Many aspects need to be considered when choosing which type of dentures you are wanting and require. With three different types of dentures available to you, there are advantages and disadvantages for all. So, let’s go over all your options and figure out which one will suit you best. 

Traditional Dentures

The traditional denture has been used for many centuries. Traditional dentures are no longer considered to be up to the standards of care since dentures have become so mainstream in dentistry. Traditional denture users will have a significant loss of bone and gum support, which will result in facial drooping, sagging skin, and the look of early aging. The following are a few benefits and drawbacks:

Advantages:

• Least expensive of the three types
• Can look nice
• Better than having nothing

Disadvantages:

• Hard to eat with and they move around a lot
• Can feel bulky in your mouth
• Large loss of taste and temperature sensations due to the roof of the mouth being covered
• Needs frequent realignment and repairs

Implant Snap-On Dentures

The most popular choice for people seeking to replace their missing teeth is the implant snap-on denture. Compared to a traditional denture, this option snaps into place and is far more stable, less bulky, and doesn’t cover the roof of your mouth. For simple cleaning, the denture can be taken out. Additionally, the use of implants stops future bone loss, early aging, and facial drooping. The following are the benefits and drawbacks of this form of denture:

Advantages: 

• Most affordable implant option
• Huge upgrade over traditional dentures
• Prevents bones loss and premature aging
• Improves ability to taste things

Disadvantages:

• Still has some movement
• Comes out at night

Implant Supported Permanent Teeth

A full set of upper or lower teeth that is permanently attached to dental implants are screwed in dental bridges. This option is the closest we have to the feel and function of your own teeth. These bridges may not be removed by you, only your dentist. Of all the alternatives, this bridge has the most natural-feeling bite and chewing characteristics. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:

• Made of strong material
• Natural feel
• Best biting and chewing function
• Stays in the mouth all the time

Disadvantages:

• Can be difficult to clean
• Will require maintenance over time
• Most expensive option

Speaking to your dentist about the best option for you and your lifestyle is important. If you have any more questions about the differences between these options and what the process may look like contact Orange Grove Family Dentistry in Orange, CA. We’d be happy to help you regain your smile. 

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Going to the dentist might be frightening, but having an expectation of what to anticipate can help. Typically, you should visit the dentist for a checkup every six months to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. Checkups are not only beneficial for your general health, but they also provide your dentist the chance to give you advice on how to care for your teeth and spot any early signs of oral health issues. 

Here at Orange Grove Family Dentistry in Orange, CA, we understand that life can get in the way sometimes and appointments can get pushed back. That is why we strive to make our patients feel comfortable and at ease in the chair. Listed below is what to expect when you come in for a visit.

Physical Exam

A dental hygienist does the majority of teeth cleanings. The hygienist will examine your whole mouth before starting the cleaning. The hygienist will examine the area surrounding your teeth and gums using a tiny mirror instrument to look for any indication of gingivitis (inflamed gums) or other potential issues.

The hygienist may bring the dentist to the office if any serious problems are found to ensure that the procedure may proceed.

Education

Education is a significant component of the dental examination procedure. Any hygiene issues found will be discussed by the dental hygienist after the cleaning. If required, they’ll also demonstrate to you how to clean and floss your teeth more efficiently.

Exam

Your dentist and dental hygienist will next do an examination on your teeth, gums, and mouth to check for any indications of any issues, such as a cavity, gum disease, or early signs of oral cancer. Using the mirror equipment, the dentist will be able to examine your teeth and gums more clearly. If they notice any problems, they may suggest a particular treatment or send you to a specialist.

The importance of routine dental exams for your general health cannot be underlined. Dentists and hygienists are here to make sure you’re maintaining excellent oral and dental hygiene. Orange Grove Family Dentistry in Orange, CA, is always available to assist you and answer your questions. To schedule an appointment for your upcoming dental examination, call our clinic.

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Learn About Dental Veneers With Orange Grove Family Dentistry in Orange, CA

Whether you’re looking to have only a few teeth or all of your front teeth covered by dental veneers you might be wondering; which material is the best, composite or porcelain? Dental veneers can be used alongside other cosmetic dental procedures to dramatically change the look of your smile. It’s an important question, so let’s dive in.

Porcelain vs Composite Veneers: Lifespan

The lifespan of any type of dental veneers depends upon a number of factors. The most important of those is hygiene and overall oral health. Under ideal conditions, if a patient follows brushing, flossing, and twice annual dental checkup recommendations, both porcelain and composite veneers can last for many years. A common estimate for the lifespan of composite veneers is between 4 to 10 years. Porcelain veneers are estimated to last between 10 to 15 years if not longer.

