Complete dentures are for replacing missing teeth for those without teeth. Partials are also sometimes used for those who have lost several of their teeth.

Tooth loss can be caused in different ways. It may be the result of tooth decay, traumatic injury, or periodontal disease. Whatever the case may be, it is critical to replace the teeth that are missing because your bite may shift or your appearance may change, making you look older than your actual age.

The Process

At your initial visit, your dentist will design an appropriate treatment plan based upon the examination of your gums and bone structure. Sometimes, surgery is necessary to correct bony ridges interfering with denture stability. Other times, the remaining teeth will have to be extracted prior to the placement of dentures. An impression is then made of your gums to create the best fit possible for your dentures. The entire process takes several appointments spread out over a month or two.

When tooth extraction is called for, normally an immediate denture is put into place to foster extraction site healing and as a cosmetic feature. The immediate dentures can then be adapted to changes in ridge contours before the final dentures are prepared. The dentist will create an immediate denture that matches the color of your surrounding teeth.

Denture Hygiene

Practicing good dental hygiene is very important when wearing dentures because there is an elevated risk of complications otherwise. The complications from lack of hygiene include: gum disease, fungal infections, and white patches on mucous membranes.

It is essential that you brush your tongue, gums, and palate with a soft brush nightly when you remove your dentures, and every day before inserting the dentures. This removes any plaque accumulation and helps stimulate your gums. Brush your dentures at night to remove any plaque and debris, then soak the dentures in a cleaning solution.

Getting Used to Your Dentures

Within 24 hours of your denture placement, you should visit your dentist to see if any adjustments are needed. It is not uncommon to require some minor adjustments for comfort.

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Dental implants have become a popular choice for people who want to replace a missing tooth with a prosthetic tooth that looks, functions and feels like a natural tooth. Implants can prevent the bone loss that occurs from missing teeth and preserves the facial bone structure of the patient. Implants can make a person more confident in their appearance or help with chewing issues caused by a missing tooth.

Implants can be used to support a crown for a single missing tooth or to provide a stable anchor for a dental bridge for multiple missing teeth or dentures. A titanium rod is surgically inserted in to the jawbone and bonds to the bone after a period of a few months, providing a permanent root foundation for artificial teeth. The oral surgeon attaches an extension or abutment to the titanium rod that protrudes through the gums and attaches a temporary prosthetic crown. After the implant is successfully bonded to the jaw, a permanent crown is attached to the abutment. Implants are a joint effort between an oral surgeon who performs the implant surgery and a restorative dentist who attaches the permanent crown or bridge.

Many patients are candidates for immediate implants, which are implants inserted into the jaw on the same day a tooth is removed. For a patient that had the traumatic experience of losing a front tooth, placing a temporary crown on the same day can be an option.

Most dental implant procedures can be performed under general anesthesia in an oral surgeon’s office. Patients are instructed to practice strict oral hygiene and eat only soft foods for the first week. Regular follow up visits are required to monitor the healing process and bonding of the bone and titanium rod.

Dental implants have a five-year success rate of over 90%. Implants can fail when the implant does not bond to the jaw or becomes infected. Poor hygiene can lead to an inflammation around the implant called peri-implantitis, similar to gum disease surrounding a natural tooth.

Dental implants offer a durable, attractive and permanent solution to tooth replacement.

Tags: Dental Implant, Dentistry, Family Dentist, Hyde Park, Manus Dental, Missing Tooth, Restorative Dentistry

Busy families can find it challenging to pay attention to their oral health. There are so many activities tugging at parents’ attention that there can seem to be an unending cycle of coming and going. Fitting in time for brushing and flossing may easily be overlooked, and parents must take measures to remind youngsters of their need to take care of their teeth. Family dentistry professionals play an important role in this process, coordinating bi-annual checkups and cleanings.

Regular dental checkups are essential in keeping problems at bay. Cleanings free the mouth of built up plaque, one of the main issues leading to cavities. Checkups allow dental professionals to diagnose and address problems when they are small, avoiding more serious treatment needs. Neglecting these checkups can lead to serious problems, especially if small cavities are permitted to continue untreated.

