Modern dentures are customized to fit the patient’s mouth based on precise measurements and crafted to achieve a beautiful and lifelike appearance using advanced methods and technology. However, people have worn sets of false teeth to address tooth loss for thousands of years. Here’s a quick overview of how dentures have evolved into the gorgeous and functional restorations we know today.
The first known set of dentures was used in ancient Egypt, and they consisted of dislodged human or animal teeth held in place with gold wires. The Etruscans and the civilizations of Latin America used similar devices, and a full sets of wood dentures were used in Japan as early as the sixteenth century. While you may have heard that President George Washington wore wooden dentures, the truth is that his appliances were made of ivory.
Primitive dentures such as these were typically used for aesthetic purposes since they were not practical for chewing, and they were prone to developing unpleasant scents due to the lower hygiene standards of their times. Thankfully, prosthetic dental science has come a long way since then.
Today’s dentists craft their patients’ dentures using a specialized process designed to achieve a comfortable fit and a lifelike appearance that can restore a person’s chewing ability as well as their confidence. The bases of these appliances are usually made from acrylic that can be shaded to match the natural coloration of the patient’s gum tissue, and the teeth are often made from ceramic materials like porcelain that offer superior strength for chewing while mimicking the luster and texture of natural enamel.
While a patient can expect some temporary soreness when they first receive their dentures, the appliance should feel increasingly comfortable as they get used to wearing it. For those who wish to achieve a sturdier hold than is possible with traditional dentures, securing their appliances with dental implants may be a great way to achieve maximum chewing power and reduce the frequency with which they must be replaced.
Modern dentures have allowed countless patients to enjoy beautiful and functional smiles after extensive tooth loss. Consulting with your oral healthcare provider can help you find the best way to replace your lost teeth.
Smile 312 offers the finest oral health services in Chicago. Led by Dr. Harvey J. Mahler, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys exemplary courtesy and the most excellent customer service possible. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. To learn more about how dentures may be able to help you, contact his office online or dial (312) 224-9916.
Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. Not only might you feel self-conscious about the changes to your looks, but you might also suffer changes to your diet and ability to pronounce certain words.
Your dentist can provide full or partial dentures to rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality, but it can take some time to relearn how to talk with your new teeth in place. Continue reading to learn more about how your restoration might affect your communications and how to overcome these concerns!
Your teeth are essential in your ability to speak with others because you press your tongue against their surfaces in specific ways to form various sounds. Your dentures close the spaces in your smile so that you have two complete arches to work with, but it often takes about a month for your tongue and the other supporting muscles, ligaments, and tissues in your mouth to adjust to their presence.
Many people develop a slur or a lisp during this time, especially regarding “s”, “th” and “v” sounds, but it typically fades once they acclimate to their restoration’s dimensions. Thankfully, there are proactive ways to relearn how to speak with dentures that can hasten this transitional period.
There are several tips you can try to overcome the changes to your speech patterns that often come when you start wearing new dentures, such as:
If you continue to experience challenges enunciating after a month with your dentures, contact your dentist so they can ensure your restoration fits correctly!
Dr. Harvey Mahler has 40+ years of experience helping families enhance their lives by improving their oral health. He earned his dental degree from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry and is a trusted member of the American Dental Association. Today, he offers a comprehensive array of services at one convenient location, including dentures. He combines a holistic approach to dental care with state-of-the-art equipment to improve your comfort while delivering accurate results meant to last. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (312)224-9916.
Did you know that according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, an estimated 5 million dental implants are placed in the U.S. annually? These restorations continue to gain popularity because they’re such a resilient and reliable way to replace missing teeth. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, they are embedded directly in your jawbone for added strength and stability.
However, that doesn’t make them the best solution for everyone. Before proceeding, you must consult your dentist to verify whether you’re a good candidate. Continue reading to learn about 3 problems that might prevent you from moving forward!
Many patients don’t realize that their jawbone starts thinning when teeth fall out. Your roots stimulate new bone growth in your jaw every time you bite down or chew to keep it active and healthy. When one or more goes missing, you can lose up to 25% of the surrounding bone mass within the first year.