Porcelain is generally fragile but after it is bonded to a tooth it becomes extremely durable. Composite materials are strong as well but once attached are more prone to chipping than porcelain. However composite veneers can be repaired, similar to fillings for normal tooth enamel, while porcelain veneers must be replaced entirely if they are damaged.

Porcelain vs Composite Veneers: Cost and Time

Composite veneers have the advantage of a faster application process compared to porcelain. Composite veneers can be fabricated in-office and can be applied during the same visit in which your teeth are prepped for them. Any dental veneers require some tooth material to be grinded away to make room for them. With composite veneers your dentist can complete that work, fabricate your veneers and apply them all in the same visit.

Porcelain veneers generally require at least two appointments. Your dentist will remove the necessary material from your teeth, take an impression mold, and then will have to wait for a special lab to fabricate your veneers. Temporary veneers are available between appointments, so it’s not like you will walk around with obviously incomplete dental work, but if time is a factor this is worth considering. At your second appointment, your porcelain veneers will then be applied.

Porcelain veneers are also generally more expensive than composite. Because porcelain veneers cannot be fabricated in-office and are of a higher quality material they cost more to create and apply. The initial cost of porcelain veneers compared to composite often becomes equal over time however when considering the upfront costs versus repair and replacement costs over the lifetime of each material.

Porcelain vs Composite Veneers: Look

Porcelain veneers compared to composite veneers look more natural. The way that thin porcelain catches light mirrors a white tooth very closely. Composite veneers still look quite natural but when considering cosmetics porcelain does have the edge. Porcelain is also more stain resistant, related to its general durability edge, compared to composite.

Because composite veneers can stain that does mean they will naturally wear and change color just like your other teeth. Porcelain veneers on the other hand may start to stick out more over time compared to the teeth surrounding them. This might me you will need to consider whitening your teeth to match the shade of your porcelain veneers as time goes on.

Which Dental Veneers are Best?

There are pros and cons to both composite and dental veneers. The best material for your veneers is ultimately something you will need to decide yourself based on your lifestyle and preferences. There’s a question of lifespan, upfront versus lifetime costs, look and time to consider when deciding between the two. If you’re still not sure, our dentist and staff are happy to help guide you through the decision-making process. There’s yet more information that can be provided to you, and guidance that can be tailored to your specific needs and unique oral health situation. 

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Learn More About Orange Grove Family Dentistry

To many people, a morning coffee or afternoon glass of wine is a ritual that cannot be disturbed or broken, but as there are many joys that come with those drinks, there are still many enamel-straining prices. The three types of tooth staining are explained below. If you are unhappy with the color of your smile, Orange Grove Family Dentistry can help!

Types of Stains

Tooth discoloration can be caused by surface stains, material changes in your teeth, or a mix of the two. Tooth discoloration can be divided into three types, according to dentists:

• Extrinsic Teeth Stains: These stains are a type of discoloration that affects the outer layer of your teeth. Extrinsic stains are not as permanent as the other types; these stains will not respond to simply brushing your teeth. If there are cracks in the teeth, they can become deep-set and harder to remove. 
• Intrinsic Teeth Stains: This type of stain will be found on the inner layer of your teeth, or the dentin. Though dentin is beneath the tooth enamel, the darkened dentin can cause the whole tooth to appear discolored. 
• Age-Related Teeth Stains: Age-related teeth stains are a combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration. The core tissue of your teeth, the dentin, will naturally yellow over time causing your teeth to become discolored. Another factor that may cause your teeth to show discoloration is that the enamel of your teeth will become thinner, allowing the dentin to show through. 

Causes of Enamel Stains

There can be many causes of tooth stains. Certain drinks and foods can cause stains on your teeth, but there can also be a biological factor. There are often ways to prevent these stains from appearing on your teeth, and many you cannot control. This list can help you determine the cause of the stains on your teeth.

1. Food and Drink: Coffee, dark sodas, red wine, and some fruits and vegetables can be so acidic that they cause staining.
2. Tobacco: Cigarettes and chewing tobacco can contribute to discoloration
3. Oral Care: Tooth discoloration can be caused by poor dental hygiene, such as insufficient brushing or flossing.
4. Trauma or Disease: Discolored teeth can result from trauma, illness, or disease that impairs enamel formation in children, whether in the womb or during tooth development (before age 8). Adult teeth can sometimes become stained as a result of trauma. Discolored teeth can be caused by a number of disorders and therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation.
5. Medical Treatments: There are times when some medical treatments can contribute to your teeth staining as well as some medications. 

