6 Questions Patients Ask About Veneers

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Dental veneers are one of the most effective cosmetic dentistry options available. If you’re interested in dental veneers and have questions about how they work, your dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, can help. At State Valley Dental, we’re happy to help patients decide if dental veneers are the best option for them. Below are some common questions and answers about dental veneers.

1. What are dental veneers?

A dental veneer is a cover that the dentist places over the tooth to cover up damage and cosmetic problems like minor chips, gaps between teeth, discolorations, and more. To install the dental veneer, the dentist must shave off some tooth enamel to make room for the veneer. Once the veneer is in place, it must stay permanently affixed to the tooth.

2. What problems can dental veneers solve?

Dental veneers can cover cosmetic damage. Some examples of problems dental veneers solve include:

  • Gaps between teeth
  • Teeth unusually small
  • “Gummy” smile
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Break in the tooth enamel

If you’re wondering whether your dental cosmetic defects can be addressed with dental veneers, ask your dentist.

3. How do you take care of dental veneers?

To care for dental veneers, brush them twice daily and floss once daily. Use non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid biting into anything that isn’t food (like pen caps, ice, etc). See your dentist every six months for a dental cleaning.

4. What are dental veneers made from?

Dental veneers can be made from a range of materials. The most common material that dental veneers are made from is porcelain.

5. How long do dental veneers last?

Dental veneers can last up to 15 years when properly maintained.

6. What happens if your dental veneer breaks?

If your dental veneer breaks, you must get it replaced with another veneer. Once the veneer is in place, you must always have a veneer.

Have Questions About Dental Veneers in Cuyahoga Falls, OH? Call Today

Are you interested in dental veneers in Cuyahoga Falls, OH? If so, the dental professionals at State Valley Dental can help. We install dental veneers to help patients improve their smile. Call today to make an appointment.

Why Dentists Recommend Dental Implants Over the Alternatives

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If you’re getting the hard sell by a dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH to get dental implants, you may wonder if they have an ulterior motive that has nothing to do with your health. Here, we’ll look at the honest truth behind dental implants and why they’re the preferred way to fill in a gap in your teeth.

Strength: Dental Implants Are Able to Withstand Wear and Tear

Durability is really what it comes down to. Just like your regular teeth can handle some unexpected pressure, whether it’s from a poppy seed or a fall, an implant is pretty good at filling in for the missing tooth. This is not to say that a bridge or a partial denture is a bad choice, only that implants rely on a post that’s fused to your jaw bone, making it not just one the durable options you can get but the strongest option.

Oral Health: Dental Implants Support Your Long-Term Oral Health

With a bridge, you’ll typically need to get two crowns in addition to the artificial tooth. This means that you’ll lose part of those teeth for the sake of the permanent tooth. With a partial denture, the tooth will sit above the gum line, and need to be taken out for cleaning. With a dental implant, you rely on your jawbone and gums to anchor the tooth. Once it’s in, you can brush and floss as normal. Dental implants also serve as a space filler, meaning that your other teeth won’t have the option to shift over.

Why Do Alternatives Exist?

Some people opt out of dental implants, either because of the expense or the time commitment. When it can take months for your mouth to heal, it’s no wonder some people will choose a more convenient method. However, in some cases, dental implants in Cuyahoga Falls, OH aren’t an option for people. If your gums or jaw bone aren’t strong enough to handle the procedure, you may not have a choice but to get a tooth that sits above the gum line. At State Valley Dental, we can help you learn more about not just what’s available, but also the right treatment plan for you!

5 Questions People Have About Dental Implants

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Dental implants are one of the most popular artificial teeth available for people missing one or more permanent teeth. If you’re interested in dental implants to replace your missing permanent tooth, you may have questions about implants and how they work.

Your dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, can help. At State Valley Dental, we’re happy to answer patient questions about dental implants and other dental appliances that can improve their quality of life.

1. What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth that’s installed on a post that’s been surgically inserted into the jaw. The post in the jaw is fused with the bone, so the implant becomes a permanent part of the patient’s body. Dental implants look and function like natural teeth.

2. How Are Dental Implants Maintained?

Dental implants require the same care that natural teeth need. When you have a dental implant, you’ll brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily as directed by your dentist. Use non-abrasive toothpaste to brush your teeth. See the dentist every six months for cleanings. Avoid using your dental implant as scissors to cut through packages and non-food items.

