Missing Teeth? 5 Things You Need To Know About Dentures

implant dentures Provo

If you are missing one or more of your teeth, you will be interested to know about dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, which have been called the single greatest advancement in dentistry.

1. Dentures are not the only replacement option for missing teeth. Dental implants used alone or in combination with a partial denture is often a better option for patients. Whereas a removable appliance replaces only the visible parts of teeth, an implant replaces both the root and crown of a tooth. This has critical implications. Dental implants can prevent bone recession that typically occurs following tooth extractions. Dental implants can provide patients the near-normal ability to chew, speak, and laugh.

2. There is more than one variety of denture. Most people are familiar with the removable denture that replaces a complete upper or lower arch. There are also partial dentures that are used for patients who have some original teeth. Partial dentures can be permanent in the mouth or removable.

3. Even if you have worn dentures for a while, you may be an appropriate candidate for implant-anchored dentures. The vital factor is whether or not you have enough bone to support an implant. Bone grafting can augment bone in some patients.

4. Regardless of your tooth replacement configuration—full dentures, partial dentures, or tooth implants—you still need to practice correct oral hygiene. Removable appliances should be cleaned daily.

5. Even if you have no remaining teeth left, it’s vital that you have semiannual dental examination. Optimal oral health is a vital component of overall physical well-being. We will examine your mouth for indications of diseases like cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we provide dental implants, implant-supported dentures, porcelain veneers, and a full complement of dental services. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

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Tooth Replacement For The 21st Century

Utah County tooth implant supported dentures

Not everything was better back in the “good old days.” Take dentures, for instance. Dentures have been around for generations and have certainly improved the lives of thousands of Provo people who have lost many or all of their teeth.

But those old-school false teeth are not the ideal tooth replacement. Traditional dentures can impede many critical oral functions: chewing, tasting, swallowing, talking, and smiling.

You may know denture wearers who have stopped attending social activities because they are embarrassed by dentures that are far from inconspicuous. Some have even stopped eating their favorite foods because their dentures diminish their power to taste and/or chew.

There is great news for Provo residents with missing teeth: Dentures have evolved!

Implant-anchored or implant-supported dentures are far superior than conventional dentures for many patients. So much better, in fact, that there really should be another term for this revolutionary tooth replacement system – a term that doesn’t include the word “denture.” (If you can think of a good name, let us know.)

There are two types of implant anchored dentures; removable and permanent. No adhesive is necessary for either system. With the permanent type, screw retentions are anchored in the jaw to serve as attachment points for the denture. Permanent implant-supported dentures are very stable. Furthermore, they are usually less pricey than replacing each missing tooth with an implant. (The cost varies depending on the number of implants needed and other factors.)

Screw retentions require enough bone thickness to allow the implant to securely mesh with the existing bone. Unfortunately, some patients who have been missing teeth for a long period of time have experienced bone recession. For patients who lack the required amount of bone, mini-implants may be an alternative.

Removable implant anchored dentures have a locator attachment which allows the wearer to snap the appliance in place. Some patients prefer this type because they can remove them at night for cleaning. Countless Provo patients who have traded in their traditional dentures report that their implant anchored dentures have greatly improved their life.

The benefits of implant-supported dentures include:

  • Increased comfort
  • Natural appearance
  • Normal tooth function
  • Improved strength
  • Better bone retention
  • Denture relines not needed
  • Minimal gum irritation
  • No denture adhesive necessary

To find out more about dental implants and implant-supported dentures, call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

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Cosmetic Dentistry: Art and Science

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we create beautiful smiles with cosmetic dentistry.

It’s been said that cosmetic dentistry is part science and part art. That is a short-and-sweet definition for what we do. More to the point, though, is that we use sound dental techniques to bring positive changes to the smiles of our patients.

Smile enhancement through cosmetic dentistry can have positive changes on your life. The smallest improvement can boost your self-confidence. We have many techniques we can use, depending on the state of your smile: we can correct teeth that are discolored, chipped, mis-shapen, and even missing.

Traditional dentistry addrtesses the health of your teeth and gums, and that certainly has its place in what we do. Cosmetic dentistry aims to complement the overall general and dental health of each patient. We do more than recommend specific procedures. We consider the shape, alignment, color and condition of the teeth, and the facial shape and coloring of each patient. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment. (If only!)