Ways to Help Clear Stains

There are a few remedies that can help lessen the impact of these causes. With the help of some products, the color of your stains can become less apparent, but it will not fully remove them. 

• Keeping a consistent healthy oral routine by brushing twice a day and daily flossing
• Twice-yearly visit to your dentist
• Limitations of teeth-staining beverages
• At-home remedies, such as brushing with baking soda products
• Professional teeth whitening

If you are interested in getting your teeth back to pearly white, contact Orange Grove Family Dentistry for a professional teeth whitening session!

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Preventing Cavities in Orange, CA

Cavities often referred to as tooth decay, are tiny holes that develop in the hard surface of your teeth. They are most common in children and teenagers, but they can affect everyone including infants and toddlers. Join Orange Grove Family Dentistry as we take a closer look at what causes cavities and how you can prevent them.

Causes of Cavities

Cavities typically occur as a result of poor oral health habits but other various factors can increase the risk of getting a cavity, including:

• Dry mouth. Dry mouth occurs when there is a lack of saliva in the mouth. Saliva helps wash away food stuck on the teeth and it counters the acid produced from bacteria in the mouth, which reduces the chance of cavities.
• Foods and drinks. Certain foods aren’t as easily washed away from saliva, making them more likely to cause decay. Foods you should limit include: ice cream, honey, sugar, soda, cake, chips, cookies, and hard candy.
• Constant snacking or sipping. Drinking or eating frequently throughout the day results in increased bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria produce the acids that attack tooth enamel.
• Lack of fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps prevent cavities and can reverse the early stage of tooth decay. Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to help reduce your chance of cavities.

Cavity Prevention

Regular dental visits and daily brushing and flossing are the best protection against cavities. But, cavities left untreated get larger and larger, affecting the deeper layers of your teeth. Deeper cavities result in higher chances of experiencing severe toothache and infection. So, when it comes to cavities, prevention is key. Below are some of our cavity preventions tips:

• Brush with fluoride toothpaste. Brush and floss twice a day, ideally after each meal.
• Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Professional teeth cleanings remove plaque that builds up over time which isn’t removed by regular brushing and flossing. Going to the dentist twice a year is one of the best cavity prevention options.
• Dental sealants. Sealants protect the tooth enamel from harmful plaque and bacteria.

If you think that you have a cavity or are experiencing tooth decay, contact our Orange, CA office immediately at 714-771-1204.

Dental Implants in Orange, CA

Dental implants have become many dentists’ go-to procedure for replacing missing teeth. Dental implant surgery replaces tooth roots with metal, screwlike posts and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones. Orange Grove Family Dentistry in Orange, CA offers implants as a great alternative to dentures when a lack of natural teeth roots don’t allow building denture or bridgework tooth replacements.

What are the risks?

Like any type of surgery, there are a few risks to getting dental implants. However, the problems that come with dental implant surgery are rare and typically minor, and very treatable. Risks include: 

• Sinus problems, when dental implants placed in the upper jaw protrude into one of your sinus cavities
• Injury or damage to surrounding structures, such as other teeth or blood vessels
• Nerve damage, can cause pain, numbness or tingling in your natural teeth, gums, lips, or chin
• Infection at the implant site

The advantages of using dental implants. 

Dental implants are one of the most reliable dental procedures with a 95% success. They also offer advantages that other missing teeth solutions do not, such as:

• Appearance – Implants look and feel like your natural teeth.
• Speech – No need to worry about slipping dentures or loose bridges that can cause slurred speech.
• Comfort – Implants are permanent and stable, so no chaffing or discomfort will happen like with dentures.
• Oral health – Implant placement does not require modifying surrounding teeth as a bridge does. Also, implants stop bone deterioration and stimulate healthy bone tissue growth.

Dental Implant Procedure

When considering having a dental implant procedure, a patient will typically go through the following steps: 

1. First, the patient will go through a thorough exam and consultation with the dentist. The dentist will then make an individualized treatment plan. 
2. At the next appointment, the team will place your implant, which acts as a substitute tooth root. 
3. Then, the tooth is given time (about 2-3 months) to heal and integrate with the bone tissue. 
4. Once the implant has bonded to the bone tissue, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the implant.
5. Impressions are taken of your teeth to create either a custom crown to replace one tooth or an implant-supported bridge or denture for multiple missing teeth. Crown restorations are custom-tinted, so they blend in beautifully with your natural teeth.
6. The finished crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant(s).

Once you get the finished implant, your new teeth are ready to use! If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Orange, CA office at 714-771-1204. We want your implants to look and feel like real teeth and your smile to look its best!