, cosmetic bonding can be done quickly. Little preparation is needed before the resin is applied to the surface of your tooth. Your dentist will need to choose which shade of resin to apply to your teeth by using a colour chart. They will then roughen your tooth and use a special conditioning gel or liquid on its surface. This will help the resin adhere more successfully and give it a stronger hold. The resin can then be applied and shaped to look as natural as possible. Ultraviolet light is then used to help it harden and set into place. This only takes a matter of minutes.

All in all the entire procedure should take no more than an hour to complete. This is extremely convenient and allows you to return to work or home in no time at all.

Anaesthesia is commonly used by dentists when repairing chipped and damaged teeth. This makes the patient feel more at ease and comfortable throughout the procedure. But unfortunately, some patients do feel unwell or drowsy once it is complete. This can force them to take time off work and seek medical assistance. However, cosmetic bonding does not require general anaesthesia. This means once your procedure is complete you can continue your day as normal without any side effects.

Cosmetic bonding can help you regain a tooth that looks and works as before. But it’s important to realise that they may need replacing and occasionally touched up in future. You will be required to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist to keep them in top condition. You should also ensure you continue to brush your teeth each day and avoid hard foods such as boiled sweets and ice. This will extend the wear of the resin and keep your smile looking fantastic.

So if you or your child has a chipped tooth, cosmetic bonding could be a quick and efficient solution. Don’t delay and make an appointment with your dentist to get the process started as soon as possible.

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Comments Off on What is an Oral Appliance and How Can it Improve Sleep
How Oral Appliances can help with sleep apnea

What is an Oral Appliance and How Can it Improve Sleep

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Many people suffer during the night from various conditions while they are asleep. These include apnea. Sufferers of sleep apnea will have trouble breathing during sleep. This is because their airways can tighten or wholly close for anywhere between a couple of seconds to a few minutes. Sleep apnea may sound like a very scary condition, but, thankfully, it is easy to treat, and sufferers can easily manage it.

One of the best ways to treat sleep apnea is by using an oral appliance. These are used to keep the airways open throughout the night. While the wearer is wearing their oral appliance, they don’t have to worry about waking up, unable to breathe in the evening.

So how does an oral appliance work? Very simply put, it is inserted into the mouth to keep the jaw and airway open. As the wearer has to be able to sleep with this contraption in their mouth, it is critical that it is correctly fitted. That is why each appliance is individually fitted to each patient. So if your dentist thinks you will benefit from one, he or she will need you to book another appointment. In this appointment, the dentist will fit an appliance so that you can wear it without any discomfort. And that also means you will be able to sleep without worrying about or being bothered by the oral appliance!

Not only does the oral appliance help sleep apnea sufferers to breathe continually throughout the night, but it also has some other advantages. It can help snorers to cut down on excessive snoring. Sleep apnea usually causes this, so the two symptoms often go hand in hand. Not only that, but it prevents you from being woken up by your very own noisy and laboured breathing.

Not sure if you could benefit from an oral appliance? There are some ways to tell if you suffer from sleep apnea. However, many people do not realize they have been suffering for it until they have had it for a few years. And that is because people often sleep through their symptoms. However, if you think you might be a sufferer, speak to your dentist.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include fatigue and sleepiness throughout the day. Sufferers also complain about memory loss and poor concentration. Mood swings, irritability, and depression are also included in the list of symptoms. Many patients also suffer from a loss of libido. Male sufferers will experience erectile dysfunction at some point as well.

So if you think that you may have sleep apnea, or that you could benefit from an oral appliance for another reason, speak to your dentist. He or she will be able to discuss your symptoms with you to figure out if it is the best way forward for you. Some dentists can fit a patient’s oral appliance themselves. Others might have to refer their patients to an oral medicine specialist.

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Comments Off on Be Sure to Make Routine Trips to Your Dentist
Routine professional dental visits

Be Sure to Make Routine Trips to Your Dentist

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We all know the importance of looking after our teeth. If your oral hygiene slips, you are putting yourself at risk of toothaches and other pains and discomforts. Not only that, though, but plaque can quickly build up on the teeth. And all this plaque can increase the chance of developing cavities and tooth decay.