In addition to regular family dentistry visits, it’s important for parents to promote habits that will assure that oral hygiene is maintained. Chore charts are popular for helping youngsters learn responsibilities, and small chore charts are perfect for helping them remember simple tasks like brushing and flossing. Posted in the bathroom, the chart can be checked off each time the needed task is completed. Parents must be certain to verify the completion of oral tasks in order to make sure that they are really being done.

It’s also important for parents to promote oral health through the foods and beverages they purchase. Unfortunately, there is a great affinity for soda and juices, and children are some of the most avid consumers of these items. These beverages are very detrimental to the teeth, and should be limited to very rare availability or restricted altogether. Similarly, overindulgence in sweets can harm the teeth, and children’s consumption of candies should be limited. Promoting calcium-rich foods and beverages is just as important as limiting detrimental foods.

Family dentistry is a cooperative effort on the part of both parents and professionals. Dentists attend to the physical needs of the mouth, monitoring changes and problems. Parents, meanwhile, attend to the daily care of teeth through promoting good brushing and flossing habits while providing healthy food options. That great smile takes a lot of work, after all.

Tags: Chicago, Dentistry, Family Dentist, Family Dentist Chicago, Manus Dental, Pediatric Dental Health, Pediatric Dentist

At The Manus Dental Network of General, Cosmetic and Specialty Dentists, our comprehensive dentistry services offer you convenience and the piece of mind that all your dental care can be expertly handled at our dental practice. With more than 20 dental specialists practicing at our 5 offices, we take care of all your dental needs. Our dentists work together as a team to ensure your complete dental health. The Manus Dental Network delivers comprehensive dental care of the highest quality for all of our patients.

When it comes to dental care, a dental practice that provides comprehensive dentistry services vastly benefits you. You will enjoy the convenience of not having to complete the same paperwork at multiple dental care providers. Instead of driving around from office to office to get all of the dental care that you need, you just need to visit one of our offices.

Our comprehensive dentistry services include cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns and periodontal care. We also offer bridges, partials, dentures, veneers, lumineers, teeth whitening, dental implants, Invisalign and orthodontics. At Manus Dental Network, we treat your whole family and offer pediatric dentistry services in addition to our services for adults.

Choosing our comprehensive dental practice means that you will enjoy the benefits of continuity of care, maximized insurance benefits and flexible financing options for all of your dental procedures. At Manus Dental Network, our dentists participate in ongoing education and training so that you benefit from the latest advances in all types of dentistry services. We invest in the latest dental technology so no matter which location you visit and which doctor you see, all of our dentists can access your dental records and treatment plan.

Manus Dental Network provides all types of dental services at all of our convenient locations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. We take pride in treating your whole family’s dental needs. When you need a comprehensive dental practice with state of the art dental technology that makes you feel welcome and comfortable, look no further than Manus Dental Network.

Tags: Brookfield, Chicago, Comprehensive dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentist, Family Dentist Chicago, Illinois, Manus Dental, Pediatric Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry

A person who smiles a lot seems happy and self-confident. However, it might be difficult to smile if you have less than perfect teeth. You want to smile, but you are too embarrassed to. Luckily, you do not have to be embarrassed of your teeth forever. Your dentist can give you porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells of tooth-colored material that are used to cover your teeth. Porcelain veneers can fix an array of tooth problems including chipped, misaligned, irregularly shaped and discolored teeth.

This procedure normally requires three trips to the dentist’s office. During your first visit, you will tell your dentist what you want to achieve. For example, you can tell him you want porcelain veneers to fix the gaps in your teeth. Then, your dentist will look at your teeth, so he can make sure porcelain veneers are right for you.

During your second visit, your dentist will remove half a millimeter of enamel from your tooth’s surface to prepare for a porcelain veneer. Then, he will make an impression of your tooth, which will help construct your porcelain veneer. You will usually receive your porcelain veneer back from the laboratory in two weeks.

Your dentist will permanently cement the porcelain veneer to your tooth during your third visit. He will clean, etch and polish your tooth beforehand. Once the porcelain veneer is placed on your teeth, your dentist will apply a light beam to the porcelain veneer, which will make it harden quickly.

After two weeks, you should visit your dentist, so he can make sure your gums are reacting to the veneer’s placement. If you have been having any problems with a porcelain veneer, you should not hesitate to tell him. Your dentist is there to make sure you get the best results possible.