Your teeth take a lot of wear and tear over the years. But cosmetic dentistry from Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry can restore your smile to its youthful appearance. Possibilities include porcelain veneers and Invisalign clear braces. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 


Smile Transformations

smile makeovers Provo

This blog post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo is for people who aren’t happy about their smile.

Common issues for patients include yellow or misaligned teeth, too much or too little gum tissue, and missing or broken teeth.

Few people have naturally stunning smiles. Those who practice proper oral care can avoid many problems that affect oral health and the attractiveness of their smile. But some people are unsatisfied with their smiles even though they brush and floss religiously.

Cosmetic dentistry has the power to transform your smile, regardless of flaws. We have the experience and know-how to transform ordinary smiles into extraordinary smiles. Ask us about creating your dream smile!

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo also provides family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

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Super Smiles Have Strong Enamel

Provo dental financing

Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance in the body? It’s true! This substance, found on the outer surface of your teeth, is meant to last a lifetime. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we help our patients keep their teeth and enamel healthy.

Enamel may be super tough, but you still need to work to take care of it. Here are some helpful tips for keeping enamel healthy.

1. Pick the right foods for enamel health. It’s no secret that soft drinks damage your teeth, and don’t think that diet sodas are harmless – the artificial sweeteners can also erode enamel over time. There are also other culinary culprits that can do a lot of harm. Sticky, chewy candies should be avoided. Chewing ice is a no-no. And don’t use your teeth as tools. Take a minute to grab some scissors before you rip open that package with your incisors.

On the flip side, foods with calcium can neutralize acid in your mouth and protect your enamel. So, enjoy your dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt!

2. Avoid vigorous brushing and use a soft brush. Also, it’s best to brush about an hour after eating, because foods, especially acidic ones, can soften the enamel, thus making it more prone to weakening from brushing. If your teeth are discolored or yellowish, you may feel you need to brush harder. Instead, ask us about teeth whitening.

3. Keep stomach acids in check. If you have a problem with severe heartburn, the stomach acid could be traveling up your esophagus and into your mouth. This acid can erode enamel, so it is essential to speak with your doctor about treatment.

4. Talk to us about dry mouth and tooth grinding. Lack of saliva is a major problem for tooth enamel, and it’s no surprise that teeth grinding can also wear it down. Let us know if you experience either of these issues.

At Hammond Aesthetic& General Dentistry in Provo, we want our patients to have the best oral health possible, and enamel health is a key component. We provide family and cosmetic dentistry.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

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Sparkling Smiles With Safe Bleaching

affordable teeth bleaching Provo

One of the easiest ways to brighten your smile cosmetically is by teeth whitening at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. It’s a simple, non-invasive method to improve your overall appearance and bring confidence to your daily interactions with people.

Before beginning the procedure of teeth whitening, we recommend meeting with us for a consultation. This will help determine which whitening method is best for you. We can also discuss foods and habits, such as smoking, that you can avoid to keep your teeth whiter longer.

During the consult, we can also discuss other aspects of your smile you would like to improve. New, industry-leading technology provides methods to correct any dental problem you may have.

How white you want your teeth to be? Depending on the whitening method chosen, your teeth can be whitened three to eight shades in just an hour. An in-office procedure produces a degree of lightening that cannot be achieved with a grocery store product.

It is essential to understand that whitening does not affect existing fillings, veneers, or crowns. It also is temporary and may require follow-up visits to keep them white.

Teeth whitening is just one of the cosmetic dentistry services we offer at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. Schedule a consultation with us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 7062

Dental Questions? We Have Answers

sealants American Fork

Everyone has teeth, and health conscious people want to take care of theirs. However, many individuals need a place where they can review basic principles of dental health and get clear information about restorative and cosmetic dental procedures such as dental implants, teeth whitening, and veneers. The blog from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo is your source for this helpful oral care information.

We know that many of our dental patients have concerns and questions about their oral care. That’s why we include hot-button dental issues in my blog such as:

Smile Makeovers
Sealants
Invisible Braces
Toothbrush Care
ADA Seal Products
Tooth Protection
Gum Contouring
Dental Implants

We hope that this information will help you make educated decisions about your dental care. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we offer a wide range of care, from family dentistry to specialties like dental implants, clear braces from Invisalign, and porcelain veneers. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

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Teeth Look Too Short? Lengthen Them!

fix gummy smile Provo

There are multiple cosmetic dentistry procedures that can upgrade your smile, and they’re available at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.

