Dental professional holding a model of traditional dentures, illustrating options for replacing missing teeth in dental care.

Should You Choose Traditional Dentures or Implant-Supported Dentures?

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Are missing teeth really starting to get to you? Missing teeth can do more than just change your smile. They also affect how you eat, speak, and feel. Not to mention the fact that they will cause a whole host of other problems for your other teeth.

So, what should you do?

If you’re weighing your options, you’ve likely come across traditional dentures and implant-supported dentures in St. Louis, MO. Both replace missing teeth, but they do it in very different ways. Now you just need to know which is better…right?

Let’s take a look.

What Are Traditional Dentures?

Traditional dentures are removable dental appliances that sit on the top of your gums. They’ve been around for centuries. And they are still popular today because they are affordable (and quicker). The downside? They can slip out of place and require messy adhesives. The worst part is that they don’t stop your jawbone from shrinking. They will slow it down, though. Unfortunately, the bone shrinkage is why so many people report discomfort when wearing them.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

Implant-supported dentures in St. Louis, MO, are anchored by titanium posts placed into your jawbone. These dentures feel (and are) more stable. They also enable stronger chewing. And they protect your bone from shrinking. Of course, they do come with a higher price tag and require surgery. However, many people see them as a long-term investment in their smile.

Which One Is Right for You?

Think about stability, comfort, and your long-term health. Traditional dentures might be just fine if money is an issue. But your dentist in St. Louis, MO, will tell you that implant-supported dentures will give you a more secure and natural feeling. They will also help protect your jawbone.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in St. Louis, MO?

If you’re still unsure which choice is right for you, please Contact Smile Now STL today. We’ll help you decide which solution best restores your smile and confidence while keeping your budget in mind.

Dentist consulting with a patient in a dental office, discussing treatment options for dental implants and dentures.

What Are the Biggest Benefits of Choosing All on 4 Dental Implants?

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If you have multiple teeth missing, you may not need to replace them all with single-tooth implants. All-on-4 dental implants offer a great way to replace several teeth with fewer implants. Our dentist in St. Louis, MO, at Smile Now STL provides this treatment option due to the many advantages it offers!

Fewer Implants Needed

All-on-4 only requires four implants on top and four on the bottom to replace all of your teeth. If you have fewer teeth missing, you’ll need fewer implants overall.

More Affordable

Replacing several teeth or all of your teeth with single-tooth implants can quickly add up. Choosing All-on-4 instead offers a less expensive way to replace those teeth.

Shorter Treatment Time

Since All-on-4 involves fewer implants in your jaw, the total time for this treatment is shorter. You’ll still need to wait for your jaw to fully heal before getting the replacement teeth attached.

Fewer Follow-Up Appointments

We’ll give you a temporary set of snap-in teeth you can use while waiting for your jaw to heal after implant surgery. This means you don’t have to come in for as many visits during treatment.

Suitable for Many Patients

All-on-4 implants in the back of your mouth are placed at a 30 or 45-degree angle instead of being placed vertically. This means even patients with lower amounts of jawbone can usually get these implants.

Visit Our Dentist for All-on-4 Implants!

Wondering if these implants are right for you? Our dental team at Smile Now STL has the knowledge needed to help you make the best choice! We offer All-on-4 dental implants in St. Louis, MO, for patients who are considered good candidates for this tooth replacement solution.

Person with curly hair brushing teeth with an electric toothbrush and holding a glass of mouthwash, emphasizing dental care and hygiene tips related to dental implants.

What Should You Do to Take Good Care of Dental Implants?

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Are you looking into your options for replacing missing teeth? Dental implants are a great choice for some people. Our dentist in St. Louis, MO, at Smile Now STL offers these implants to replace one or more teeth. If you do get them, you’ll need to properly care for them so they stay in good condition. Let’s go over helpful tips on caring for dental implants!

Follow Your Aftercare Instructions

We’ll provide you with a list of instructions to help you care for your implants and ensure proper healing. We encourage you to follow all of these!

