(217) 546-3333Advanced Dental Care of Springfield Blog
Cosmetic Dentistry for Seniors
November 18, 2013
Cosmetic Dentistry Benefits All Age Groups
Cosmetic dentistry is most commonly performed on those in their 20s-50s, but this age range is not indicative of who can have this type of dental work done. Most cosmetic dental procedures are within your reach, if you are a healthy senior.
As a senior, your smile mean so much to your self-confidence, so why not keep your teeth looking fresh and pearly with cosmetic dentistry. It's no secret, that a glowing smile at any age is universally pleasing. But, there are many more options out there for seniors to maintain and even improve their smile to a youthful radiance.
Common cosmetic dentistry procedures available to seniors include crowns, porcelain dental veneers, and teeth whitening. Dental implants and crowns provide more of a functional update, while also improving the aesthetics.
Visit Advanced Dental Care to discover what cosmetic dental procedure is right for you. Dr. VanderMolen will check your overall oral health and discuss which options would suit you best.
If you live in the Springfield area, Advanced Dental Care is the cosmetic dentistry office of choice. Dr. VanderMolen works with patients of all ages and is in-tune with the specific cosmetic and general dental needs of seniors. Call (217) 546-3333 today to make your impression on the world a youthful one. Click here for more information on all the services available at Advanced Dental Care.
Want more information on Dental Implants? Attend one of our FREE, No-obligation Dental Implant Seminars!
Cosmetic Dentistry: Repairing Worn Teeth
November 11, 2013
Restoring Worn Down Teeth
Tooth wear is a very common natural phenomenon that occurs as we age. The constant grinding of teeth against each other due to biting or swallowing is responsible for attrition or the wearing down of teeth. Reduction in the length of the teeth and chipping off from the sides can occur. Due to the loss of tooth structure, the nerve endings may be exposed causing sensitivity. This process can be severe in individuals who have bruxism (involuntary grinding while sleeping). Worn-down teeth create an uneven smile line; cosmetic dentistry can restore the aesthetics of the smile.
To prevent further damage from teeth grinding, nightguards are often recommended. These are fabricated from the impressions of the patient’s teeth. They prevent the tooth-to-tooth contact while sleeping and thereby help in prevention of further wear and tear as well as the jaw pain that can result from grinding and clenching during sleep.
Dental bonding can be a cosmetic treatment option in mild cases of wear of front teeth. Composite resins are used for this technique. These do not have enough strength to withstand heavy loads so they cannot be used for back teeth. Dental bonding can be a cost-effective way to enhance the smile and hide worn areas.
Dental crowns are an extremely durable and highly aesthetic treatment option. These are suitable for both front and back teeth. The most common type is a porcelain crowns that covers the entire tooth. Dental crowns serve as a great solution for teeth that have lost vitality (when attrition reaches the level of pulp which is the innermost part of the tooth).
Dental veneers are thin layers of tooth-colored material that are cemented to the prepared tooth surface. They are commonly made of porcelain for durability and a natural look. An advantage is that only a very small amount of tooth surface needs to be removed to make room for the veneers.
Now, there is no need to get upset about your worn-out teeth. Call (217) 546-3333 for an appointment with Dr. Matt VanderMolen. His team will work to remove the worn-out look and bring a youthful smile to your face!
Click here for more information on all the services available at Advanced Dental Care.
How to Manage Pain with Modern Sedation Dentistry
November 4, 2013
A certain amount of discomfort is inevitable in some dental procedures, but it is rarely noticed because of the careful dental care procedures followed in modern dentistry. Dr. VanderMolen takes exceptional care when undertaking dental procedures with his patients. He understands that some people just hate to go to the dentist and are worried about the possibility of pain or are simply uncomfortable sitting in the chair.
To take those fears away and make your whole visit a pleasant and relaxed experience, Dr. VanderMolen can use sedation to ensure a comfortable and rewarding treatment. Relaxation is his aim and an anxiety-free patient is the result. Sedation dentistry allows essential treatments in the easiest and most comfortable way.
