Dental Veneers FAQ: What You Should Know

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Do you have discolored or misshapen teeth? Do you want teeth that are pearly and white? As your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, we can help you. You may be a good candidate for dental veneers. Below are some commonly asked questions and answers that can help you learn more about this helpful cosmetic dental tool.

What are dental veneers?

A dental veneer is a cover that you can cement to the front of your tooth to cover up imperfections like stains, discolorations and certain other types of damage. Dental veneers are cosmetic in nature, and do not reinforce the structure of your tooth. They can be made from resin or porcelain, depending.

How long do dental veneers last?

How long dental veneers last depends on what kind of material they’re made from and how well you take care of them. Veneers made from resin last approximately 5 years, while porcelain veneers last around 10 years. To ensure that your veneers will last as long as possible, avoid using them to bite anything that isn’t food (like pen caps) and avoid using them to bite into foods that are very crunchy (like almonds).

Do dental veneers look natural?

Dental veneers are tooth-colored, so they look very natural. In fact, the point of the veneer is to make your smile look naturally beautiful. Your dentist will match the color of the veneer to the color of your other teeth, so no one will be able to tell the veneer is there.

How are dental veneers maintained?

Maintain your dental veneers the same way you maintain your other teeth: brush them twice daily and floss once daily. See your dentist twice annually for cleanings.

Are you interested in dental veneers in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY? Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to learn more about dental veneers.

dentures Owensboro KY

What’s the Difference Between Dentures and Implants?

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What’s the Difference Between Dentures and Implants?  

If you’re in need of prosthetic teeth, then you may be considering dentures or implants. In fact, you may find yourself trying to choose between the two. If you’re stuck trying to decide which one is right for you, then it’s important to understand the differences.

As your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, the professionals at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry are happy to help you make a decision. Below are some things you should know about dentures and implants.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are prosthetic teeth that can be removed. They’re designed to look like real teeth but are very different from natural teeth in many ways. They’re removable and must be cleaned outside the mouth on a nightly basis. Dentures last about 7 to 10 years and then must be replaced. Typically, dentures are used to replace multiple teeth at once.

What Are Implants?

Implants are prosthetic teeth that attach to implants inserted into the jaw. Implants can be used to replace individually missing teeth or multiple teeth at once. Compared to dentures, implants function very much like natural teeth. They’re left in the mouth for cleanings and are brushed and flossed just like your natural teeth.

Implants are color matched with coordinating with your remaining teeth. This helps ensure that no one can tell the difference between your implants and the rest of your teeth.

Which One Is Better for Me?

Your dentist can help you decide whether dentures or implants are the best choices to replace your missing or damaged teeth. To find out more about dentures and implants in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry.

I Think I Cracked a Tooth – What Now?

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Have you cracked a tooth? Then you need to see your dentist in Owensboro, KY! A cracked tooth can be managed, but you’ll need to see the dentist as soon as possible. Knowing the signs of a cracked tooth and what your dentist can do if you have a cracked tooth can help you. Here’s what you need to know.

Signs of a Cracked Tooth

Sometimes it’s hard to tell when you have a cracked tooth, because you may not be able to see the crack. Some common symptoms for people who have cracked teeth include:

  • Infrequent pain in the tooth
  • Pain that appears suddenly while chewing, but goes away quickly
  • Swelling around the tooth
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures

What Your Dentist Can Do

If you have a cracked tooth, there are many procedures your dentist may use to treat your tooth. The first thing that your dental professional will do is diagnose the problem. Once this is done, your dental professional may use any one of the following methods to treat your tooth:

  • Crown installation – a dental crown is a cap placed over the tooth to protect the fragile tooth enamel beneath.
  • Veneer installation – a dental veneer is a cover placed over the front of the tooth.
  • Root canal – if the tooth has become infected, your dentist may clean out the infection with a root canal, and then will cover the tooth with a crown.

Contact Your Dental Professional As Soon As Possible

A cracked tooth can be a serious problem, and if it isn’t treated right away, it’s likely to get worse. If you have a cracked tooth and believe you may need dental crowns in Owensboro, KY, call your dentist at Dr. Travis Family Dentistry today.

Invisalign orthodontics concept - Young attractive woman holding - using invisible braces or trainer.

What Can I Do About Crooked Teeth?

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Crooked teeth can be a problem! In addition to the fact that many people with crooked teeth feel self-conscious about their smile, crooked teeth can also lead to misalignment of the jaw.

If you suffer from crooked teeth, it’s important to see your dentist in Owensboro KY. Your dentist can let you know if you need orthodontic services and if so, can give you a referral for orthodontic care. At Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, you can get your orthodontic care in-house, which makes it easier to get your teeth straightened!

Braces

Braces consist of metal brackets attached to the teeth, connected by wires that are tightened periodically to draw the teeth in different directions. Braces are a traditional way to straighten teeth and correct alignment problems.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, also called Invisalign, are made from clear resin that fits over the teeth. Clear aligners act like braces, because they work by slowly shifting the teeth into the correct position. However, clear aligners are different from braces in a few ways.