Use the Right Toothpaste

Always choose a non-abrasive toothpaste for your dental implants. Skip any that have whitening ingredients since these aren’t effective on implants.

Choose a Good Toothbrush

Stay away from toothbrushes with hard bristles that can damage implants. Instead, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to clean your teeth and dental implants.

Schedule Routine Dental Cleanings

Food particles can build up around implants, causing decay and gum disease. Plan to have cleanings twice a year to keep your dental implants free of debris.

Don’t Bite or Chew Non-Food Objects

Avoid chewing on ice, biting pens, and using your dental implants for anything other than eating food.

Use Caution When Eating Certain Foods

Be careful with foods that are sticky or hard, such as raw vegetables and caramel, since they can damage dental implants.

Schedule a Consultation for Dental Implants!

Ready to replace a missing tooth? At Smile Now STL, our dental team offers dental implants in St. Louis, MO, including single-tooth and All-on-4 implants. We can determine if this is the best tooth replacement option for you and give you detailed advice on caring for your dental implants.

Dental professional holding a dental implant model, showcasing the implant alongside natural teeth, illustrating dental implant options and care in the context of Smile Now STL services.

How to Care for Your Implants

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Dental implants may be artificial teeth, meaning they can’t get cavities the way your natural teeth can. However, that doesn’t mean that you can skimp on aftercare. Here, we’ll look at how to take care of your implants, so they both look great and last as long as possible.

Directly After Your Implants

Your dentist will undoubtedly give you several tips on what to do after surgery, but the most important thing to remember is to protect the site as much as possible during the first 24 hours. Gauze pads can help you isolate the area, so it’s less likely to be disturbed during the initial healing process. You’ll also want to stay away from crunchy foods in the first week before gradually reintroducing your standard diet.

Ongoing Care

Thankfully, implant care in St. Louis, MO is very similar to standard dental care:

  • Hygiene: Brushing, flossing, water flossing, mouth wash, regular dental checkups: these are all important to keep stains and bacteria off your implants. While accumulated plaque may not threaten the tooth, it can still threaten the surrounding teeth and your gums if you’re not keeping up with regular dental hygiene.
  • Habits: Cutting back on smoking and sugar can help you protect your oral health, including the implants that you worked so hard to get. Also, consider cutting back on extremely crunchy foods. While implants are strong enough to handle the pressure, you can potentially extend their longevity if you treat them with kids gloves.

Dentists in St. Louis

Implants can last for decades when you put in the time. If you’re looking for a dentist in St. Louis who can help you stay on track, the team at Smile Now STL is here to help you get there!

Smiling woman with short blonde hair in a blue background, promoting dental health and confidence related to dental implants at Smile Now STL.

Am I a Good Candidate for All-on-4 Dental Implants?

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Do you have several teeth missing? Do you wear full-arch dentures? You might be a suitable candidate for All-on-4 dental implants! These implants help hold dentures in place to reduce slipping and improve comfort and functionality. Our dentist in St. Louis, MO at Smile Now STL can help you determine if All-on-4 implants are right for you based on the following factors.

Amount of Jawbone

We’ll check to see if you have an adequate amount of jawbone for All-on-4 implants. If not, we may need to graft bone to the area to ensure you have enough to support your new implants. This type doesn’t need as much jawbone as traditional implants — but you still need to have enough.

Overall Health

Getting All-on-4 implants is an invasive procedure that involves surgery. We’ll consider any underlying medical conditions you have that might affect the healing process or raise your risk of experiencing complications.

Location of Missing Teeth

Which teeth are missing? All-on-4 dental implants are designed to hold dentures on your lower arch, upper arch, or both of these arches. If you don’t meet this requirement, we’ll go over other options with you.

Lifestyle

Are you a smoker? If so, note that smoking comes with a higher risk of having your implants fail. It can also affect healing and increase your risk of developing other oral health problems, such as gum disease.

Set Up a Visit to Discuss Dental Implants!

