The benefits are:
• improved self-esteem and confidence,
• improved relationships,
• improved earning capacity,
• a restored smile,
• improved chewing ability,
• and improved speaking ability.

When is a bridge indicated?
Bridges are often recommended to patients missing one or more teeth in a given area to fill in the gaps without using a dental implant. Filling the gaps prevents the remaining teeth from shifting into the empty spaces, which may lead to occlusion problems and further deterioration of the teeth.

Sometimes a patient may be missing more than two teeth in a given area. In this case, a bridge may need the support of a dental implant to better distribute pressures and prevent breakage.

Who typically needs bridge work?
While not exclusive to any group or category, I have found that the most common bridge candidate is over 50 years old. This patient is usually missing one or more teeth in a given area due to trauma, poor oral hygiene, or lifestyle choices such as regular tobacco and/or alcohol use.

It is important to note that a patient with missing teeth may also be experiencing a TMJ disorder. In this case a bridge may be able to correct the imbalance and alleviate any jaw-movement discomfort. To learn more about TMJ, click here.

If you are missing a tooth and are ready to discuss your replacement options, please call me at my office to schedule a consultation: 817-380-3593.

What types of bridges are available?
Today’s patient has a wealth of options available for their bridge solution; three types of dental bridges are available to fit anyone’s needs and budget.

These three types are:

• The Traditional Bridge – The traditional bridge is the most popular choice among patients today. This bridge type crowns the two teeth adjacent to the missing tooth by filling the gap with the pontic, or replacement tooth. A crown can also be attached to a dental implant. Tradit ional bridges are most often made from ceramic or porcelain fused to metal.

• The Cantilever Bridge - A cantilever bridge is a special bridge that is used in certain circumstances; usually the bridge is anchored by one side and not both ends like a traditional bridge. Cantilever bridges are typically a three tooth bridge consisting of two side-by-side anchor teeth supporting the pontic. This style bridge is often used to replace back teeth.

• The Maryland Bonded Bridge – Designed for patients missing front teeth, the Maryland bonded bridge is a type of resin-retained bridge. In this style bridge, the pontic attaches to metal bands hidden by tooth-colored composite resin. The bridge is then bonded to adjacent teeth via crowns.

What is the procedure to have a bridge placed?
Having a bridge placed often takes just two appointments at my office.
During the first appointment, we will listen to your concerns and investigate your unique situation to determine which solution is right for you.

Then, during that appointment, the teeth surrounding the missing tooth will be reshaped to allow for a proper surface that the bridge can rest upon. Once reshaped, impressions are made of the area to ensure the best fit for your new bridge. After that, I will install a temporary bridge to protect the teeth and gums while your permanent bridge is being created.

When impressions are taken, they are then sent to my dental laboratory so that the bridge can be perfectly constructed. This process typically takes two weeks.

When your bridge returns from the dental laboratory, you will be scheduled for the second appointment.

At this second appointment, I will replace the temporary bridge with your permanent bridge. The permanent bridge is then checked and adjusted to your bite to ensure the best fit to your mouth.

This bridge will be cemented to your teeth and, depending on care, will last for many years.
Overall, my patients experience very little if any discomfort during the bridge placement process. If you are ready to talk about how a bridge can help you, please call me at 817-380-3593 to schedule your appointment.

What can be expected from my dental bridge?
Depending on the patient’s oral hygiene and lifestyle choices, a patient who regularly takes care of his or her teeth with regular checkups can expect to keep their bridge in place for five to 15 years or even longer.

After the first procedure, a patient may experience some slight discomfort for the first few days following the appointment; this is nothing that some over-the-counter pain relievers can’t solve.

Typically, the second appointment has even less follow-up discomfort, because the teeth have had more time to adjust to their new shape.

What can I do if my dental bridge falls off?
Rarely, a patient may experience his or her bridge slipping off from its cemented post. This can happen for any number of reasons, but it is important to schedule an appointment fast so that the bridge can be cemented back into place.

If you are traveling or are otherwise unable to schedule an immediate appointment, some over-the-counter products exist like Recapit Temporary Crown Cement that will, for the time being, reattach the crown portion of the bridge to the posts. While this is not an ideal situation, it will help you keep the crown in place until you can come in for an appointment.

It is important to take care of your teeth; if you live in the Arlington or Mansfield area and are ready for the regained confidence you will feel from improving your smile, please call my office at 817-380-3593 for more information or to schedule an appointment today.