There are porcelain veneers: a custom made, wafer-thin covering permanently attached to the front of a tooth to make it stain-free and perfectly shaped. Veneers can repair small chips and crack in teeth that are free of decay. Many patients get minimally invasive veneers on their top six teeth for a dramatic improvement.

Orthodontia has received a lot of attention in Utah in the past twenty years with the introduction of Invisalign and short-term braces. And braces are not only for ‘tweens and teenagers. We have seen more adults straighten their teeth to achieve dazzling smiles with discrete orthodontic treatment.

A cosmetic dental procedure that is lesser known in the Provo area is crown lengthening. If you feel that your teeth appear too short or that your smile exposes more gum than you would like (a ‘gummy smile’), you may be interested in crown lengthening.

Crown lengthening surgery is a safe and effective procedure that exposes more of the visible part of the tooth while minimizing the vertical length of exposed gum tissue.

When a gummy smile is corrected, our Provo crown lengthening patients are often surprised at how it positively affects their whole face. They love their new smile which reveals pleasing, symmetrical portions of their upper teeth that have been hidden under gum tissue their whole life.

Sometimes, crown lengthening is used when a tooth is fractured at the gumline. The surgery makes tooth structure accessible for the necessary restoration.

Digital imaging helps Orem dental professionals perform crown lengthening with exactness. A highly-detailed, 3-D image of tooth and bone structure allows the cosmetic dentist to contour a gumline to the patient’s exact specifications.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo provides a full range of cosmetic dentistry services. We also offer sedation dentistry to those patients with dental anxiety. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

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Nearly Invisible Teeth Straightening

Clear Braces - Nearly Invisible Teeth Straightening for Provo AdultsAre you considering orthodontia to straighten your teeth? There are several varieties of braces on the market today, such as Invisalign clear braces, available from Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo.

The current menu of orthodontic treatments requires a whole new glossary.

Clear Braces and Lingual Braces

Clear braces look a lot like an athlete’s mouth guard. Over many months, the patient wears a series of different clear braces that gradually bring their bite into proper alignment. People love them not only because they’re almost undetectable. They also come out at meal time and when you brush your teeth.

Lingual braces are sometimes described as ‘braces behind the teeth.’ They can be just as effective at realigning adult teeth as the traditional ‘metal and wires’ kind but are almost completely hidden. Many adults and teens who straighten their teeth choose this type of orthodontia.

Traditional and Clear Retainers

Once a patient has completed treatment, retainers must be worn regularly to keep the beautiful straight teeth in their corrected position. There are several types of retainers available. The time-tested Hawley retainer consists of a metal wire that surrounds the teeth and keeps them from shifting. The metal wire is attached to a molded acrylic form that fits snugly in the upper mouth (palate) or lower mouth.

Clear retainers are newer on the orthodontic scene. They cover the teeth like a see-through glove and do not need metal bows or clasps. Some orthodontic patients prefer clear retainers.

At Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo, we provide clear braces from Invisalign. We also offer a range of cosmetic dentistry services that upgrade your smile. Make an appointment with us today.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 1269

Healthy Living Starts With A Smile

general dentistry Provo

What comes to mind when you hear the term “healthy living?” A dinner plate with a grilled chicken breast and carrot sticks? The sound of your feet rhythmically hitting the ground on your favorite jogging footpath? A cholesterol test indicating that your arteries are in great shape? If you pictured a white, healthy smile or a dental X-ray showing no dental caries, Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo salutes you.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we urge everyone with a smile (that includes you!) to include oral health in your definition of “healthy living.”

When done thoroughly and consistently, brushing and flossing are an integral component of everyday oral hygiene. Brushing should be done at least twice a day. We recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush to guard your gums. Brush your teeth in small, circular motions for 2-3 minutes and make sure you reach all the surfaces.

Flossing should be done once a day and is necessary for reaching the areas that a toothbrush can’t. A wide variety of floss can be found at Provo stores, so experiment until find one you like.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we provide a range of cosmetic dentistry procedures, and aim to give you your dream smile. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604