Are you thinking of getting All-on-4 implants? Dr. Tom at Smile Now STL can evaluate your teeth, oral health, and other factors to see if this type is right for you. We offer different types of dental implants in St. Louis, MO. If you’re not a good candidate for All-on-4, we can help you find another option!

Man in a light blue shirt and glasses thoughtfully considering dental implant options, reflecting on oral health decisions.

Should I Get a Dental Implant or Bridge?

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When you’re missing a tooth, it’s important to get a replacement. A missing permanent tooth can create many problems, including difficulty pronouncing words and chewing. Many people feel self-conscious when they’re missing a tooth, and that can impact your ability to interact with others.

Your dentist in St. Louis, MO, can help by installing a dental implant or bridge. Dental implants and bridges are very different options. Your dentist can go over the pros and cons of each with you. Here’s what to know.

About Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth that’s implanted in the jaw. Dental implants look like real teeth and function like them, too. Once your dental implant is in place, you’ll brush and floss your teeth like always.

About Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that uses dental crowns to attach to the other teeth in the mouth. Dental bridge installation requires the dentist to shave down the tooth enamel on teeth at either side of the missing tooth. The dental bridge fills the space between the two teeth, creating a “bridge”.

Which One Is Right For You?

Whether you’re a good candidate for a dental bridge or a dental implant depends on many things, including the health of the teeth around the missing tooth and the health of your jaw.

Your dentist can help you decide if you would be better off with a dental bridge or dental implants in St. Louis, MO. To learn more about replacing your missing permanent tooth, make an appointment to discuss dental restoration. Call today.

Dental professional treating a patient in a dental clinic, highlighting dental care and restoration services related to dental implants and bridges.

 4 Myths About All-on-4 Dental Implants

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Things in the world of dentistry just keep getting better and better, and all-on-4 dental implants are one of them. This solution makes it possible to take care of multiple missing teeth with one simple answer. All you have to do is make the choice to get all-on-4 dental implants and leave the heavy lifting to your dentist. But myths about this treatment can cause unnecessary hesitation.

1. Myth: all-on-4 Implants Are Unstable

Many people assume that four implants aren’t enough to support an entire arch of teeth. If you look at a diagram, it does look hard to believe, but pictures can be deceiving. In reality, all-on-4 implants are strategically placed by your dentist in St. Louis, MO at specific angles and in specific spots to maximize stability and strength. This design can support a full set of prosthetic teeth securely, even for patients with a little bone loss.

2. Myth: The Procedure Is Painful

You won’t feel a thing, actually. All-on-4 dental implant placement is performed under anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort. Most people do report manageable discomfort during recovery, similar to other dental surgeries.

3. Myth: all-on-4 Implants Are Only for Younger Patients

Some believe this treatment isn’t for older people. However, age isn’t necessarily a limiting factor. As long as you’re in good general health and have adequate bone density (or can undergo grafting if needed), all-on-4 implants can be an option well into the golden years.

4. Myth: all-on-4 Implants Require Special Care

Another misconception is that implants need complicated maintenance. Actually, caring for all-on-4 implants is simple—brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly, just as you would with natural teeth.

What do you think? Are you ready to try all-on-4 implants in St. Louis, MO? Don’t let myths like these deter you from exploring all-on-4 dental implants. Contact us today to book your appointment to learn more.

Dental professional assisting a patient with all-on-4 dental implants in a modern dental clinic setting.

4 Reasons to Choose Dental Implants Over Dentures

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When you have missing teeth, it’s time to think about ways to resolve the issue, unless you want to go through life looking like Popeye the Sailor Man. A few years in the not-so-distant past, your best option was dentures, and you’d be lucky to have them. But now there’s a new set of choppers on the market, and they’re called dental implants. Both dentures anddental implants in St. Louis, MO are markedly popular, but dental implants often stand out as the superior choice for several compelling reasons. Here are the top benefits of dental implants compared to dentures:

1. Long-Term Durability

Dental implants are intended to last your lifetime. The process of getting them takes time, but you should only have to go through it the one time. Made from biocompatible materials like titanium, yourdentist in St. Louis, MO makes sure they integrate with your jawbone, creating a sturdy foundation that tends to outlast traditional dentures.