First, clear aligners are nearly invisible, which means they’re a lot less disruptive to your smile. Second, aligners can be removed at any time, which makes eating certain foods and cleaning your teeth much easier.

Veneers

Veneers are non-orthodontic solution to crooked teeth. A veneer is a cover that fits over the front of your tooth. Veneers look like your natural teeth, but they can be used to hide imperfections in your smile and tooth alignment.

Veneers don’t correct structural problems – they only cover up cosmetic problems. This may be a good solution if your teeth aren’t all straight but your tooth misalignment is not so severe that it’s worth correcting.

Want to know more about orthodontics in Owensboro KY, or about getting veneers installed? Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today.

Dentist and patient

Are Crooked Teeth Really A Problem?

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Crooked teeth can cause some people to feel self-conscious about their smile and appearance, but are they a problem in other ways? The best way to find out if your teeth need to be straightened is to work with a dentist in Owensboro, KY. Your dentist can evaluate your teeth and tell you about procedures that can help straighten them.

Problems Made by Crooked Teeth

There are many problems that are made by having crooked teeth!

  • Difficulty cleaning. People who have crooked teeth often end up have difficulty cleaning their teeth – because their teeth may crowd each other, making parts of the tooth very difficult to reach with a toothbrush.
  • Excess wear and tear on teeth. Crooked teeth can wear on each other, causing excessive wear and tear.
  • Increased risk for gum disease. When it’s hard to clean your teeth, it becomes harder to prevent gum disease.
  • Makes chewing a challenge. Crooked teeth often don’t line up when they’re clenched, which can make chewing harder than it needs to be.
  • Cause bad breath. People who have gum disease often suffer from bad breath. No matter how much the teeth get brushed, this is still a problem.

How to Fix Crooked Teeth

The first step to fixing crooked teeth is to get a dental exam in Owensboro, KY. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we provide dental exams to evaluate various oral health conditions and make recommendations for correction as needed.

To find out whether your teeth need to be straightened, call today to make an appointment. We’ll be happy to answer your questions, discuss our orthodontic services and provide clarity to the process of correcting crooked teeth.

Why do My Teeth Protrude Outward?

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Many patients with an overbite or slanted tooth line suffer from protruding teeth, which is one of the most noticeable dental concerns. The good news is that, depending on what caused the protrusion in the first place, protruding teeth can often be corrected rather effectively. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we offer orthodontics in Beaver Dam, KY for protruding teeth.

Common Causes of Protruding Teeth

Thumb sucking or chewing on a pacifier for a prolonged period of time are common childhood behaviors that can develop into protruding teeth. In addition, certain behaviors and conditions are more likely to impact adults, or develop over the years as time goes by.

Missing Teeth/Impacted Teeth

Crowding or incorrect spacing in the mouth can shift the position of the front teeth, slowly leading to protruding teeth over a period of time. Missing teeth can cause existing teeth to move into an outwardly slanting angle. Incorrect spacing and/or excess teeth can create alignment difficulties in the mouth owing to a lack of adequate space.

Periodontal Disease

As a result of bone loss and lack of stability, periodontal disease can cause protruding teeth. Teeth can become movable, drift, and slant outward when periodontal disease is allowed to continue untreated.

Tongue Thrusting

The tongue moving too far forward in the mouth—called tongue thrusting—can create protruding teeth, resulting in a malocclusion (imperfect tooth alignment), such as an overbite or open bite. While this is a frequent ailment among children, it may also affect adults.

Hereditary Condition

Some people are born with an uneven jaw or a mismatched upper and lower jaw size. While a malocclusion is genetic, it may not manifest itself until the adult teeth have grown in. In childhood and adolescence, this is usually corrected with orthodontics in Beaver Dam, KY.

Protruding teeth can cause a variety of issues in addition to the embarrassment this condition may cause. Contact Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today for a consultation and treatment options.

Why Cosmetic Dentistry Is a Smart Decision for Your Oral Health

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When people consider cosmetic dentistry, it would be easy for them to think that it’s all about improving the aesthetic rather than the health of their smile. However, most cosmetic procedures are actually good for the overall stability of your mouth. See why this is if you’re looking for a dentist in Owensboro or Beaver Dam, KY, and how Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry might be able to help.

Filling in the Gaps

This is often the most obvious benefit of cosmetic dentistry. If you’re missing a tooth or several teeth, your remaining teeth will essentially jostle for that position. If you make the effort to correct it, you ensure that the other teeth will stay where they’re meant to.

Correcting Your Bite

Underbites and overbites are more than just impediments to your smile, they can influence anything from talking to chewing patterns. When ignored, it can also lead to additional problems like cavities or gum disease. Cosmetic dentistry in Owensboro, KY can help you eliminate the hassle by correcting these issues. Not only is it easier to floss and brush properly (without having to worry that you missed anything), but it can help you speak and chew without any issues.