Dental implants involve surgically placing titanium rods which eventually fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This allows them to function as sturdy standalone structures, but if your jaw is too thin, you might not complete this stage of recovery successfully. Thankfully, in some cases, a bone graft procedure can potentially bulk it up enough to continue with your elected treatment once you’ve healed.
Although these prosthetics can’t get cavities, you must still demonstrate a commitment to oral hygiene to be considered a good candidate. Your gums and any remaining teeth are still vulnerable to common problems like cavities and periodontal disease, so you’ll need to keep your mouth clean to safeguard your smile.
This is especially true after your surgery because bacteria in your mouth can infect the implant site, or you could develop a progressive form of gum disease called peri-implantitis, which is the number one leading cause of failure. If your dentist finds signs of tooth decay or other issues during your initial consultation, they’ll work with you to clear those up first before proceeding.
Because getting dental implants involves oral surgery, your provider needs to confirm that your body can safely withstand the procedure before approving it. After all, they wouldn’t want to provide a beautiful new replacement tooth at the cost of your overall health.
For example, diabetes can impact your body’s ability to heal after your treatment and also is associated with a higher risk of gum disease, meaning failure is more likely. Other medications and conditions, like cancer, blood clotting disorders, and autoimmune diseases might also negatively affect your body’s ability to successfully undergo surgery and heal sufficiently afterward.
If you’re unsure whether you can safely get dental implants, the best way to find out is to contact your dentist to schedule a consultation!
Dr. Harvey Mahler has 30+ years of experience helping families near Chicago build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his dental degree from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry, and is affiliated with several prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association. Today, he offers a complete menu of services at one convenient location, including dental implants. He partners with the best local surgeons to ensure accurate placement, then provides a resilient restoration designed to look and feel lifelike. You can start the journey to rebuilding your grin by requesting an appointment on the website or by calling (312) 224-9916.
Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their unique placement in your jaw. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, these become a permanent part of your smile and can function as sturdy standalone structures.
Although dental implants indeed function the most like natural teeth, many patients hesitate to schedule the procedure because they’re afraid their prosthetics will stick out like sore thumbs. If you’re worried about your appearance, continue reading to learn 3 reasons to set your concerns aside!
Dental implants are a versatile solution that can be used to rebuild your smile regardless of how many teeth you lost. Your dentist can place a single titanium rod in your jaw to restore a single pearly white or insert two or more to anchor other solutions. For instance, a bridge or dentures can be designed to reconstruct several teeth or an entire arch.
Regardless of how many implants you need, your dentist will provide a lifelike prosthetic to fill in the gaps in your grin. They use lifelike materials, like composite resin or durable ceramic, that reflect light like enamel. Plus, they can be customized to be just the right shade, shape, and size to match your smile for seamless results.
Did you know that your jawbone thins after tooth loss? Your roots keep it active and healthy by stimulating new bone growth with every bite. Unfortunately, when one goes missing, you can lose up to 25% of the surrounding bone mass within the first year.
As your jaw thins, it can alter the structure of your face. For instance, your chin might look more prominent and pointed, and your cheeks can develop a sunken or hollow appearance. Dental implants are the only prosthetics that preserve your facial structure because the titanium rods in your jaw function like roots to keep it strong.
Not only can tooth loss shift the angles of your face, but it can also increase the number and severity of fine lines, which can leave you looking older than you feel. As your jaw thins, the muscles and ligaments attached to it grow slack. As they relax, the skin resting on top of them becomes looser and develops additional wrinkles in key areas, like around the lips, cheeks, and jawline.
That means getting these restorations can help you maintain a younger visage so you can feel confident in your reflection.
Of all the available options for rebuilding your grin, dental implants look and function the most like your natural teeth!
Dr. Harvey Mahler has 30+ years of experience helping families improve their lives by enhancing their oral health. He graduated from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry and is an active member of prestigious organizations, like the American Dental Association. He provides a wide array of services to meet your needs at one convenient location, and partners with the best local experts to ensure accurate implant placement. Then, he utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to improve patient comfort while creating a beautiful, long-lasting restoration to close the space in their smile. You can request an appointment on the website or call (312) 224-9916.
