Alta Loma Dental Care Offers Patients Full and Partial Dentures

Many of our patients in Alta Loma, CA choose dentures as a convenient and cost-effective way to replace their missing teeth. Available as both full and partial devices, dentures can effectively give patients their smile back when decay, infection or trauma has led to multiple teeth being extracted.

There are two types of full dentures: conventional and immediate. Conventional full dentures are used after all of a patient’s teeth are removed, but only once the gum tissue has healed for a few months. During that healing time, the patient would have no teeth in place. Immediate full dentures are more popular since patients do not have to be toothless for any period of time. For this type, Dr. Michael Kim takes measurements of your mouth prior to removing the teeth. Then when the teeth are removed at the next appointment, the dentures are immediately placed in your mouth. With this method, a follow-up visit is required so that the dentures can be refitted and tightened since the jawbone changes shape slightly as it heals with no teeth.

Partial dentures are an option for those who do not need all their teeth removed. This type is very similar to bridges, except they are removable instead of permanent.

Whichever dentures our patients choose, the device takes some time getting used to, but as you practice, eating and speaking will get easier. Even though they are not real teeth, dentures should still be cared for as if they were. To ensure your dentures last, be sure to brush them before removal and place them in room temperature water or cleaning solution overnight.

To find out if dentures are the right choice for you, schedule an appointment Alta Loma Dental Care by calling (909) 987-6268. For more information, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.

At Alta Loma Dental Care, we Straighten Teeth Discreetly with Invisalign

Having straight teeth would be great, wouldn’t it? You’re probably holding off though, because you don’t want to deal with the embarrassment of having a mouth full of braces. Patients who want to straighten their teeth without the hassle and appearance of metal braces are quickly turning to Invisalign. Thanks to these innovative aligners, we have the ability to straighten your teeth quickly and discretely.

 

Invisalign aligners are plastic, removable mouth pieces that gradually straighten teeth over time. They give less force per week and cause considerably less pain to straighten teeth compared to traditional braces. Since the pieces are transparent, you are able to maintain an aesthetically pleasing smile while improving it at the same time. One of the main complaints of traditional braces, while they are effective, they often leave stain marks on the teeth. This is not the case with Invisalign; patients are able to remove the mouth pieces in order to brush regularly.

 

The mouth pieces are created by a 3D computer imaging technology. As the teeth begin to shift, new aligners will be used to replace the originals. Each aligner is made to perfectly fit the stage that the teeth are in at that time. The mouth pieces are only taken out to eat and brush; they are typically worn at least 22 hours a day.

 

Compared to bracket traditional, Invisalign is a much safer option. Patients who use Invisalign often avoid damage to the gums and supporting tissues. If you choose Invisalign, you will also avoid bacteria build up that would result through traditional braces. The best part is that you can have your regular dental checkups while using Invisalign. Traditional braces prevent X-rays and regular cleanings while the removable aligners used through Invisalign can be removed allowing for dentist access. So we can keep an eye on your teeth’s health while they’re being straightened!

Alta Loma Dental Care Offers Various Restorative Dental Treatment Options

While most dental practices offer a very narrow scope of procedures, at Alta Loma Dental Care, we have established a full-service dental practice that specializes in preventative, restorative and cosmetic dental procedures. We wanted to create a practice that not only keeps your teeth safe, but also one that can restore your smile if something happens.

 

With restorative dentistry, we are able to replace or restore missing teeth or missing parts of the tooth structure. Tooth structure can be damaged due to decay, deterioration of a previously placed restoration or the tooth could fracture. We offer the following restorative dental procedures at our Alta Loma, CA office:

• Bridges
• Crowns
• Dentures
• Bonding

The goal of restorative dentistry is to preserve your natural teeth as much as possible. In cases where we cannot save the natural teeth, full dentures might be necessary. Most people do not know that a missing tooth can cause serious damage to your mouth. When a tooth a missing, the rest of your teeth will begin to shift, causing your teeth to become misaligned. When teeth become misaligned, they are more difficult to clean, and decayed teeth are susceptible to periodontal disease which can lead to tooth loss. Missing teeth also put extra stress on your remaining natural teeth because you don't have as much surface area to chew with.

Alta Loma Dental Care Promotes Proper Oral Hygiene for Fresh Breath

There’s no better feeling than waking up in the morning and brushing your teeth. After a night of sleep, all the food, drink and whatever else you consumed the day before is still there, no matter how much you brush and rinse. So does this mean that you need to carry a toothbrush with you all day to maintain that fresh breath? No, you can reverse bad breath just by having a regular brushing and flossing routine.

 

You shouldn’t feel embarrassed about your bad breath, it happens to millions of Americans. Food and drink particles are digested and absorbed into your bloodstream and are eventually carried to your lungs, causing bad breath. There are things you can do to help improve your breath and it all starts with your oral hygiene routine. If you are not brushing and flossing daily, those food particles can remain in your mouth. These untouched particles promote bacterial growth between teeth, around gums and on the tongue causing bad breath. If you fall into this category, try a regimented brushing schedule and always rinse with antibacterial mouthwash.

 

Smoking or chewing tobacco can also cause bad breath. These activities also stain teeth, reduce the ability to taste foods and irritate the gums. Basically, if you are worried about your breath because you use tobacco, stop using tobacco.

 

Persistent halitosis or a consistent bad taste in your mouth might be a warning sign of periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth and the gums become irritated. Other causes of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth and dental caries. 

 

If you are suffering from halitosis, schedule an appointment at our Alta Loma, CA dental practice by calling 909-987-6268. If one of your friends is suffering from bad breath and you don't want to be rude, direct them to our website (www.altalomadentalcare.com) so they can learn more about treatment options.

Alta Loma Dental Care Can Help You Decide if Dentures are Right for You

Alta Loma Dental Care Can Help You Decide if Dentures are Right for You

Whether you’re already missing several teeth or are facing widespread disease or decay, dentures may be the solution for you. Depending on your specific case, you may receive one of three types of dentures: partial dentures, conventional full dentures or immediate full dentures. Our office in Rancho Cucamonga, CA can help you decide which is best for you!

 

Conventional full dentures are one type of full dentures. This type of dentures is used after all of a patient’s teeth have been removed and after the gum tissue has completely healed over the span of several months. With this type of dentures, the patient would have no teeth in place during the healing process.

 

The other type of full dentures is immediate full dentures, which are more popular since patients are not required to go toothless for any period of time. With these, one of our doctors will take measurements of your mouth before removing your teeth so that dentures can be placed as soon as they are removed. With this method, however, a follow-up visit is required to refit and tighten the dentures since the jaw bone will actually change shape slightly as it heals without teeth.

Partial dentures are commonly used when not all teeth need to be removed. They are similar to bridges but are removable.

 

Whichever type of dentures you choose to get, you will need some time to get used to them. The flesh-colored base is placed over your gums, which can feel bulky or make your mouth feel crowded. With training, however, you will learn to eat and talk naturally.

If you think dentures might be the best option for you, we can help you decide at Alta Loma Dental Care in Rancho Cucamonga, CA! Schedule an appointment by calling (909) 296-7920. For more information, visit www.AltaLomaDentalCare.com.