oral health Archives - Smile Glen Ellyn Restorative Dentist
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Tag: oral health

women with dentures smiling
16Dec

Cosmetic dentistry is responsible for improving millions of smiles around the globe. It can truly be a life-altering experience for those who are missing teeth or need to have teeth pulled. There are many different treatment options available, and thanks to advancements in technology, they are more easily accessible and convenient. Cosmetic dentures are one of the latest in cosmetic dental procedures.

What are cosmetic dentures?

When you think of dentures, it may conjure up an image of old-school false teeth. With the recent advancements in dental technology, many people are choosing implants. However, some still prefer dentures. They restore your ability to eat naturally while enhancing your smile. The latest technology makes it possible for dentists to create a natural-looking partial or full denture that gives you the smile you always wanted.

Top 5 Benefits of Cosmetic Dentures

Gives Your Appearance a “Lift”

For those who lose their teeth, the cheeks and jaws can begin to sag. We use advanced equipment to construct cosmetic dentures. The use of precise measurements helps construct a denture that fits accurately and comfortably. These measurements are used to create the perfect arrangement of teeth to fit your face. It’s like giving your entire facial appearance a lift.

Boosts Your Self-Esteem

Some people are embarrassed about their smiles. Cosmetic dentures fix your smile making you feel more confident and happier. You will feel better about yourself when you look in the mirror. You may find you are more excited about attending social events.

More Stable than Traditional Dentures

Traditional dentures are known to move around while eating, speaking, or laughing. Thanks to the latest technology, you get a better fit. Cosmetic dentures provide better stability and fit. For some patients, titanium rods are implanted surgically along the jaw. These posts can secure partial dentures or a full set.

Ability to Customize

At Dr. Gibbs’ office, we can customize your cosmetic dentures. This gives you the option of a more natural look. You can have a whiter smile. Maybe you’d like your teeth to appear longer, or you’d like more or fewer gums showing. They are constructed to give you a more beautiful smile, the smile you’ve always wanted.

More Natural Look

One of the most popular things about cosmetic dentures is that they are not as noticeable as traditional dentures. They are crafted to have the same luminosity and opalescence as your natural teeth. You’ll have a smile that feels and looks natural. Most people will not even know you are wearing them unless you choose to tell them.

Different Types of Cosmetic Dentures

There are three basic types of cosmetic dentures. During your visit to Dr. Gibb’s office, discuss which option is best suited for you and your situation. He will make his recommendation and help you choose.

  1.  Full Cosmetic Dentures. A full cosmetic denture allows you to eat and speak with confidence. They fill out your cheeks and lips naturally. 
  2. Partial Cosmetic Dentures. A partial is used to fill in a gap created by one or more missing teeth. Unlike a dental bridge, they do not require surrounding teeth to be altered. Partials are either removable or secured using dental implants. 
  3. Implant-Supported Dentures. These dentures are attached to dental implants using titanium screws that provide a root to support the teeth. This type is the most stable and just four implants can support all the teeth.

Contact Dr. Gibbs Office

If you would like to know if you are a good candidate for cosmetic dentures, schedule your appointment with Dr. Gibbs today. His office is conveniently located in Glen Ellyn just west of Route 53 off Roosevelt Road and Park Boulevard. Our goal is to provide you with optimal results and a smile that makes you smile.

big beautiful smile
15Sep

When is the last time you mentioned going to the dentist among friends? You’ve likely heard horror stories involving various levels of pain and discomfort. There are a lot of people who simply expect to experience pain when they visit the dentist. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Sedation dentistry helps you be more comfortable during dental treatments.

What is sedation dentistry?

When you visit Smile Glen Ellyn, you will be greeted by friendly and warm staff members. One goal is to create a healthy relationship between you and the dental team. When you have confidence in those who are working with you the experience will go much smoother. Dr. Gibbs and the dental team understand that when you are at ease your body can more easily respond to pain control and medication. Sedation dentistry ensures you can get the dental treatment you need without fear of pain.

Safe forms of sedation are used to help provide calmness before procedures are performed. This may include relieving anxiety or numbing affected areas so you can’t feel the dental professional working. There are various levels of sedation including:

  •  Minimal sedation where the patient remains awake but has calm feelings.
  •  Moderate sedation where the patient is fully awake, but not fully aware.
  •  Deep sedation keeps the patient awake but they only have minimal consciousness.
  •  General anesthesia will cause the patient to sleep deeply without being conscious.

How safe is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry has been practiced for years, it’s not new. However, over the last decade or so, new techniques have been able to expand its application. The latest techniques can be used for routine cleanings or even for those who experience a lot of anxiety just by being in the dentist’s chair. Sedation can be used as an antidote for anxiety or to help provide a numbing effect. It can also prevent most pain during procedures. The three ways sedation is administered in the Glen Ellyn dental office include:

  • Inhalation – Commonly called “laughing gas” nitrous oxide is administered using a breathing mask. It has a calming effect but the patient isn’t unconscious. In most cases, they can drive themselves home safely after the procedure.
  • Oral Medication – Sedation may be administered using a pill that is available in different strengths. It mostly makes people groggy and many times patients fall asleep during the procedure.
  • Intravenous Drip – Sedation can also be administered via an IV. They will feel it take effect almost immediately. The doctor carefully monitors and adjusts the dosage during procedures.