You’re considering replacing your missing tooth with a dental implant. Great choice! Many dentists consider dental implants to be the best replacement option to date. But maybe you’re confused about something that you just keep coming across in your research – what exactly is a bone graft, and why it is frequently mentioned with dental implants?
Keep reading, and you’ll find out soon.
Simply put, a bone graft procedure takes bone matter from one source and adds it to a patient’s bone mass. The goal is typically to increase the density of a weakened or deteriorated bone, and in dentistry, that bone is usually the jawbone. The “extra” matter can come one of the following sources:
Rest assured, if you do need a bone graft, your dentist will help you find a suitable bone matter source!
But why would you need a bone graft in the first place? Something strange happens when you lose a tooth. Thanks to lack of stimulation due to a missing root, the bone matter around that area actually starts to deteriorate! Over time, this can lead to significantly reduced jawbone mass.
Dental implants can effectively replace your dental root and provide the stimulation your jawbone needs, but they also rely on your jawbone for support. In other words, if your bone mass is too weak, your dental implant could fail.
Regular smokers and those who have gone a long time without a tooth replacement are more likely to need a bone graft. However, the only way to truly know for sure is to talk to your dentist. After all, it’s impossible to tell how thick your jawbone mass is without an X-ray. During your dental implant consultation, they’ll make sure to evaluate your jaw, as well as other essential support systems. If a bone graft or other preliminary treatment will promote your restoration’s success, your dentist will let you know!
Dr. Harvey J. Mahler has provided quality dental care to patients near Chicago for over 30 years. He understands that a successful dental implant treatment can change a patient’s life, and partners with trusted local specialists to ensure they receive the best care possible. If you’re considering a dental implant treatment, contact Dr. Mahler at 312-224-9916. He’ll gladly examine your mouth and help you determine whether you need a bone graft.
Did you know that an estimated 75% of orthodontic patients are teenagers? Your teeth are more flexible in your jawbone in your youth, so it’s an ideal time to get braces to straighten them. However, many adults are surprised to discover that their grins have become somewhat overcrowded or overlapped again, sometimes years after completing orthodontics.
Invisalign is an ideal solution for mildly misaligned teeth, but many patients wonder whether it’s feasible to undergo treatment if they’ve already had traditional braces. Continue reading to learn more about why you can safely set your concerns aside!
Even if you have successfully completed braces, your teeth can shift out of their proper places years after their removal. There are several potential reasons for this, like not wearing your retainer as recommended when your orthodontics were taken off, chronic teeth grinding, or the arrival of wisdom teeth. However, it’s also possible they shifted due to the ongoing pressure from daily tasks like biting and chewing that affected them over time, which is beyond your control.
You might think of your crooked grin as more of a cosmetic concern than an oral issue, but your condition can also affect your dental well-being. If your teeth are pressed too closely together or overlap, it’s difficult to reach all sides to brush and floss them thoroughly. Bacteria in your mouth can form plaque on your enamel and along your gum line, increasing the likelihood of developing tooth decay, gum disease, or other concerns.
Many patients are unsure whether Invisalign will be effective if their teeth have already begun reverting to their previous positions. Thankfully, it’s perfectly possible to undergo this alternative orthodontic treatment regardless of whether you’ve worn braces previously. Plus, it’s considered a less invasive option because it doesn’t interfere with your daily routines.
Clear aligners don’t require dietary restrictions because they can be removed during meals, for example. Not only that, but the smooth plastic won’t poke the tender tissues inside your mouth like metal brackets and wires. Furthermore, treatment can often be completed in as few as 12 months rather than the years it takes braces to do the same work.
Usually, it’s perfectly acceptable to pursue Invisalign even if you’ve already had a treatment to straighten your smile. Still, the best way to find out if you’re a good candidate is to schedule a consultation with your dentist!