2. Natural Look and Feel

Implants mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. Unlike dentures, implants stay where they’ve been put, allowing you to chew, speak and smile confidently without discomfort or worry.

3. Bone Health Preservation

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate due to lack of pressure. Dental implants prevent bone loss by mimicking the root of a tooth, maintaining the integrity of your jawbone and facial structure.

4. Hassle-Free Maintenance

Implants are cared for just like natural teeth—brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. Dentures require special cleaning solutions, adhesives and removal during the night, which can be inconvenient, not to mention tedious, over the years.

Overall, dental implants provide unmatched comfort, aesthetics, and long-term benefits. They’re an investment in both your oral health and overall confidence, making them the preferred choice for many seeking a permanent solution to tooth loss. Contact our office to learn more.

Smiling older woman with white hair showcasing her teeth, representing the confidence and aesthetic benefits of dental implants.

4 Ways to Maintain Your New All-On-4 Dental Implants

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Congratulations on your new all-on-4 dental implants! All-on-4 dental implants restore your smile after losing many or all of your teeth. When your new all-on-4 dental implants are installed, your dentist in St. Louis, MO, will tell you how to care for them. Below is some of the advice your dentist may give. Here’s what to know.

1. Brush Twice Daily

Brush your teeth twice each day using non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. You can also use an electric toothbrush. When you brush, brush your cheeks and tongue to help keep your mouth free of bacteria.

2. Rinse With Antibacterial Mouthwash

Rinse every day with antibacterial mouthwash. If you’re unsure which type of mouthwash is best, ask your dentist for a recommendation.

3. Floss

Floss after every meal. Use a floss threader to floss under the bridge. Floss between the dental implants, moving the floss around to eliminate all the extra food particles. Your dentist will show you how to floss after your implants are installed. Use the technique your dentist shows you to ensure that your teeth and mouth stay clean.

4. Use a Water Flosser

Use a water flosser to keep your mouth irrigated. Water flossers help eliminate extra food particles that you may not be able to reach through normal flossing.

Once your all-on-4 dental implants in St. Louis, MO, are installed, it’s important to see your dentist twice yearly. Your dentist will look for damage to your dental implants and will check to ensure that you’re maintaining them properly. Follow your dentist’s instructions after every visit to the dentist. This will help your dental implants last as long as possible.

Smiling patient in dental chair during check-up with dentist in background, highlighting dental care and implant maintenance.

4 Outstanding Benefits of Adult Dental Implants

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If you’re missing a permanent tooth, you may consider replacing it with a dental implant. Dental implants from your dentist in St. Louis, MO, are an excellent artificial tooth option. In this article, we’ll talk about four outstanding benefits of adult dental implants, to help you decide whether dental implants are right for you.

1. Permanent Solution

Unlike partial dentures, which can be removed at the end of the day, dental implants stay in your mouth no matter what you do. This makes dental implants very similar to your other teeth. For people who want to replace their missing permanent tooth with something that seems like a natural tooth, this makes dental implants an attractive option.

2. Effectively Replaces Your Missing Tooth

A dental implant effectively replaces your missing tooth, filling in the gap where the tooth used to be. Your dentist will make an impression of your mouth to create a dental implant that fills the space perfectly.

3. Looks Completely Natural

Your dental implant will look completely natural once it’s installed. Your dentist will cap the dental implant with a crown, which looks like a natural tooth. The implant will even be matched with your other teeth, so it’s the same color as the teeth already in your mouth.

4. Functions Like a Natural Tooth

Your dental implant will be cleaned like a natural tooth and can chew and bite like natural teeth. Your dental implant will seem so much like a natural tooth that you may not even think much about it, once the implant is fully installed.

Are you interested in dental implants in St. Louis, MO? We can help. Call today to make a dental appointment and learn more.