Tag: Invisalign

When the Puzzle Pieces Aren’t Fitting Together, How to Improve Crowded Teeth – Lisa’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Dr. Elizabeth Eggert has been working with Lisa since 2016.  Initially, Lisa was having issues due to a cracked tooth on her lower right side.  After a crown was done for that tooth, it historically and occasionally flares up for Lisa.  Dr. Elizabeth noticed that due to Lisa’s crowded teeth, the teeth in her lower jaw sit at an angulation toward her tongue, instead of straight up and down.  This puts extra forces on teeth and often will contribute to cracking.  Lisa also admitted that she finds herself clenching her teeth together, most of the day and probably at night.  This also produces more force than the teeth are prepared to handle.  Therefore, the fact that Lisa’s teeth are often sensitive comes as no surprise.

Initially, Lisa thought she would try a standard occlusal guard (or night guard) to help alleviate the pressure she experiences from clenching her teeth.  Lisa wore the appliance regularly and she believed it helped, but she still had sensitivity from time to time and when a second tooth started having symptoms of cracked tooth syndrome on her lower right, she knew it was time to take action.  She decided she wanted a more permanent solution to her bruxism and that is when the discussion of Invisalign began.   

What did Lisa want?

Lisa wanted to straighten her teeth, avoid getting more cracked teeth, and help stop her grinding at night.  Lisa didn’t want to have the wires and brackets of traditional braces, so she was excited about the option of Invisalign.  When Dr. Elizabeth was planning Lisa’s case, she helped Lisa notice that the small lateral incisors on her upper jaw played a role in why the bottom teeth were crowded.  Because of the smaller lateral incisors, the lower teeth had to be more “squished in” and crowded.  Dr. Elizabeth talked with Lisa about how after Invisalign treatment, there would be spaces left between her teeth on the upper arch.  Luckily, Dr. Elizabeth had a solution, which involved widening those teeth with veneers.  Lisa was excited about the prospect of straight teeth and understood why the veneer restorations were necessary so she decided to go forward with treatment.

What was involved?

Lisa underwent the Invisalign records process with Dr. Elizabeth so a treatment simulation could be done.  Her treatment was expected to take 10-12 months with the goals of unraveling the crowding, creating space for upper veneers, and providing support for her joints and muscles.

To help with her bruxism, Dr. Elizabeth added bite ramps to Lisa’s Invisalign aligners.  These are a way to help keep her muscle more calm because they don’t allow for easy clenching.  Despite the bite ramps, Lisa’s strong muscles did continue to clench somewhat, although things were improving for her joints and muscles throughout treatment.  Her continuous clenching did slow down her progress and after her initial set of 20 aligners, Lisa’s bite still wasn’t quite perfect.  Therefore, Dr. Elizabeth recommended a “refinement” treatment with Invisalign and Lisa’s treatment continued on for another 6 months.  During this time, Dr. Elizabeth also gave Lisa exercises to help stretch her jaw muscles so that her clenching wouldn’t continue to impede the progress for her Invisalign treatment.

After 18 months of Invisalign, it was time to plan for Lisa’s veneer restorations.  Some simple bite equilibration was also needed for Lisa to finalize her bite position and give her solid stops for her back teeth.  Lisa wanted whiter teeth so she decided to try the Opalescence Go! professional white strip whitening system to brighten her smile.  Lisa chose to only restore her 2 lateral incisors.  Dr. Elizabeth reviewed the pros and cons of completing veneers for her upper 4 front teeth, including better size proportioning, and continued color matching, but Lisa felt that 2 veneers was the right choice for her.  So, a laboratory wax-up was done as a blue print for the final restorations and the 2 porcelain veneers were completed for her upper lateral incisors.  Lisa was very excited about finishing her treatment after spending the time to move her teeth into a better position!

After Invisalign, Before Restorations

What does Lisa think of her results?

When we asked Lisa what she thought about undergoing the procedures before she had things done, she said “I kind of knew what Invisalign did – it was going to straighten my teeth and work out problems like cracks in my teeth and help me stop grinding at night.”  Lisa didn’t understand that the spacing issues she had were causing her crowding until we started analyzing things.

The process took longer than she was initially expecting, but she understood that her clenching was slowing things down so she worked hard to do her exercises.  In the end, she is happy with how everything looks and the outcome.  “It looks good!”  She really is hoping to slow down any new cracks from forming on her teeth.  In talking with anyone considering similar treatment, Lisa would tell them to talk to Dr. Elizabeth because this too may be an option for you and it is definitely a better alternative to brackets!