These types of sedation may also be paired with a topical anesthetic to numb the immediate area where the dentist is working. Combining two approaches is extremely effective. Following a dental procedure, you’ll be given instructions on any measures you can take at home to help provide relief from any discomfort that may follow. This can include applying ice packs, warm rags, or taking medications to alleviate pain.

Sedation Dentistry at Glen Ellyn

Many dental practitioners do not offer sedation dental care. But Dr. Gibbs at Smile Glen Ellyn makes procedures easy and convenient. Call us today to discuss what level of sedation might be appropriate to help you alleviate anxious feelings about visiting the dentist.  We have specialized staff, experience, and certifications to ensure your next trip to the dentist is as comfortable as possible. Contact our offices today to schedule your next visit.

8Feb

Did you know that oral health is a major factor in overall physical health? When your mouth is healthy, the rest of your body is more likely to be healthier, too. In fact, a recent study found that people who regularly visit their Glen Ellyn, IL dentist for check-ups and cleanings every six months are less likely to get pneumonia.

The connection between oral health and overall health is well-known. This study reinforced that fact, and provided further evidence that visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings will help keep you healthier. By getting check-ups every six months, the study theorizes, microbes that can cause pneumonia can be reduced so you won’t have to worry as much about getting through the winter safely.

To get an assessment of your oral health as part of your plan to stay pneumonia-free this winter, call today to make an appointment with Dr. Thomas Gibbs at Smile Glen Ellyn.

5Oct

Most of us think of sugar as the number one enemy of healthy teeth. However, there are other foods and drinks that can wreak havoc on your oral health as well. This is why simply eliminating or reducing the amount of sugar from your diet is simply not enough. Dr. Thomas Gibbs knows that this is a common misconception and works to educate patients on the best ways to improve oral health.

More Sugar Anyone?

Sugar can cause cavities when it mixes with the plaque on teeth and creates an acidic environment that wears on the enamel of your teeth over time. Many people understand that sugary foods and drinks aren’t the healthiest choices for good oral health; however, few understand why. As a result, many people will cut down on sugary foods or choose sugar-free options thinking they are improving their oral health.

What Else Can be Done to Protect Tooth Enamel in addition to  Eliminating Sugar?

Your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist understands that most patients think that eliminating sugar will stop the slow assault on tooth enamel and reduce cavities. However, there are other factors that should be considered as well. Acidic foods and drinks may or may not be sugary, but the acids present in these foods and drinks can be just as troublesome as sugary foods because they wear away at tooth enamel as well. This is why it’s a good idea to reduce your consumption of acidic foods as well as sugary foods and drinks, or remembering to rinse or brush after having these foods. The Smile Glen Ellyn team is committed to educating patients and providing tips to help preserve tooth enamel and improve overall oral health.

9Feb

Your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist probably reminds you at every appointment about the importance of flossing as part of your oral hygiene routine. Cleaning between your teeth prevents plaque buildup around the teeth and gums. Combined with brushing and professional cleaning, flossing is an important part of your dental health.

If you don’t floss every day, you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one-third of adults never floss. However, dental floss or interdental cleaners reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by disrupting the bacteria colonies that form in unattended spaces between your teeth, keeping them from taking root. This makes flossing a key component to your oral health.

 

When Should You Floss?

The American Dental Association recommends flossing once a day. Whether you do it before you brush or after is a personal preference — the important thing is that it gets done frequently. Ask Dr. Thomas Gibbs for tips on flossing and brushing to maintain your beautiful smile in Glen Ellyn. Take care of your mouth not only for your confidence and self-esteem, but also for your overall health.

18Nov

A baby’s arrival seems to bring an endless to-do list. There’s the numerous doctor visits, preparing the nursery, and of course those cravings. A mom-to-be may have a lot on her mind, but she has to make sure to remember her oral health. That means learning about proper teeth cleaning when pregnant. After all, you’d want a perfect smile to be one of the first things the newborn baby sees, right?

Pregnancy actually increases the risk of tooth decay, and this occurs for many reasons. Women consume more carbohydrates and brushing their teeth becomes more of challenge due to morning sickness and other issues like bleeding gums. Plan your dental visits throughout the entire pregnancy. Having a healthy mouth decreases the risk of delivering prematurely or having a baby with a low birth weight.

Taking care of your mouth allows you to better focus on the coming arrival of your little one. Brush at least twice a day and don’t forget to floss. Pregnancy is a special experience so you want to maintain your health throughout it.

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