3. Who Benefits From Dental Implants?

You may benefit from a dental implant if you have a healthy jaw and healthy gums, and you’re missing a permanent tooth. Your dentist will evaluate your dental health to tell you whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants.

4. How Do Dental Implants Compare to Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that’s attached to the nearby teeth with dental crowns. To install the dental bridge, the surrounding teeth must be shaved down to create space for the crowns. The dental bridge spans the distance between the two crowns. This means that a dental bridge is not installed in the jaw (unlike a dental implant) and will require work to be done on your natural teeth (also unlike a dental implant). Your dentist can help you decide if this is a good option for you.

5. How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants can last an entire lifetime with proper care.

Interested in Dental Implants in Cuyahoga Falls, OH? Call Today

If you’re interested in dental implants in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, call today to schedule an appointment!

How Long Do Implants Take from Start to Finish?

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Dental implants are often discussed in general terms, which is why it can sometimes feel difficult to get the answers you’re looking for. If you’re wondering what you’re in store for, it highly depends on not just your oral health but also your general health. Here, we’ll look at how implants in Cuyahoga Falls, OH work, and why it’s not always easy to predict your individual timeline. (We’ll also look at why implants are still worth the investment.)

The Implant Timeline

Implants start with a consultation because, unfortunately, not everyone is able to get the service. If your gums or bone aren’t healthy enough, they won’t be able to support the metal post and abutment. A dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH will measure everything from your bone density to your alignment. The dentist then prep the site, which may include extracting a damaged tooth.

The next step is to place a metal post in your jaw and install a temporary crown until the post fuses with the jaw. This is what anchors the tooth, in much the same way the roots of your tooth do. When it comes to the healing time, it can take up to six months for the metal to fully fuse to the bone, but somewhat frustratingly, it can also be as little as six weeks.

After the dentist has confirmed that the implant has fused, they will add an abutment to the post to connect the permanent crown. This can take another few weeks to complete.

Why Invest in Implants?

If you value your time, you may know why some patients opt for other options to replace a tooth, like bridges or partial dentures. However, even though implants take some effort, you do get what you pay for. The time and money you invest is the best way to restore your smile while opening the door to a normal diet and reducing the odds of breakage if you endure unexpected physical trauma (whether from a fall or a hard grain of rice).

If you’re ready to take the next step, contact State Valley Dental today for more information. Our team can help you estimate your timeline and likely progress based on everything from your age to your genetic history to your overall oral health!

What Are Dental Sealants?

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Dental sealants are a protective coating that your dentist applies to your rear teeth (molars). Dental sealants are most commonly given to children, who are at high risk for cavities.

Can Adults Get Dental Sealants?

Just because dental sealants are most often given to children, this doesn’t mean that adults can’t get dental sealants. Anyone can get dental sealants, and if you are at high for cavities, talk to your dentist to find out if they recommend this kind of treatment for you.

How Can I Tell If I Need Dental Sealants?

If you frequently get cavities, you may benefit from dental sealants. People who are at high risk of cavities include:

  • Older adults
  • Adults with gum recession and worn teeth
  • Adults who have dry mouth (often due to medications they are taking)

Are Dental Sealants Effective?

Dental sealants reduce the chances of getting cavities. Sealants work by creating a protective coating on your tooth enamel. This coating acts as a shield, keeping your tooth enamel away from bacteria and food particles.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants last for years, although they do start to lose their effectiveness before they’re completely worn off. If you get dental sealants, your dentist will need to reapply dental sealants periodically to keep your teeth protected.

What Else Can I Do To Protect My Teeth From Cavities?

If you are an adult who frequently gets cavities, talk to your dentist about the risk factors that may be causing this to happen. Staying hydrated, seeing the dentist regularly, and brushing your teeth twice daily can help prevent this problem from getting worse.

Do you have questions about dental sealants in Cuyahoga Falls, OH? Call today to make an appointment.

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Have Questions About Invisalign? We Have Answers!

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If you have crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, your dentist may suggest Invisalign treatment in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Invisalign is an effective tool that can straighten your teeth, align your bite, and help improve your confidence in your smile.

Do you have questions about Invisalign? The professionals at State Valley Dental can help! Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this effective treatment for tooth misalignment, overbite, underbite, and similar dental problems.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners. Clear aligners are made from durable clear plastic that fits over your teeth. To ensure your clear aligners fit, the dentist will make impressions of your teeth and send them to a lab. Over time, you’ll be given several sets of aligners. Each new set of aligners fits slightly differently to shift your teeth to a new position.

