Let’s say you need a specific dental restoration. A single implant wouldn’t cut it, while a full denture would be excessive. What should you do? In your case, consider getting a dental bridge. This treatment is a good middle-of-the-road option that’d easily restore your smile! Still, you may want to know about dental bridge lifespan first. After all, it’s best to ensure your prosthetic is cost-effective. Luckily, your Springfield dentist has the details. Here’s a summary of dental bridges, how long they last, and how to extend their lifespan with proper care.

A single dental crown is the most common restorative procedure used today. A customized cap is fitted over the surface of a tooth above the gum line. Although silver crowns were the go-to solution for decades, various innovations have made them look more natural, like porcelain fused to metal. They contained a metal inner shell covered by porcelain to look like a real tooth. However, over time, a black line around the dental crown can form near the gums. Don’t worry, your dentist has the solution you need to ensure a dark line isn’t the focal point of your smile. 

(more…)

Everyone can have a smile they are proud of with cosmetic dentistry. You have more options than ever to fix discoloration, chips, and gaps, but porcelain veneers rank among the most common elective procedures year after year. In as few as two appointments, you can have the smile of your dreams; however, it’s normal to have a few apprehensions about the road ahead. Don’t worry, here’s your step-by-step guide to the veneer process, so you know exactly what to expect on your journey to a picture-perfect smile. 

(more…)

It’s estimated that roughly 170 million Americans struggle with tooth loss and are missing at least one of their pearly whites. But fortunately, solutions like dental bridges exist that are able to restore one or several missing teeth in a row! If you’re missing teeth, you might be curious about getting a dental bridge but have questions about their lifespan and required maintenance. Keep reading to learn more about dental bridges, how long they can last, and some things you can do to ensure their longevity.

For decades now, people have been asking the question, “Do root canals cause cancer?” That’s because a rumor saying they do has existed just as long. Even today, the idea appears on the Internet through message boards and social media. The truth, though, is that this dental treatment could never cause such an illness. To learn why that’s the case, here’s a summary of how root canals work and why they’re perfectly safe.

Few need to be told at this point that exercising is good. Not only does it burn calories, but it also supports and strengthens your muscles. It even gives you more energy for daily life! Still, it turns out physical fitness has another, less well-known effect. When it comes to gum disease and exercise, the latter reduces your chances of the former. Want to learn more? Here’s a summary of gum disease, its negative consequences, and how exercise fights it.

If it seems like you are surrounded by beautiful smiles, you aren’t imagining things. People from all walks of life are investing in cosmetic dentistry. Elective procedures can resolve several common concerns, like tooth discoloration, chips, and missing teeth. While many people believe cosmetic procedures are a new trend, they have been around for centuries. Thankfully, you don’t have to rely on urine to combat stained teeth. Here’s how cosmetic dentistry has evolved to create the flawless smiles you see today.

(more…)

Have you noticed something off about your smile recently? It is not uncommon. People look in the mirror one morning and wonder if that gap has always been there or if their teeth always overlapped that way. Well, teeth move gradually over time, meaning you often won’t notice until there’s a significant change. Read on to learn more about the causes of teeth shifting and how your dentist in Springfield can help.

When you catch a glimpse of your smile in photos or in the mirror while you’re getting ready to start your day, do you like what you see? If not, teeth whitening may be the right option for you. This cosmetic dental service can be used to lift stains from your pearly whites and give you a brighter, discoloration-free smile you’re sure to love. As useful as it is at improving the look of your pearly whites, it can also lead to teeth sensitivity if it’s done incorrectly. Read on to learn why this is and how this issue can be avoided.

You know that sugary foods and beverages cause cavities, but many of us still have quite a craving for them daily. However, just because you like sweets doesn’t mean you should put up with a mouthful of cavities and new fillings every six months. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to decrease your chances of tooth decay in the future. Continue reading to learn helpful tips to prevent cavities from your dentist in Springfield.