A dental crown is a tooth shaped “cap” which perfectly fits over a tooth, restoring the tooth to its original size, shape and color. Crowns help to strengthen and protect the underlying tooth while restoring both function and appearance.

When is a dental crown indicated?

Many patients ask this question, and the answer requires a consultation. To find out if a dental crown is right for you, I invite you to call 817-380-3593 today to schedule an appointment to discuss your needs and the options available.

If you have a broken or weak tooth, please call today to avoid further damage and potential tooth loss.

What is a dental crown used for?

Dental crowns have six main uses.

1. Repairs: Dental crowns provide patients a solution that cover and repair a fractured or significantly damaged tooth.
2. Protection: In some cases, a patient may have a filling or inlay procedure that leaves very little surrounding tooth support. To prevent an inevitable break, a dental crown will be used to protect the filling and underlying root and jaw structures.
3. Strengthen: When a patient undergoes a root canal a permanent filling is used to plug and prevent future infection and contamination. Because the filling is not intended to withstand chewing forces, a dental crown is placed to reinforce the tooth so that the patient can chew and converse normally.
4. Restoration: Dental implants are a root substitute that are placed directly in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. From the implant, an abutment is installed upon which a dental crown is seated. This dental crown permanently restores the patient’s tooth, blending in naturally with the surrounding teeth. Click on the link to read more about dental implants. 
5. Aesthetic Improvement: As mentioned before, a dental crown provides a permanent solution for broken or damaged teeth. However a patient may have a single, crooked tooth and would like to have a more aesthetically pleasing smile. In this case, a patient may choose a dental crown instead of braces for a more immediate aesthetic improvement.
6. Bridgework: For patients who have lost a tooth, but decide not to have a dental implant to replace it, a bridge is then placed to fill in the gap where the tooth is lost. A bridge requires capping the two teeth next to the gap so that the filler tooth has a platform to rest upon.

If you have been considering a dental crown, or would like to know more how you can benefit from a crown, please call the dental offices of Dr. Marty Cloin at 817-380-3593 to schedule an appointment.

What is a dental crown made of?

As one of dentistry’s most adaptable restoration solutions, today’s dental crowns are made from a variety of materials. They can be metal, porcelain fused to metal, ceramic, or resin. Each type of dental crown has its own unique qualities and benefits.

Metal crowns are typically made from gold alloy, palladium, or other base metal alloy. This kind of crown requires the least amount of underlying tooth structure to be removed or reshaped. Metal dental crowns also withstand long term wear from biting and chewing, while rarely chipping or breaking. The main thing to consider with a metal dental crown is the appearance of the metal; this is why metal crowns are mostly recommended for molars, because they are least seen of all the teeth.

With porcelain fused to metal crowns, porcelain is fused to a metal crown and placed over the tooth. An immediate advantage is the ability to have your dental crown color matched to surrounding teeth. This makes porcelain fused crowns great candidates for both front and back sections of your mouth.

A ceramic dental crown offers a patient the highest level of cosmetic improvement because of its ability to color match surrounding teeth. With a ceramic crown there is no underlying metal, so the ceramic material does not have to compete against darker metal colors, and as the crown ages, there is no risk of having a metal line appear, as in the case of porcelain fused crowns.

Resin crowns provide patients with a more affordable option. And though they are less resilient than the other options, patients with resin crowns are still able to enjoy a color matched crown.

What is the dental crown procedure?

The procedure for placing a crown typically requires just one or two visits to my office.

During our first visit we can determine your dental crown solution based on your needs.

At this step we will examine the area, take X-rays to check on the root system of the crown candidate and its surround teeth, and determine if any other procedure should be performed to ensure the success and longevity of your crown.

If a root canal is required, it will be performed and a temporary crown will be placed until the permanent crown has been produced.

Otherwise, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area. Then, depending on the patient’s choice of crown, reshaping of the tooth along its chewing surfaces and sides will be performed to create the seat for the permanent crown.

After the tooth has been reshaped, impressions will be taken of it and the surrounding and opposing teeth to ensure the best fit and shape of the new crown. This ensures that your new crown will also not change or affect your bite.

From there, the impressions are sent to my dental laboratory where the crown is produced. Depending on the material, the crown will be produced to match the surrounding teeth.

Also, note that a temporary crown will be placed to protect the underlying tooth and root while the crown is being produced.

Now is a time when a tooth whitening procedure is recommended. Because of its material a crown cannot change color so having your teeth whitened will ensure that your crown will match whiter teeth. Click on the link to read more about tooth whitening. 

When the crown returns to my office, typically after two to three weeks, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown placed during the follow-up appointment.

If you are curious about the process and would like to know more, or are ready to schedule an appointment, please call me at my office at 817-380-3593.

How long will my dental crown last?

Depending on the patient’s choice of material and care, a dental crown can be expected to last anywhere from five to 15 years. Caring for a crown is no different from caring for your normal teeth; daily brushings and flossing will ensure for the overall health of your mouth and your new crown.

What do I do if my dental crown falls off?

If your crown has fallen off from its seat, first be sure to remove it from your mouth and place it in a safe location where it will not be lost.

Then, call my office at 817-380-3593 as soon as possible and I will make it a priority to see you quickly.

If you are out of town or it is impossible for us to see you immediately, you may be able to temporarily re-cement your crown with a product from your local drug store such as Recapit.

Upon your visit I will be able to restore your crown to normal function.

In the interim, be sure not to chew foods that are sticky or hard. Temporary cement is weaker than professional grade cement and is not intended as a permanent solution.

It is important to take care of your teeth. If you are in the Arlington or Mansfield area and are ready for the regained confidence you will feel from a well-done dental crown, please don’t hesitate to call my office 817-380-3593 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a titanium root substitute. Titanium is a unique, inert metal; the only metal fully accepted by the human body.

The typical implant is made of three separate parts that, when combined, perfectly blend in with your existing teeth. These parts include the actual implant, which simulates the root structure, the abutment, or coping designed to anchor the crown to the implant, and the crown itself, which is the new tooth that will replace the missing tooth.

Because it is designed to replicate a tooth’s natural root structure, the dental implant will fuse to the bone becoming a part of the jaw in a process called osseointegration. This allows the implant to become as sturdy as a normal, healthy tooth. Dental implants can also stimulate bone regeneration in the jawbone by filling in the hole left by a missing root. This prevents additional bone decay, known as resorption, and maintains a patient’s facial features.

A dental implant is the best solution for replacing a single tooth because it doesn’t typically rely on the support of surrounding teeth like in a bridge or partial. If you are unsure about what solution is right for you, or would like more information on how dental implants can improve your oral health, we have an excellent booklet I would like to give you; The Consumer’s Guide to Dental Implants, just call 817-380-3593 for your free copy and consultation.

So you have missing teeth?

Teeth are lost in many ways. Decay, root canal failure, trauma from a sudden impact, excessive wear, gum disease such as gingivitis, and congenital defects are all leading causes of tooth loss. If you have lost a tooth and would like a personal evaluation to determine your best solution, I invite you to call my practice, Marty Cloin, DDS, at 817-380-3593.

What are the advantages to dental implants over other tooth replacement methods?

When compared against a bridge or dentures, dental implants are often the best option for most patients in need of one tooth, a few teeth, or a complete arch replacement; this is because dental implants offer key advantages that these other methods can’t provide.

One of these advantages is an enhanced esthetic; because dental implants look and perform like real teeth. It is virtually impossible to detect a patient with implants. Also, because a dental implant integrates with the jawbone, worries about gum and jaw deterioration around the implant are wholly eliminated.

Another advantage is the confidence you will feel when speaking and eating. Patients with dental implants can feel confident that their implants will be free from embarrassing clicks and wobbles that may be experienced by denture patients. Also, because of their permanence, there is no fuss or mess with pastes and solutions that are used to secure dentures.

Lastly, dental implants provide patients with an overall improved level of oral health. Unlike bridges, a dental implant requires no reshaping of surrounding teeth. This leaves a patient’s healthy teeth intact with little worry about further deterioration.

What kind of Dental implants are available?

For today’s patients there are dental implant solutions to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or a complete arch. There are solutions to replace all of your teeth top and bottom.

One implant will be used for patients missing a single tooth. For patients missing a few teeth on the same side, two implants supporting a bridge will be used. For patients missing a complete arch, a minimum of four implants can be used but six implants are preferable.

Implants are placed directly in the bone tissue in a single visit.  An initial CAT scan of your jaw is taken to create a digital model of your jawbone. From that computer model the treatment plan is produced.

Augmentation, or a bone graft, is sometimes required in patients with very advanced bone resorption. A graft is used to rebuild damaged and diminished portions of the jawbone to allow for a more successful dental implantation. This is an advanced procedure and with today’s technique, patients can expect successful regeneration of bone and a healthy, stable implant.

Will I experience discomfort with a dental implant?

Patients with dental implants typically report very little if any discomfort during the procedure itself and in the subsequent healing time.

The placing of dental implants is an in-patient procedure performed under anesthesia. During a follow-up visit the single tooth restoration is performed; restorations for a full arch may require two or three follow-up visits to fine tune the fit.

After the surgery it is important to follow the post-surgery instructions while your body heals from surgery and your bone and the implant integrate with one another.

An added advantage of dental implants over a bridge or partial is the infrequency of procedures. Often a bridge needs to be replaced after eight to ten years meaning more expense.

Once I have implants, how do I take care of them?

Although not susceptible to cavities like natural teeth or a bridge, a patient should practice proper oral hygiene with routine brushing, flossing and regular check-ups. Patients who have lost teeth due to poor oral hygiene or use of tobacco products should consider a change in lifestyle to ensure the health and longevity of their gum and bone tissues.

What is my next step?

Dental implants can change your life. They are the best solution for patients missing one tooth, a few teeth, or all of their teeth. If you have been considering dental implants please don’t go another day without learning your options for a better, brighter smile. If you are in the Arlington or Mansfield area, please make a quick phone call to set up an appointment to learn more about your options.

How do teeth become white?

To understand how to make teeth whiter it is important to first understand what makes teeth look yellow and stained.
White teeth are a product of both genetics and care. People who are born with more enamel and whiter enamel will naturally have whiter looking teeth.

The primary factors that contribute to yellow and stained teeth directly relate to lifestyle choices. Patients who use tobacco products, such as cigarettes or chewing tobacco, have a high likelihood of stains. Certain beverages like coffee, tea, fountain drinks, grape juice, and red wine will yellow or stain teeth as well. Even foods like blueberries, cherries, soy sauce, and curry have been found to stain teeth.

Aging and thinning enamel are also common factors related to yellowing of the teeth. As your teeth age the hard coating, or enamel, can wear thin which lets the yellowish dentin show through, giving that yellowish look. Believe it or not the enamel on your teeth can be unintentionally worn thin through using a toothpaste with too much abrasive, toothbrushes with very hard bristles, and by scrubbing vigorously.

Whitening teeth is more about whitening the stains, both deep and surface level that are in your teeth. To avoid thinning your enamel over the lifetime of your teeth, please call our office at 817-380-3593 to find the right combination of toothpaste, toothbrush and brushing techniques for you.

What are the different teeth whitening options available?

As stated before, there are many common factors that cause yellowing and staining of the teeth. Patients today are easily confused by the many choices of teeth whitening products and services. Before experimenting on your own, I recommend setting an appointment at my office to have your teeth professionally examined and to discuss the best solution for your needs; every patient has unique teeth and a consultation can identify which procedure will give you the results you are looking for.

There are three ways you can go about teeth whitening. The first is a one-visit procedure provided at my office; the second is using custom trays with a gel solution at home; and the third is by visiting the dental products aisle at the local drug store. Teeth whitening products are categorized into two major groups: peroxide based whiteners or bleaching agents, and dentifrices, also know as whitening toothpastes.

Many teeth whitening solutions can be purchased over the counter; whitening strips, teeth whitening mouth rinses, and teeth whitening toothpaste. Other solutions include prescription strength whitening formulas with custom-fitted teeth trays, made from an impression of your teeth. And for immediate teeth whitening results in the Arlington area, I offer professional teeth whitening services at my office. Please call 817-380-3593.

What teeth whitening solutions are available over the counter?

Teeth whitening strips are thin, flexible strips that fit over the teeth. They come pre-coated in teeth whitening solutions and are typically worn for 30 minutes to one hour for several days in a row. Whitening strips are available at your local drug store and are affordable, but there are a few drawbacks; results can take many days to see, the strips are one size fits all so your teeth may not get the coverage they require, and most whitening strips are only capable of whitening surface stains.

Teeth whitening mouth rinses have become popular because of their availability and affordability. Most rinses recommend use prior to brushing, but each has its specific instructions. Recipes for “do it yourself” mouth rinses should generally be avoided because the primary content is Hydrogen Peroxide, a whitening agent that can damage oral tissues if improperly mixed.

Whitening toothpaste is formulated to whiten teeth and typically contains chemicals, like sodium tripolyphosphate, which are capable of breaking down stains. Whitening toothpaste mainly handles surface stains caused by coffee, tea, or cigarette smoke. I recommend whitening toothpaste to maintain levels of whiteness, but not for taking heavily stained teeth and making them significantly whiter.

Remember when choosing over the counter teeth whitening products, be sure to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval.

What professional teeth whitening solutions are available?

Your teeth can also be whitened with at-home trays and gels. At my office we regularly make custom-molded whitening trays for patients who would like better results than what over the counter products provide.

If after your consultation we find this is the best route for you we can make impressions that same day.

The benefits of custom fit teeth whitening trays are many. Custom fit trays offer patients an increased comfort level as well as a better fit. My patients who choose custom fit whitening trays find that their teeth get a deep level whitening. And the bleaching solutions for custom fit whitening trays come in a variety of concentrations. Patients with sensitive teeth can use a weaker concentration and, over time, will still get the desired result.

Laser teeth whitening is a safe whitening method performed in-office using peroxide bleaching agents and laser light. The bleaching agent is typically diluted to 35 percent potency and then the laser is used to heat up the peroxide solution and speed the chemical process needed to whiten teeth. Laser whitening treatments can take as little as 20 minutes and results can be seen immediately; with proper maintenance laser teeth whitening results can be sustained with regular care.

When will I start to see results?

Your results depend on which product or service you choose. In-office procedures provide immediate results; professional trays with gel provides results in about a week, and over the counter products give results after a few weeks of use. For a consultation on which product is right for your needs, I invite you to call my office at 817-380-3593 today.

Once I get my teeth whitened, what can I do to ensure my teeth stay white?

After going through the process of having your teeth whitened it is understandable that you will not want your teeth to yellow or darken again. Practicing proper oral hygiene is essential to maintain your whiter, brighter smile. This means flossing after meals, brushing twice a day and avoiding the staining foods and beverages mentioned earlier. Finally, having your teeth professionally cleaned twice each year will maintain clean, tartar free teeth that repel the staining effects of teas, coffees, and tobacco products.

You should invest in your smile. The confidence you’ll get from a brighter smile will be noticed each and every day. If you live in the Arlington or Mansfield area and would like whiter teeth, I invite you to schedule an appointment at my office. Please call me at 817-380-3593.

Symptoms include jaw stiffness, limited mobility and otherwise locking of the jaw, a change in occlusion, or the way that the upper and lower teeth align together, and either a painful clicking or popping when the patient opens and closes his or her mouth.

If you are experiencing symptoms like those listed above, you may have temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly called TMJ or TMD.

What is the temporomandibular joint?

The temporomandibular joint is the connection point where your mandible, or lower jaw, attaches to the temporal bone found on the sides of the skull. To feel this joint, simply place your index fingers just in front of your ears and open and close your mouth.

The joint relies on muscles and cartilage discs that pivot to create the open and close actions. What is unique to the temporomandibular joint is its ability to move the jaw from side to side as well, a motion called translation. Because of the temporomandibular joint’s ability to perform both of these actions you are able to chew food and carry on conversations.

Unfortunately patients with a TMJ disorder often experience pain during everyday activities.

What is a TMJ disorder?

A TMJ disorder (TMD) is a term used to describe a number of problems relevant to the temporomandibular joint. The areas of the face commonly affected by a TMJ disorder are the jaw, jaw joint, and the facial muscles used to control chewing. A patient with a TMJ disorder can experience muscle fatigue, pain, and jaw lock.

What causes a TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorders have several causes and can start without specific warning signs. A patient can also be diagnosed with single or multiple forms of TMJ disorder at the same time. A few common causes have been identified.

The first of these causes is related to the masseter muscles. Masseter — a name derived from the Greek “to chew” — is a highly active muscle group consisting of two parts, the superficial masseter and the deep masseter.

It is possible when the masseter muscles experience distress through grinding or clenching of the teeth that the muscle group becomes sore. Many patients grind or clench their teeth while sleeping and are unaware they are doing so. The patient may then experience myofascial pain; a deep, chronic muscle pain that persists or even worsens over time and often leads to stiffness in the muscles or joint. Patients may be able to identify myofascial pain by an area of tension in their masseter muscle, a knot or tight spot, or an area that is sensitive to touch. If you experience this type of pain, I invite you to schedule an appointment at my office to find out more. Please call us at 817-380-3593.

The second common cause of a temporomandibular joint disorder is common in patients with rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. In this scenario, a patient’s arthritis can lead to the degeneration of bone, cartilage tissues, or both. This can often lead to additional inflammation and discomfort, and sometimes, though rare, requires surgery.

The third cause is related to the way in which your teeth register when your jaw closes in alignment with the temporal bones. In this instance, there are numerous causes and no simple answers. Patients with dislocated jaws often experience TMJ symptoms because their jaw pops out of alignment, stressing the tendons and muscles that make up the temporomandibular joint.

Take note that it is possible to experience multiple forms of temporomandibular joint disorder and an appointment at my office can help detect what is causing the TMJ disorder and determine the right course of treatment. If you live in the Arlington or Mansfield area and you are experiencing jaw pain, please give our office a call for an appointment 817-380-3593.

How do I detect a TMJ disorder?

The road to recovery with TMJ begins with a diagnostic appointment. At my practice, I can identify the major cause(s) of your TMJ disorder and help you with a treatment plan for relief.

I will give you a thorough examination looking over all aspects of your health.

This examination will include an inspection of your teeth and bite alignment, identifying the painful areas of the joint and connective tissue by touch, sliding the teeth side to side, observing how the jaw opens and shuts. Other parts of the exam may include X-rays to identify abnormalities.

I will also weigh the examination with other circumstances you may be experiencing such as infections of the mouth or ear, neuralgia, or nerve pain, and other nerve-related problems before providing a conclusive diagnosis.

It is important to note that sometimes a physical exam may produce results that seem to be normal, and because of the diversity of causes, there is no simple solution that will work for everyone. However, if you have a TMJ disorder, there are some actions you can perform that may relieve some of the pain.

If I have been diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, what can I do now for relief?

If your dentist has diagnosed you with a TMJ disorder, you’re not alone. Many millions of Americans experience a TMJ disorder at one point or another in their lives.

Depending on which type of TMJ disorder you are experiencing, there are things that you can start now to alleviate your pain.

At my practice, we teach therapeutic exercises and stretches that have been developed to strengthen and stretch your jaw muscles. Be sure to follow a regular exercise regimen, several times a week to help your muscles recuperate. We have an excellent staff that will help you.

When not eating or talking, allow your muscles time to relax. This can mean avoiding activities that trigger your symptoms, such as chewing gum and yawning.

I sometimes recommend short-term use of over the counter drugs such as Advil or Aleve.

Splints, such as a mouth or bite guard, can assist you with teeth grinding but may not prevent clenching. Many of my patients have found these useful during sleep. Take note that there are different types of splints, and I will be able to recommend the right solution for you after an exam.

Surgery may be an option, but only in rare circumstances. I will help you examine treatment options before you commit to a more permanent and expensive solution. With most of my patients, TMJ disorders resolved with the right kind of non-invasive treatments.

What can I do to avoid a TMJ disorder?

As the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Some actions that you can start now to prevent or worsen a TMJ disorder include avoiding hard foods, hard candies, and chewing gum.

During physical activities, take safety precautions that will protect your teeth and jaw alignment. Maintain good posture at work or on the computer, and take time to relax your muscles.

Lastly, learning some relaxation techniques that unwind stressed muscles can help alleviate tension all over, especially in your jaw.

If you are in the Arlington / Mansfield area, and are experiencing any pain in your jaw, neck or head as described in this article, I invite you to schedule an appointment at my office for a consultation. I will listen to your concerns, examine your jaw, and discuss a treatment plan based on your needs.

Dentures are a fabulous solution for many patients, allowing them to regain control of their lives. Dentures can assist in every day tasks such as chewing food, speaking and communicating clearly to your friends, loved-ones and co-workers, and improving your digestion. Dentures have even helped people feel confident, and look years younger!

As a dentist, a common question I get at my office from patients who are new to dentures is, what are dentures?

What a good question, a short answer is that dentures are a prosthetic intended to replace teeth.

A longer answer is that dentures are a custom molded apparatus made to simulate the look and feel of real teeth and gums. Today’s modern dentistry offers a wide variety of denture solutions made from advanced materials that look and feel like real gums and teeth and are available at prices that fit all budgets.

If you are reading this you may be wondering about dentures for yourself or a loved one. You may be asking yourself, am I the ideal denture patient?

The fact is, our self esteem, our ability to smile, our career, and our relationships are more influenced by healthy looking teeth than perhaps any other characteristic. A full set of teeth enhance the beauty of the lower third of the human face, causing you to look your very best.