How can sedation keep your anxiety away?
Dr. VanderMolen uses the most gentle and advanced sedation dentistry techniques at Advanced Dental Care. You will be conscious throughout the procedure but will be pleasantly relaxed all the time. If you were afraid of going to the dentist to receive much needed treatment then this technique will put you into such a relaxed state that it will relieve your fears.
You will be better able to tolerate any discomfort that might take place throughout the procedure. The idea is for the patient to be completely sleepy, but still able to talk and reply to questions, although there might be some slurring of speech. Sometimes the patient may not be able to recall what has taken place afterwards.
Dr. VanderMolen uses sedation as it puts his patients at ease while completing their course of treatment and they feel so much the better for it. For a patient who has been delaying urgent dental treatment through fear, he can put an end to that by ensuring that your dental appointment is the best one you have ever experienced.
Some people put off going to the dentist because they are busy people who are worried about the length of time it can take to complete a procedure. With sedation, the normal time in the chair tends to be reduced, as the dentist is able to complete what is needed with less distraction. This is the perfect way to save time as well as come out smiling with cared for teeth.
If you have made an appointment with Dr. VanderMolen for a dental procedure, don’t hesitate to ask him about the benefits of using sedation. He will only use the type of pain management that is most suitable for your procedure and your level of pain tolerance. Above all, he will ensure that you are thoroughly relaxed throughout your dental experience. For more information about sedation techniques, call Advanced Dental Care of Springfield at (217) 546-3333 today.
Dr VanderMolen with WTAX’s Bob Murray Talking About Halloween Candy Buyback 2013
October 30, 2013
Dr VanderMolen has the opportunity to speak with Bob Murray of WTAX about this week’s Halloween candy buyback.
You’ll find the short clip here:
https://wtax.com/podcasts/local-dentist-will-play-for-candy-after-halloween/
Common Dental Health Issues for Teens
October 28, 2013
There are a number of common dental concerns that occur in teens. From oral hygiene issues to crooked and crowding teeth, from cavities to wisdom teeth pain, preventative care and early detection can make these common problems much easier to deal with and solutions faster for your teen.
Lacking the proper knowledge on preventative oral care is an issue many teens face. It is vital that they understand the importance of good oral health and how it is vital for their overall health. Developing good habits of brushing and flossing on a twice daily basis will greatly reduce the likelihood of cavities and plaque building up around teeth and gums. Lack of proper brushing and flossing can lead to tooth decay, cavities, gum diseases or more serious dental issues. Furthermore, poor oral hygiene has been linked to cardiovascular disease, the number one killer in America.
Cavities are one of the most common concerns among teens. The good news is that cavities can be prevented through good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing, and incorporating a healthy diet. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks such as candies or soda pop will also help with cavity prevention and can improve overall gum and tooth health.
Common orthodontic concerns that occur in teens such as teeth growing irregularly, crowding, crooked or gapped teeth are often treated with braces.
Some teens may be uncomfortable with the appearance of their smile if there are spaces, crowding, crooked or chipped teeth. This can affect their overall self-esteem. Additionally, misplaced teeth can make it more difficult to clean properly, which may result in problems later on. If the problem does not require orthodontic treatment, there are many cosmetic dentistry options such as veneers, bonding and crowns that can help your teen find their beautiful smile and the self confidence it brings.
Wisdom teeth often cause problems for teens as this is a common time for the wisdom teeth to begin to emerge. Wisdom teeth generally require being removed as they can cause pain and problems to molars. Wisdom teeth which are not removed can also contribute to diseases of the gums.
Regular dental visits for cleanings and checkups will help teens maintain a healthy, happy smile and will remind them of the importance of oral health. Call Dr. VanderMolen at (217) 546-3333 for an appointment. Our friendly professional staff at Advanced Dental Care is ready to get your teen on the path to beautiful healthy teeth!