What Does Invisalign Look Like?

Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic. When you’re wearing Invisalign, people will see your teeth more than they see your aligners. It’s important to maintain your aligners, because they can become stained. Rinsing them regularly and removing them for meals will help your aligners stay clear and difficult to see.

Do You Need to Limit Your Diet With Invisalign?

Unlike braces, which can be damaged by hard or sticky foods, Invisalign can be removed for meals. You do not need to limit your diet if you have Invisalign aligners.

How Long Does Invisalign Take to Work?

Patients usually wear Invisalign for 12 to 18 months. Every patient is different. How long Invisalign takes for you depends on the severity of your condition, whether you wear Invisalign as often as you should, and other factors.

Is Invisalign Uncomfortable?

While you may feel discomfort when you switch to a new set of aligners, Invisalign is comfortable for patients once they are used to their aligners.

Who Needs Invisalign?

You may benefit from Invisalign if you have a mild to moderate tooth misalignment. Your dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH will assess your tooth alignment problems and let you know if you could benefit from Invisalign. Call today to get started with a consultation.

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Common Myths About Dental Implants Debunked

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Dental implants have now been available for several decades. In Cuyahoga Falls, OH dental implantshave become one of the most popular treatment options. While dental implants are widely heard of, not everyone knows what they should about them. In fact, there are many common myths about dental implants that remain. Here is a list of them, debunked!

The Process is Painful

The process of getting dental implants involves a surgical procedure, which many people think means that getting dental implants is painful. However, just as you wouldn’t undergo any surgery without anesthesia, there is anesthesia with dental implants. Patients don’t feel anything, and the process is relatively pain-free. Most patients report feeling minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. Any post-operative pain can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

Dental Implants Are Obvious

On the contrary, dental implants look natural, even close-up. Over the years, the manufacturing of dental implants has improved to the point that hardly anyone would be able to tell that you have them. In fact, you may already know someone with dental implants and you think that all of their teeth are natural!

Dental Implants Can Cause Health Issues

Another pervasive myth is that dental implants can cause health problems or be rejected by the body. Dental implants are made from biocompatible materials like titanium, which are well-tolerated by the body. Rejection is extremely rare, and most complications are minor and manageable with proper dental care.

The Procedure Is Lengthy and Inconvenient

It’s true that a person can’t go into their dentist’s office and come out in an hour with dental implants. But, while the dental implant process involves several steps and can take a few months to complete, it’s a systematic approach that ensures the best results. The healing time is crucial for the implant to integrate with the jawbone properly, ensuring its stability and longevity. Dental implants are certainly less convenient than trying to deal with missing teeth, and they resolve a myriad of problems associated with the loss of adult teeth.

Millions of people are successfully living with dental implants. Shouldn’t you be one of them? Contact your Cuyahoga Falls, OH dentist today to learn more about this exciting restorative dental treatment!

3 Things to Know About Maintaining Implants

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If you’re missing a tooth, your dentist may recommend dental implants to fill the gap and restore your smile. Dental implants are a very popular type of prosthetic tooth because they look natural and they function much like your other natural teeth.

Once your dental implant is installed, your dentist in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, at State Valley Dental will tell you what you need to know about maintaining your dental implant. Taking good care of your implant can help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Dental Implants Need Regular Brushing

Dental implants need to be brushed regularly, just like your natural teeth. To brush your dental implants, you’ll use a non-abrasive toothpaste. Watch out for toothpaste designed for smokers, stain-removing toothpaste, products containing activated charcoal or baking soda, and toothpaste that says they’re made for whitening or brightening your smile. These toothpastes can scratch up your dental implant, causing permanent damage to the surface of the crown.

2. You’ll Visit Your Dentist Twice Annually

Continue to visit the dentist twice annually after your implants are installed. During your visits, the dentist will inspect your implants for signs of damage, and if they are damaged, your dentist will recommend repairs or replacement, depending on the problem.

During your visits with the dentist, you’ll also be given an opportunity to ask questions about how to maintain your dental implants. Your dentist will show you how to brush and floss around your implants to ensure that they’re well cared for.

3. Know the Signs of a Problem

Once your dental implant is installed, it’s important to know the signs of a problem. If your dental implant starts to fail, here’s what you can expect:

  • Pain around the site of the implant
  • Swelling or discomfort around the implant
  • Gum recession around the implant
  • Implant is loose

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, this could be a sign that your dental implant is failing. If this happens, it’s time to see the dentist.