Find a Dentist in Beaver Dam, KY

If you’re looking for a dentist in your area, one of the most important things you can do is take action for the sake of your health. Even if you just want a whiter smile, paying more attention to your mouth is always the right decision. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, you’ll find a staff who can help you decide which cosmetic procedures are right for you and potentially recommend other treatments that will leave you feeling confident every time you smile.

How to Fix a Gap in My Teeth?

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When you have a gap in your teeth, your smile is negatively impacted. But more importantly, a gap in your teeth can lead to serious issues like teeth shifting, bit alignment problems and trouble chewing food. Depending upon the case of the gap, you may need tooth replacement at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry in Owensboro, KY or orthodontics to gently close the gap.

When Tooth Replacement is Needed

You will need tooth replacement in Owensboro, KY if the gap in your teeth is because of a missing tooth. Your Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY dentist has a variety of options to replace a missing tooth, including:

  • Bridge
  • Implant
  • Denture

When Orthodontics Are Needed

If the gap in your teeth is due to a natural condition, your dentist in Beaver Dam will likely recommend that you get orthodontics to close the gap. As with tooth replacement options, you’ll have several choices when it comes to orthodontics.

One choice to fix a gap in your teeth is clear aligners. These are low-profile devices that fit inside the mouth. They are removable and temporary. As your gap slowly closes, you’ll be fitted with a new aligner. Aligners are to be worn up to 22 hours per day for best results, although they can be removed for eating and oral hygiene.

Braces

If the gap in your teeth is wide, your dentist in Owensboro, KY may suggest traditional braces. These are permanently affixed to the teeth and give the same or better results as aligners. Braces are typically worn between one and two years.

You don’t have to live with a gap in your teeth; in fact, it’s best not to have a gap at all. Contact your Owensboro, KY dentist to discuss possible solutions to closing the gap in your teeth.

Hidden Benefits of Orthodontics

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When you think about orthodontics, the first thing you probably think of is the correction of crooked teeth. And it’s true that the main reason to get orthodontics in Owensboro, KY is to realign crooked teeth and to fix irregular bite profiles, such as an underbite or overbite. But there are hidden benefits of orthodontics that aren’t immediately apparent. Once you or a loved one has successful orthodontic treatment, you will discover these hidden benefits. In the meantime, here they are.

Increased Confidence

If you have crooked teeth, an overbite or underbite, you may avoid smiling. You may even avoid eye contact with people, since the most common friendly response to eye contact is a big smile. If your teeth are a big embarrassment for you, you may even have avoided situations where you have to appear in public. But after orthodontics, a hidden benefit is the increased confidence you’ll have. You will likely want to show off your smile and eagerly look forward to social activities!

Better Eating Habits

When you get orthodontics in Owensboro, your dentist will give you a list of foods to avoid. Certain foods may get stuck in the orthodontics and be hard or impossible to remove with regular brushing. This extra attention to diets may lead to better eating habits overall, and your improved diet may very well last long after your orthodontics have been removed. After all, now you’ll want to protect your “new” beautiful teeth!

Improved Oral Hygiene

Another hidden benefit of getting orthodontics is that you will likely develop improved oral hygiene habits. You’ll be paying more attention to your brushing and rinsing to make sure you remove all the food debris. These improved habits will probably stay with you for the rest of your life.

When you’re ready to discuss orthodontics, contact your dentist in Owensboro, KY. We’re looking forward to seeing you!

Why Are My Teeth Shifting?

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There’s a common belief that adult teeth should not shift. But natural teeth shift slightly during the entire lifetime. If you’ve noticed gaps or changes in the way your teeth align, it’s likely that this is just a normal part of life. However, if you notice that the teeth shifting is more severe, that your bite alignment is changing, or that some teeth are also becoming loose, this is not something you should ignore.

Your Owensboro, KY Dentist Monitors Shifting of Teeth

Although your dentist in Owensboro, KY may not come right out and say it, each time you have a dentist visit, they are monitoring your teeth for shifting. Normal amounts of teeth shifting won’t be cause for treatment. But if your dentist sees extreme shifting going on, they will certainly bring it up and talk to you about potential problems.

Natural Reasons For Noticeable Teeth Shifting

Sometimes, even benign reasons can cause more noticeable shifting of teeth. These include:

  • Recent removal of orthodontics, when teeth are subtly moving into a more permanent position
  • Loss of tooth, where abutting teeth move closer together to fill in the gap
  • Wisdom teeth removal, where the natural teeth move ever so slightly apart to make use of the extra space

Problematic Reasons For Noticeable Teeth Shifting

There are other, more serious reasons why your teeth may be shifting, too. These include:

  • Advancing periodontal disease, where teeth and gums are succumbing to bacterial infection
  • Bone loss in the jaw, where the connection between the tooth root and the jaw is becoming tenuous due to bone degeneration
  • Teeth grinding, an unconscious movement that places excessive stress on teeth, gums and jaw

If you get routine preventative care in Owensboro, KY, you don’t have anything to worry about. Your dentist will ensure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible!