Give the Gift of Dental Implants

What could be better than receiving a gift that will last forever! Now’s your chance to help give somebody a smile makeover with dental implants designed specifically for the individual receiving the gift. Now’s your chance to get those New Year’s resolutions started with the perfect smile. A gift like this would enhance not only a person’s appearance, but also their confidence to smile all the time.

There are a couple of ways to get this started. Naturally, it first needs to be determined whether or not dental implants are the best solution. If that is the case, first schedule a free consultation to determine the options. But for the sake of this blog – let’s assume the person needs dental implants.

You first may want to research ways to pay for the procedure. There are a variety of options that will fit many people’s budgets. Cash is always an acceptable means of payment. Credit cards are just as favored. Sometimes you can get a discount on the entire service paying with cash. If this fabulous gift is for a family member, does your insurance cover the procedure? Or, perhaps you qualify for care credit – a medical and dental credit card payment plan. Many times, you will not only qualify for care credit, but it may come with an interest free time period bonus. Naturally, you can get really creative and request money from your friends and family via a website and/or contest.

The next step, once you know how you will pay for this amazing gift, is to set up the appointments for the procedures. Double check if your gift can be Teeth in a Day or All on Four procedures. These procedures will save time in that they can be done in a single day as opposed to several trips and a variety of procedures with a longer waiting and heeling time.

Now it’s time to put the surprise together. Get creative here! Maybe you give the person a set of chompers that begin moving once wound up. Within the perfectly shaped teeth could the gift written down on paper and folded up to fit the inside of the chompers teeth. The sky’s the limit, especially considering what a person can do with the perfect smile!

Teeth in a Day TM

Did you know that you could potentially get those weak or missing teeth replaced in just a day now? Just one day!? That’s right! Teeth in a Day^TM can provide you with complete, non-removable teeth mounted on implants all in one day! You might have also heard this referred to as All on Four^TM. No matter what you call it, this innovative process is here to stay with the intention of providing people a quicker, less time-consuming option.

The wait is over – but there are a couple of things to remember. This procedure may not be for everyone. A consultation with your dentist and/or prosthodontist will help determine this. During your initial consultation, a highly skilled specialist will take a 3-D CAT scan of your mouth in order to create a virtual model that will show the dentist the current condition of your existing teeth. From this model of your mouth, lab technicians will then create a custom set of replacement teeth – designed just for you and your mouth.

Now for the big day! Once the replacement teeth are made, you can schedule your appointment to get your Teeth in a Day^TM. The first person you will meet with is the oral surgeon who will extract any necessary teeth or bone as needed. Then the oral surgeon will insert the implants in your jaw.

The prosthodontist – also known as a restorative teeth dentist – will place your new teeth on the implants (All on Four^TM) and make any necessary adjustments in order to ensure you have a good bite and of course a beautiful smile. There might be some pain and medication may be prescribed. Regardless, after 24 hours, you should be able to resume your normal schedule.

Of course, we don’t just send you off on your way. On a good note, the hard part is over. Generally, you will be scheduled back to the office for a checkup about two weeks later and then once more when the final bridge for your new teeth is completed. Teeth in a Day^TM is the real thing and we are very excited to provide our customers with innovative option.

What type of Denture is best for you - Complete or Partial?

Did you know there are several differences between fixed and complete dentures? That’s ok. It’s our job to know all the possibilities and procedures available in order to recommend the best possible solutions for any dental issue. So let’s just hop right into it.

Complete dentures are the process by which the prosthodontist replaces all the teeth on one jaw line and its associated maxillary and mandibular structures. There are two different types of complete dentures: those that are conventional and those that are immediately applied. Conventional complete dentures are placed on the mouth approximately 8 to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed – giving the gum tissue time to heal.

Unfortunately, not everybody has the time and luxury to wait that long for their gums to heal. Immediate complete dentures were then developed to provide a temporary solution in the interim. These dentures are made in advance and positioned on the gum as soon as the teeth have been removed. The disadvantage to this option is that while the mouth is healing, the bones and gum will shrink over time. These dentures will require several adjustments while the conventional dentures are being made.

Fixed partial dentures – also known as a bridge – are designed to replace several teeth, positioning them adjacent to the natural teeth, roots and/or implants. These may be designed to permanently attach to the teeth or removable. Generally, partial dentures are connected by a metal framework to a plastic base that holds the denture in place. The fixed denture is then cemented into place and fills the space. This process in turn prevents the surrounding teeth from changing and moving. Could you imagine after all this work having to go back to braces? Don’t worry – we know what we are doing and our goal is to make sure you feel good about your smile and you!