It is important to know that simply getting older is not a cause of tooth loss, in fact by brushing your teeth and flossing regularly, a patient can keep his or her teeth for their entire life. In my office however, I have found that patients who need dentures share some few common traits.

Denture patients experience tooth loss in many different ways. Some of my patients have lost teeth due to accidents or traumas. Other patients are prone to accelerated tooth decay. The common culprits for tooth decay are poor oral hygiene, a diet with high sugar content, poor saliva due to a number of causes including certain medications, or any combination of these factors.

In Arlington and Mansfield, many patients come to me because they are feeling insecure about the way their teeth look, or because their dentures are slipping or because they are uncomfortable. I have specific, proven techniques to improve the fit and function of dentures.

If you are a denture wearer, you owe it to yourself to learn about the permanent benefits of dental implants. Dental implants are a wonderful alternative to dentures, stopping bone recession and allowing the patient to eat favorite foods, show emotion, and enjoy life to the fullest.

Once you’ve chosen to have dentures, you may be wondering will I need to have all of the teeth in my mouth removed to wear dentures?

Each patient has his or her unique circumstances, but there is a denture solution right for you; dentures can be made as a complete set, or to replace lower or upper teeth only.

The major factor to consider then is, which tooth material is right for my dentures?

The materials most commonly used for false teeth in dentures are either resin, a plastic, or porcelain, the traditional choice. Each denture material comes with its own advantages, while one material may work better for some patients than others.

As advances are made in wear-resistant resin technology for false teeth, dentures are becoming increasingly sophisticated. This type of plastic tooth is recommended for patients who are using dentures to replace only one set of teeth. This is because resin teeth in dentures are not as harmful to your natural teeth as porcelain teeth can be. Resin teeth have also been found to be less noisy than porcelain teeth when used in conversation, chewing, and parafunction (the movement of your teeth and jaw while sleeping), or habitual jaw movements including clicking, bruxism, or rocking of teeth.

On the other hand porcelain dentures are preferred by patients who have already worn and become used to porcelain dentures. Porcelain offers patients a high esthetic value, and because of the material’s durability, porcelain dentures tend to wear evenly and last longer. This means your dentures will require fewer adjustments as your bones recede.

After your fitting, you may be wondering what are some things I should expect from my dentures?

• At first, many patients find dentures to feel unnatural. Even perfectly fit dentures will require an adjustment period. This is common, and one reason why I recommend to my patients that they wear their dentures as often as possible. Simply by wearing your dentures around the house, running errands, or during leisurely activities with friends will help you grow accustomed to how they feel in your mouth. Yes, you will need to train the muscles in your mouth to use dentures for chewing and speaking, but over time, you will find your dentures feeling more and more natural.

 

• It is also important to note that a few patients can experience an allergic reaction to the acrylic used in dentures, this can cause swelling and discomfort. Normally, if the patient knows of a pre-existing acrylic allergy or an allergy is found during the fitting process, a different material can be used to create your dentures. If you are experiencing this discomfort, I can help and I invite you to call for an appointment.

A lot of my friends say this is common, but what should a I do about denture slippage?

I get asked this question a lot, but you should have no fear, experiencing slight denture slippage is normal when patients are first learning how to use their dentures because learning how to use your dentures takes practice.

Denture patients should keep in mind that, in time, denture slippage can occur due to the shrinkage of your jaw bones; this is a normal process know as resorption.

At our dental practice we have new techniques for improving denture fit; these techniques include relining, rebasing, or replacing your dentures based on your specific needs at the time. We can even stabilize your existing dentures with two dental implants. If you are experiencing problems with your dentures, you owe it to yourself to see if this procedure is correct for you. Please give us a call if you are experiencing your dentures slipping of if you have any other questions.

If you live in the Arlington or Mansfield area, and are wondering: 1) if dentures are right for you 2) if your existing dentures could be improved, or 3) if dental implants are right for you, I invite you to schedule an appointment at my office for a consultation. I will listen to your concerns, answer additional questions you or your loved ones have, and we will discuss the right solution based on your needs.

Yours truly,

Marty Cloin, DDS, R.Ph
3703 W Green Oaks Blvd
Arlington, TX 76016
817-380-3593

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• Before and After pictures of our most recent patients With your approval of course.
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Thanks so much, have a wonderful day!

-Dr. Cloin’s staff