So how do you keep on top of your oral hygiene and ensure your teeth are healthy? Brushing is the best way to make sure that they are regularly cleaned. Ideally, you need to be brushing at least twice a day. After each meal as well if you get the chance. To improve your cleaning routine, use mouthwash and dental floss as well.

The best way to keep your teeth and gums in check is to visit your dentist regularly. You should aim for at least two visits a year. There are loads of reasons why routine trips to your dentist are beneficial. Here are just a few of them.

Get A Deep Clean

Your dentist can thoroughly clean your teeth. A lot better than you will be able to at home. Dentists have a lot of professional implements and cleaning products that they can use and that you won’t have access to at home. As well as that, they can also reach into the parts of your mouth that you won’t be able to. Once you come away from the dentist’s, your teeth won’t have one speck of plaque on them!

Check Your Gums

You might not know what the difference between healthy and unhealthy gums looks like. Thankfully, your dentist will be able to see. He or she will instantly be able to tell if your gums need a particular treatment to fight infection. The dentist will also check the spaces between gums and teeth. Deep spaces are a sign of some gum diseases.

Discuss Products

If you aren’t too sure about the best kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes for you, you should speak to your dentist. He or she will be able to offer you suggestions. This is especially important if you have sensitive teeth and gums. Your dentist might even have certain products that aren’t available in the drugstore.

Have A Treatment

If you need treatment to sort out an infection or tooth decay, your dentist will be able to give you the relevant procedure. Your dentist will be able to give you a filling or a root canal to heal any pains and discomfort that you might be experiencing. Dentists can also do various cosmetic work if you aren’t happy with the appearance of your teeth. If you want cosmetic work, ask your dentist about teeth whitening and braces.

One of the best things you can do for your teeth is visiting your dentist on a regular basis. As long as you see your dentist at least twice a year, as well as regularly brushing, your teeth and gums will remain very healthy. And you don’t have to worry about a toothache and infections!

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Comments Off on 3 Reasons a Root Canal May be the Right Procedure
root canal treatment

3 Reasons a Root Canal May be the Right Procedure

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If you have been suffering from a lot of toothaches lately, you’ll need to visit your dentist to get to the bottom of the issue. Normally, toothache is a result of tooth decay. When the decay is particularly severe, you may need to have a root canal.

What exactly is a root canal? It is a procedure in which the decayed tissue is removed from around the tooth. In some cases, even the nerve has to be removed. This may sound like an extreme treatment, but the procedure is carried out on a daily basis by many dentists.

Root canals are the best way to deal with these symptoms and to heal any infection that might have started under a tooth. The procedure is nothing to be worried about. You’ll be under a local anesthetic, so you don’t have to worry about feeling any pain at all. The dentist will then open your tooth, usually at the crown to scoop out all the decayed tissue. They’ll then seal up your tooth. All done!

Still not sure that a root canal is the right procedure for you? Here are three reasons why it might be.

Eating Hot And Cold Foods Is Uncomfortable

A mild toothache is often nothing to worry about. However, acute pain is a sign that you may require treatment. Some other symptoms go along with a toothache that will signal a dangerous infection in the teeth. These include an extreme sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks. The pain can be tough to deal with while you eat. A root canal will quickly sort this out.

Discolored Teeth

One sign that a tooth is decaying is if it turns a dark color. That’s because all the infected tissue within the tooth will be dying and becoming darker. A root canal will take all of this decayed tissue out of your tooth, and your tooth will return to its natural color.

Your Gums Are Swelling

Sometimes, small pimples will develop around the base of a tooth. Not only this, though, but your gums could also suffer from swelling. This is just how they are reacting to the infection in your gums. It is a sign that you might need a root canal. Once you do have the procedure, the swelling, along with the infection, will go away.

Still not too keen for a root canal? If you don’t have one, you will only get into more pain as the infection worsens. In the worse case scenario, you might end up losing teeth. As you can see, the root canal won’t be as bad as what might happen if you don’t have one!

If you don’t want to get into a situation in which you need a root canal, there are some steps you can take to protect your teeth. Make sure you brush with fluoride toothpaste regularly. And try to see your dentist at least twice a year. That way, you’ll have happy and healthy teeth!

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