Dr. Harvey Mahler has been helping patients of all ages build their happiest, healthiest smiles for 30+ years. He graduated from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry and is an active member of the American Dental Association. He’s also a national speaker who has attended CDS branches and study clubs and is a recurrent guest on Channel 5 and 9. He combines compassionate care with state-of-the-art technology to provide comprehensive services to meet your family’s needs under one roof, including Invisalign. You can request a consultation on the website or call (312) 224-9916.
So, you’ve completed your Invisalign treatment, and you’re looking forward to enjoying the results—congratulations! Your teeth are now beautifully straight, and you may already be feeling your confidence rise. However, your journey isn’t quite over yet. To keep your new smile in place, you’ll need to wear a retainer. If you’re wondering how long you’ll need one, continue reading. You’ll learn more about these critical oral appliances, why they’re important, and how long you’ll need to wear yours to preserve your gorgeous grin.
Without a retainer, your teeth will begin to drift back to their original positions over time. This happens because the ligaments and tissues supporting your pearly whites need time to adjust to their new alignment. Retainers hold your teeth in place, giving these structures the stability they need to “set” in their new positions.
Skipping retainers can undo months or years of orthodontic progress, so they’re a critical part of maintaining your results! Because they’re so important for the support of your results, you’ll need to continue wearing them for life. However, there are different phases you’ll go through, gradually decreasing your wear time.
For most patients, the first 3 to 6 months after Invisalign are incredibly important. During this time, you’ll likely need to wear your retainer full-time, meaning 20-22 hours per day. This is similar to your Invisalign wear time and ensures your teeth remain stable as your jaw adjusts to their new positions. Your dentist will let you know exactly how long this full-time phase will last, depending on your case.
After the initial phase, you’ll transition to wearing your retainer only at night. This phase can last for several years, but the exact timeline varies from patient to patient. Thankfully, many people find that wearing a retainer at night is an easy adjustment that becomes part of their routine, just like oral care.
Even after years of retainer use, occasional wear is often recommended to keep your results for life. Teeth can shift naturally with age, so a few nights a week with your retainer can prevent unwanted movements.
Retainers are a small commitment compared to the time and effort you put into Invisalign. By following your dentist’s recommendations, you can enjoy your straight smile for a lifetime! If you have any other questions about retainers or need more guidance, reach out to your dentist. They’ll be happy to help you with this important milestone for your smile.
Dr. Harvey J. Mahler is a dedicated dentist with a passion for people. He earned his dental doctorate from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry and has been providing quality care for over 30 years! Today, he’s proud to use state-of-the-art dental technology like clear aligners to help patients achieve dazzling results. Call (312) 224-9916 to schedule an Invisalign consultation at Smile 312 Chicago’s Premier Dentist or visit our website to see a full menu of services.
Purchasing a dental insurance plan may not sound like the easiest thing to do, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the terminology that’s used to explain the details of the policy. Instead of getting overwhelmed and deciding it’s not worth the hassle, keep reading to discover a few basic components that are most important when comparing plans.
Before you begin to look at the various policies that are available on the market, take some time to learn a few key terms so that you have a better understanding of what they mean and how they can help you save:
Now that you know a bit more about how dental insurance works, you’ll need to consider additional factors that can help you determine which plan is right for you. Some of these include:
Don’t be intimidated by dental insurance. Instead, take your time to learn the basics and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Choosing the right plan is the best way to make sure you save when it comes to taking better care of your oral and overall health.
About the Author
Dr. Harvey J. Mahler has more than 30 years of experience working as a dentist in the Chicago area. Offering high-quality services and treatment options to patients, he believes in providing a more holistic approach when caring for patients’ smiles. He also strives to keep oral healthcare affordable, which is why he and his team are pleased to welcome dental insurance as a way to lower out-of-pocket costs. Let us know how we can help you save more money by contacting us at (312) 224-9916.
If you missed your chance for braces as a teen or your teeth have moved over the years, there’s good news. You are never too old for Invisalign! You can benefit from clear aligners to fix your bite and alignment issues. However, there are a few things you should know if you’re an older adult. Here’s how you can achieve a straight smile with no brackets or wires.