Tags: Brookfield, Chicago, Manus Dental, Porcelain Veneers

If you have ever wanted a perfect smile but thought you needed a slew of cosmetic procedures to get there, think again. Lumineers provide the perfect smile you want, permanently, without the need for painful braces or undergoing a laundry list of cosmetic procedures. Discuss with your dentist the possibility about improving your smile with Lumineers and if you might need any preparation work before to get the best benefits from your Lumineers.

What are Lumineers?
Lumineers are thin, porcelain veneers that fit directly over the teeth. Since each set is custom-designed for you, a perfect fit is guaranteed. These veneers are as thin as a contact lens, and remain permanently in place. After they are in place, you treat them as your regular teeth, brushing and flossing and regular dental cleanings and exams as needed to maintain good oral hygiene.

What’s the Difference Between Traditional Veneers an Lumineers?
Traditional veneers require a painful procedure that includes shaving down your teeth to attach the veneers, and once the veneers are in place, pain is still possible. Lumineers use a bonding agent to attach them to your teeth, with no need to drill your existing teeth. Once in place, the Lumineers are painless and permanent for more than 20 years.

Do I Need Braces?
Usually Lumineers can replace the need for braces, especially if you have mild problems with spacing, crowding, or crooked teeth. For severe problems, you dentist may recommend you wear braces before having the Lumineers applied to your teeth. The only way to know for certain is to talk to your dentist before getting Lumineers.

What If I Change My Mind?
You do not have to keep the Lumineers on your teeth forever, if you change your mind. They can be removed at any time. Talk to your dentist if you want your Lumineers removed, but it is likely that you will not want to go back once you see how your smile has been transformed by Lumineers.

Tags: Brookfield, Chicago, Chicago Dentists, Family Dentistry, Illinois, Lumineers, Manus Dental, Restorative Dentistry

Bonding is a term used in dentistry to describe a common treatment to restore problem teeth. There are two kinds of dental bonding. One is adhesive bonding typically used on restorations, such as porcelain veneers. This article discusses the other type of bonding, called direct bonding. Everyone with chips in their teeth, gaps between them or who has stained or wrongly shaped teeth will likely benefit from direct bonding.

Simply stated, direct bonding using a high intensity light to attach materials to the areas of your teeth that need improvement; because the materials are in the dentist’s office and you may have few teeth needing work, the cost for direct bonding is substantially less than it would be for partials or dentures. And though not true in every case, in many of them the work can be done in one visit to your dentist’s office.

Because accidents and aging take their toll on everyone, some patients choose to have their dentist use direct bonding where it matters most to them: typically, the teeth seen when smiling. Because direct bonding can be used selectively, that is an additional way of controlling its costs.

There are several steps a dentist takes when applying direct bonding to a patient, including isolating the teeth involved from moisture; afterward, a light acid is applied to the teeth in order for the bonding solution to adhere better them. Once the acid has taken affect – typically a matter of seconds – the dentist applies the bonding solution to the teeth and then uses a high intensity light to harden the solution.

Of course, as with any dental treatment, the skill of the dentist is extremely important. It is advisable to talk to your dentist and learn whether he has used direct bonding on patients. Though some people might be hesitant to do so, asking for the names and telephone numbers of a few of these individuals is also a good idea. Go ahead and make a few calls, checking out the patients’ rating of the bonding received.

Tags: Chicago, Dentistry, Direct Bonding, Family Dentistry, Manus Dental, Restorative Dentistry

Are you self-conscious about stained teeth, gaps, uneven teeth or chips? Porcelain veneers can help give you confidence when you smile and speak. Porcelain veneers can improve the entire appearance of your teeth; teeth can look whiter, straighter, larger, or smaller.

A veneer, in general, is a thin layer of restorative material that is placed over the tooth surface to improve the tooth, or to protect from damaged tooth surface. Porcelain veneers are much more durable than veneers constructed with materials in the past.

Porcelain veneers are thin, but durable covers that are placed over teeth to improve the appearance of one’s smile. Porcelain veneers are durable enough to last for many years and are more resistant to stains than enamel. These veneers can not only correct uneven teeth or stained teeth, but can also correct having too much gum, sensitive teeth, or an overbite. Porcelain veneers provide your teeth a natural and healthy appearance.