As always, there are alternatives to dentures, like dental implants. But safety first — get a consultation to determine the best option for you and we’ll go from there.

How Often do I Really Need to Visit the Dentist for a Teeth Cleaning?

How long has it been since you visited your dentist for a teeth cleaning? Was it several weeks ago? Several months ago? Several years ago? You may be surprised to learn of how many teeth cleanings are recommended each year by dentists. 

Nearly all dentists recommend a teeth cleaning of twice a year- or every six months- for the average person. However, if you’re a very good brusher, floss regularly, and have very little recent history of dental issues, you could extend this to a longer time- such as every nine months, or even a year. However, to be safe, stick to six months for the maximum clean. On the other side of the spectrum, if you know that you need some work on brushing, and that flossing every day hasn’t been part of routine, you may want to visit the dentist for a cleaning every three or four months. If you have dental insurance, check to see how often they cover teeth cleanings- many insurances cover some or all of the costs of cleanings twice a year. 

When you visit the dentist for a cleaning, you not only get an expertly cleaned, refreshed mouth, but you also have the opportunity for your mouth to be seen by someone who has an expertise in dentistry. Keep your mouth healthy, clean, and always remember to smile!

Top 5 Reasons for Dentures

When you hear the word “dentures”- what comes to mind? Do you have any friends or family with dentures? If so, what has their experience been? Or perhaps you know someone from your past that had dentures. Dentistry has evolved greatly each decade and along with these developments, dentures have also evolved. Today, with the newest denture technology and the expertise of your restorative dentist, you can find the dentures that can make improvements in your life. Here are some reasons to consider dentures:

1- Aesthetics and Appearance: According to the American Dental Association, dentures can help improve the cosmetic appearance of your teeth, jaw, and mouth. Missing, misshapen, or misplaced teeth may be difficult to deal with in day-to-day life. Dentures can give your smile a more natural-looking appearance.

2- Speaking: Your teeth and mouth affect talking, and teeth that are not functioning correctly can also make it more difficult to speak. Dentures can make it easier to speak.

3- Chewing: Along with speaking, the mouth is used to chew frequently throughout the day. Missing teeth makes it a challenge to chew, but dentures can provide a replacement to what is missing and make chewing a more pleasurable experience.

4- Breathing: Does exercise, or taking a walk around the block, present a challenge? Or how about just normal activities? Though various body parts and organs affect how we breathe, like our lungs and throat, our mouth also helps to regulate our breathing. The correct dentures can make breathing more natural, and often easier.

5- Health: The removal of unhealthy teeth, and replacement with dentures can help give your mouth a fresh, clean start. The combination of being able to speak, chew, and breathe more easily should combine to help you maintain a healthier lifestyle.

If you would like to further discuss dentures and find the right dentures for your life, contact your restorative dentist. The difference that dentures can make is often significant. Have you ever thought about dentures?

Top 5 Reasons for Dental Implants

You yearn for the days when your teeth felt normal. Those were times in which you didn’t have to worry much about your smile, but now you do. Dental implants are a good solution for those that want to have a more convenient solution for their teeth, and also regain confidence in their smile. Here are the top 5 reasons why people decide to get implants:

1- Natural appearance. Implants can help give you back a natural-looking smile. Dental prosthetics have advanced greatly over the last several decades, and now, it is very easy for the average person be unable to tell the difference between a tooth you were born with, and a prosthetic tooth or crown. A natural appearance can give you additional confidence and help you feel like yourself again. 

2- Comfort and Stability. Dental implants stay in place, so you do not have to worry about taking them on or off. Implants are put in place carefully by an expert restorative dentist. The combination of science and craftsmanship that goes into dental implants helps ensure a great personal fit. 

3- Improved speech and smile. Because of the stability and permanency of dental implants, your speech will be more natural and should flow easier as well. 

4- Improved breathing is also a positive effect of dental implants and should help you resume daily activities including exercise, with ease. 

5- Improved chewing. After dental implants, it will be much easier to chew foods, especially meals that are sticky or require much chewing. Imagine being able to enjoy your favorite foods without worrying if your current teeth can handle it. 

Before making any decisions, it is recommended to talk to a dentist that specializes in restorative dentistry, implants, or both. Together, you can make a decision that is best for your life and health.