Invisalign is unique because it uses a series of clear plastic aligners worn over your teeth to move them. There’s no tugging or pulling from wires and brackets. Each aligner applies gentle pressure to specific teeth to move them in small increments. This provides a comfortable and discreet alternative to metal braces.
You must commit to wearing your Invisalign for at least 22 hours per day. You’ll be instructed to switch to the next set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks. On average, it takes about 12 to 18 months to finish your series of aligners.
There’s no age limit for a straight smile. Misaligned teeth are more than an aesthetic issue. Crowded, rotated, or gapped teeth are more difficult to clean effectively, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease. In addition, it can also affect the bite relationship between your upper and lower arches. This can lead to uneven wear and tear, jaw pain, and many other complications.
Invisalign can correct your bite and alignment concerns to improve your oral health and functions. Not to mention, you’ll give your confidence a boost by achieving a straight, beautiful smile to be proud of.
Invisalign can be used to fix several alignment issues. Older adults can have untreated dental issues that must be resolved before beginning clear aligners, like cavities or gum disease. It’s not unusual to require a little prep work before getting started. In addition, your treatment may take longer because your teeth are more firmly set in your jawbone than teens, who are still growing and developing.
You may require more aligners to correct your alignment problems. You can ensure there aren’t any delays in your journey by wearing your aligners long enough and switching them on time.
Invisalign is a great solution for teens and adults of all ages. Your cosmetic dentist will create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your best smile.
About Dr. Harvey J. Mahler
Dr. Mahler has over 30 years of experience in dentistry. He earned his dental degree from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry and has continued his education in many specialties, including orthodontics, general dentistry, and TMJ/TMD. Dr. Mahler is a proud member of the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (312) 224-9916.
Even if you’re ready to begin the process of improving your smile with the help of cosmetic dentistry, you may still have a lot of questions for your dentist. Your consultation is the perfect opportunity to get answers to any queries you may have about your upcoming procedure. Here are a few important things to ask before you sign on the dotted line!
When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, not all procedures last forever. Thus, it is very important to discuss the timelines involved with your dentist. For example, veneers can last up to 20 years with excellent maintenance, however you should still be prepared to replace them as they require some enamel to be removed and must always be covering your tooth once this has occurred.
Thankfully, most cosmetic dental procedures don’t require any extra maintenance or maintenance tools. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day (and visiting your dentist twice a year!) is usually sufficient to extend their life, however you may need to make some minor adjustments such as a softer bristled toothbrush or different texture toothpaste in the case of veneers.
Nobody wants to be in pain, so this is naturally a big question when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. Thankfully, while some procedures may cause a little temporary discomfort or sensitivity, most don’t truly hurt, and if they do your dentist will provide anesthesia or sedation, like in the case of dental implants.
Thankfully, many cosmetic dentistry procedures don’t require any downtime at all. In fact, for most you can go back to your daily routine and even eat and drink immediately after. But for others, like dental implants, it could take many months before you are truly recovered. Be sure to ask your dentist what the timeline looks like for your individual procedure.
The price of your cosmetic dentistry procedure depends on the procedure itself, and the level of intervention you require. In some cases, your dental insurance may cover a portion, especially for orthodontics or dental implants, however in most cases cosmetic means you will need to pay for the full cost out of pocket.
Remember, cosmetic dentistry is a great way to improve your oral health and the appearance of your smile, but it can come along with a lot of questions. Be sure to ask your dentist everything you want to know before committing to a procedure, so you know exactly what to expect and how to best maintain your new look!
Dr. Harvey J. Mahler strives to not only treat his patients with care and compassion, but to also educate them on the importance of their oral health and how to maintain a healthy mouth for a lifetime. He is a member of the American Dental Association as well as an ADA clinical evaluator and an AGD manuscript peer reviewer. He also acts as a dental legal expert, witness and consultant, testifying for both plaintiffs and defendants, and has spoken at a variety of study clubs and CDS branches.
To schedule an appointment for cosmetic dentistry with Smile 312 Chicago’s Premier Dentist, please visit our website or call us today at 312-224-9916.