Stains from coffee, tea, or cigarette smoke are not a problem with porcelain veneers. Porcelain is a ceramic heat fired, which makes it very resistant to stains. If stains are encountered, they can be removed with a normal cleaning. Porcelain veneers can be brushed and flossed, just like your natural teeth and they have a lifespan of about 15 years or more.

Dentists can take molds of your teeth before the veneers are created, allowing you to have a set that fits perfectly. Porcelain veneers are bound to your teeth with strong adhesive. At least two appointments are usually required to complete the porcelain veneer procedure. A local anesthetic can be used for a virtually pain-free experience.

When the veneers are ready, your dentist will make sure they fit properly and are the correct size and color. If you are not satisfied with the result, more shaping and trimming can be done.

“Smile and the world smiles with you!” With porcelain veneers, you can have a straight, bright, and natural looking smile.

Tags: Dentist, Dentistry, Family Dentist, Manus Dental, Porcelain Veneers

Most people know that seeing the dentist is an important part of creating a winning smile. But not everyone realizes that seeing a dentist is also a part of overall health.

Lower costs

Dentists are able to spot dental problems and correct them before they get out of hand. At an earlier stage, dental problems are much more affordable to fix. Those who have dental insurance often have their checkups covered, leaving no reason for skipping a dentist visit.

Identify health problems early on

But besides having a great smile, a dentist visit is necessary to spot oral health problems that can become more severe down the road. Dentists who identify gum disease can prescribe treatments for the infection. These treatments, combined with better oral care at home, can help cure the disease. Gum disease is a very serious condition because it can lead to more serious disorders, such as stroke, diabetes and heart disease.

Severe gum disease can increase blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of developing diabetes. Those with diabetes are also more likely to get gum disease because they are more vulnerable to infections. No one knows for sure why gum disease increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke, but some theories include the idea that bacteria attaches itself to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries.

Spot cancer early

Dentists are also able to look for signs of oral cancer and cavities when they perform a regular checkup. Oral cancer that is identified early has a cure rate of 90%, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The cancer can be removed through surgery before it can spread to the throat or neck.

When to see a dentist

People shouldn’t only visit a dentist for their regularly scheduled checkup. They should also schedule a visit when their teeth are very sensitive, when their gums are puffy or bleed, when they have difficulty chewing or swallowing, when the mouth is frequently dry, when the jaw clicks or when chewing is painful.

Tags: Chicago, Dentist, Family Dentist, Manus Dental, Periodontal Disease, Periodontal Gum Care

Dental bridges are placed in the gap between two teeth when one or more are missing. The best candidates for a dental bridge are those who have missing teeth and otherwise practice good oral hygiene.

Cosmetic reasons for bridges

One of the main reasons to get a dental bridge is when you want to restore your teeth by eliminating any gaps. Unfortunately, many people are judged by the quality of their teeth. Dental bridges can also be necessary when trying to maintain the shape of the face. Dental bridges are very natural looking. They also are not difficult to add, often only taking two dental visits.

Functional reasons for bridges

For some people, the dental bridge is necessary in order to properly chew and speak. By restoring some of the teeth, the mouth will bite properly, which will make eating much easier.

Preventing further problems

A bridge can also be necessary by keeping a problem from getting worse. The teeth that remain will start to drift in alignment until there is something to provide support. Also, when there are gaps in a smile, the surviving teeth are more likely to develop gum disease or tooth decay.

How long the dental bridge lasts

Generally, a dental bridge will last five to fifteen years before it needs to be replaced. The bridge will last longer if the remaining teeth are properly cared for, since the bridge depends on the other teeth to remain in place.

Types of bridges to choose from

There are several types of dental bridges to choose from. With fixed bridges, a false tooth is anchored to new crowns connected to the teeth. Resin bonded bridges do not crown the nearby teeth and are commonly used with the nearby teeth have no significant visible damage. The cantilever bridges are used when there is a healthy tooth on one side of the gap.

Tags: Chicago Dentists, Dental Bridge, Manus Dental, Restorative Dentistry