Get to Know the Affleck Team!

How well do you know your friendly Affleck staff? Did you know that Jaime raises cattle and that Kacie has raised horses? Read on for more exciting info…maybe you share something in common with Jamie, Kacie, Tana, or all three!

Jamie: Jaime has been at Affleck Dental from the very beginning- 2002- the same year as the Olympics in Salt Lake. She loves any outdoor activity, including riding horses, camping, boating, both in Utah and the surrounding states. Summer is an especially exciting time as she can enjoy lots of outdoor activities. Jamie has been married for 20 years and has two beautiful 13 and 15-year-old daughters. 

Kacie and Jamie have been long-time family friends. Kacie started at Affleck Dental in 2009, and has always been interested in the health field. What she loves best about working at Affleck Dental is helping people, watching the transformations, smiles, and seeing them get their lives back. Like Jamie, Kacie also enjoys camping and hunting. She also has fun playing softball and dodgeball. 

Tana is one of the newest members of the Affleck Team and has been at Affleck Dental for 13 months. She enjoys helping make Affleck Dental patients happy and has had an interest in the health field throughout her life. Tana also loves anything outdoors, such as boating, ATVing, and snowboarding at Powder Mountain.

Hope you enjoying getting to know the Affleck Team! We hope to see you in the office and look forward to helping you however we can. Hope you have a great day and Labor Day weekend!

How Often do You Really Need to Brush?

Brushing is a technique that we learn at a young age, and the habits we pick up early in life often carry into adulthood. We’ve likely all heard the recommendation, “brush twice a day”, but is this really true? And is there anything else we should know about brushing besides simply brushing twice a day? The short answer to brushing twice a day is: Yes. Both the American Dental Association and world-renown Mayo Clinic recommend to brush at least twice a day. 

Brushing in the morning helps eliminate the bacteria that has accumulated overnight. Brushing in the evening helps eliminate the bacteria that has accumulated throughout the day due to all the food and drink that has been consumed. Some people even brush after every meal, or in the middle of the day, and this can easily be accomplished with a mini toothbrush and toothpaste at hand. 

In addition to brushing twice a day, you may want to take particular note when you have just eaten or are about to eat acidic foods. Acidity weakens tooth enamel, which protects our teeth. Foods higher in acidity than others contain a relatively low pH, to include lemons and lemon juice, apples, berries, pineapple, grapefruit, cherries, plums, nectarines, peaches, pears, pimentos, tomatoes, and vinegar. 

Brushing before eating the foods above

helps add a protective coating to your teeth. However, immediately after eating these foods, hold off on the toothbrush. It is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after eating acidic foods to brush so your teeth have some time to recover after the acidity.

When you do brush, be sure to make it count and do it well. If you’re a little bored, hum or sing a song in your head, or listen to music. Try doing squats! And don’t forget to floss at least once a day as well. Flossing not only removes debris, but also stimulates gums which helps protect teeth and fights off gum disease. What are your favorite times to brush during the day? Any favorite toothpastes or floss?

The Best Chewing Gums for Your Teeth

Chewing gum is tasty and helps freshen breath. And, the right chewy snack may also help assist with cavity-fighting. In order to find a chewing gum that will also help keep teeth healthy, it is important to be familiar with the types of sugars and/or sweeteners that are in them, and how they affect our teeth. 

            Bacteria in our month typically reside in dental plaque, which is the deposit that naturally forms on all our teeth. Bacteria love food —especially sugar. When we consume sugar, the bacteria eat it, then produce an acid which creates cavities. The saliva in our mouth skillfully fights these cavities as it washes away the acid and bacteria. When we chew, our mouths produce more saliva.When we produce extra saliva, we help our mouths clean a little more effectively and stay healthier. 

            Sugar-free chewing gums are the most effective with cavity elimination because they do not have the sugars that bacteria use to stay alive. Chewing gums with sugar may indeed help produce saliva, but then they also help feed bacteria. So, their use defeats the purpose of cavity-fighting. 

            The next time you need to decide what type of chewing gum to buy, you may want to try a sugar-free one and see if you feel and see a difference- some chewing gums help whiten teeth as well! Most sugar-free gums contain sweeteners such as mannitol, maltitol, or even xylitol. Xylitol is considered the best sweetener because it actually helps kill bacteria. Unfortunately, xylitol is the most expensive sweetener. Experiment with different chewing gums and tell us which one is your favorite!