In Indiana and across the world, innovations are changing the dental industry. Gone are the days of painful trips to the dentist office and limited options for care. Today, patients have access to a wide range of treatments and services that leave mouths feeling healthy and looking bright. Below are just a few examples. If you have any questions about what they mean for you or if you are interested in setting up an appointment or consultation, don’t hesitate to reach out for more information.
Alignment
In the last few decades, there have been many changes to the way that we approach the realignment of a crooked smile or cumbersome teeth. If you grew up in the 70s, 80s, or 90s, braces, retainers, and headgear were probably a rite of passage for either you or your friends and siblings. These strategies worked effectively to help straighten out teeth, but they were also known for being pokey, painful, and a bit socially awkward. If you need further proof, look no further than examples of “metal mouths” in movies and TV from those decades, or the classic urban legend of the teenagers who got their braces interlocked and were stuck together during their first kiss. Today, teens and adults alike can benefit from the simplicity and discreteness of Invisalign. This device, made of transparent plastic, is fitted to your teeth and shifts them over time, just like more traditional options do. Users have all of the benefits of braces and wired retainers–without the bulk and with the option to remove the device as needed at home. It’s an ideal solution if you want to avoid a metal look for a big event like a wedding, prom, or family photos but still want to improve your smile.
Dentures
At one point in time, if you were faced with a tooth extraction, you’d have two options: leave the gaps visible or get dentures to fill the void. Patients with spaces in their smile were often self-conscious or nervous about their look, and individuals with dentures had their own struggles, including trouble eating tough foods, a slightly modified speech, an elaborate cleaning routine in the evenings, and occasional soreness from chafing and device shifting. While these are still options for our patients after an extraction takes place, one of the more popular choices is a dental implant. In these situations, an individual can replace missing teeth, including an entire smile, with porcelain fillers inserted into the jaw bone with a metal peg. This replacement teeth are sturdy and resist staining and cavities, so you can expect to have them for a long time after they are placed.
Whitening
If your smile is a little dull, you have probably considered whitening treatments as an option. In recent decades, over-the-counter options have emerged in stores, allowing individuals to treat their own teeth at home. These kits can be useful in some cases, but many patients find that they are not quite strong enough to provide the results that in-office procedures do. In our offices, we can provide top-of-the-line whitening that makes teeth several shades lighter in just one visit with lasting results that keep sensitivity at bay.
No matter what circumstance you find yourself in, it is a great time to visit the dentist.