 

Lisa After

The Impact of Healthy Childhood Habits on Airway and Oral Health

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

In many ways, the stage for lifelong health is set in childhood. Often overlooked amid the busyness of parenting, mouth-breathing can affect your child’s airway and oral health and affect their quality of life. As a parent, you are your child’s biggest advocate. That’s why we want to take some time to educate you on the topic of airway and oral health, including signs to watch for and what you can do if you suspect your child’s airway is compromised.

Contributing factors that affect airway and oral health

While it may be necessary during allergy season or when fighting a head cold, long-term mouth-breathing will result in airway issues or sleep-disordered breathing.

Certain malformations such as crooked, misaligned teeth, improper jaw alignment, a narrow palate, and abnormalities of the head or skull can also make nasal breathing difficult. Children who deal with these challenges often unknowingly default to mouth-breathing. Interestingly, sometimes it’s a matter of what comes first – the chicken or the egg, because in children who mouth breathe, their development will occur in a more vertical pattern, resulting in the malformations noted above. This also makes things more difficult the longer we wait for intervention.

When your child breathes through their nose, their body filters toxins and debris through the nose’s cilia. Nasal breathing also helps the body produce nitric oxide, which makes it easier for the lungs to absorb oxygen. Plus, nasal breathing warms and humidifies the air in the nasal cavity, keeping the tonsils and adenoids moist and healthy.

Mouth-breathing, on the other hand, dries out tonsils and adenoids, making them irritated and inflamed and exacerbating breathing issues. A dry airway is also more prone to collapsing, and will cause childhood sleep apnea.

Additionally, mouth-breathing deprives your child of oxygen by up to 20% and increases CO2 levels in their blood.

Over time, stressors resulting from mouth-breathing can even lead to hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, lung malfunction, and enlargement of the right ventricle of the heart.

How do I know if my child is a mouth-breather or dealing with an airway obstruction?

When a child is mouth-breathing, their mouth is drier and doesn’t have adequate saliva to protect their teeth and gums against damaging bacteria. The increased presence of bacteria often results in more plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease. Generally, if the lips are apart, breathing is occurring through the mouth instead of through the nose.

  • Some additional signs that your child may be mouth-breathing as opposed to nasal breathing include:Snoring
  • Poor speech
  • Halitosis
  • Dry lips
  • Bedwetting
  • Fatigue/dark circles under the eyes
  • Insomnia
  • Brain fog
  • Academic struggles
  • ADHD symptoms
  • Forward head posture (bent neck)
  • Sleeping with their neck extended

The role of healthy childhood habits on airway and oral health

Fortunately, as a parent, you’re not a helpless bystander when it comes to detecting airway issues in your child…or when it comes to helping prevent them. There are many healthy habits you can help your child develop that will decrease their risk.

If you notice your child mouth-breathing, encourage them to breathe through their nose instead. Sometimes, children continue to mouth-breathe long after a cold or allergies have subsided. Consider teaching your child relaxing nasal breathing techniques they can practice during the day and while they’re falling asleep at night. Always think “tongue up, lips sealed, breath goes in through the nose.”

Encourage your child to eat healthy and stay hydrated. Healthy food is an important part of keeping your child’s immune system strong. Proper hydration ensures adequate saliva production, which keeps your child’s oral biome healthy.

Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep. Just like healthy food, good sleep helps strengthen weak immune systems and keeps healthy immune systems strong!

Make sure your child stays active. Physical activity strengthens the respiratory system.

Encourage your child to brush and floss their teeth every day. It reduces the buildup of bacteria in your child’s mouth that could irritate their airways.

The importance of regular recare visits

Last but certainly not least, perhaps the most important thing you can do to help your child prevent airway issues and ensuing long-term health issues is to schedule regular recare visits at Eggert Family Dentistry! We recommend starting your child’s recare visits before their first birthday! Our recare visits are thorough! We go above and beyond simply looking for cavities and cleaning your child’s teeth. In addition to cavities, we look for various dental problems that can be linked to airway issues or sleep-disordered breathing. These dental problems include:

  • Bruxism
  • Functional tooth wear and fractures
  • Erosive tooth wear
  • TMD/myofascial pain
  • Malocclusion, especially anterior open bite and crossbite
  • Facial development
  • Periodontal disease
  • Abfractions
  • Impacted teeth
  • Orthodontic or orthognathic relapse

If Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert is suspicious your child is struggling with airway issues or sleep-disordered breathing, they may suggest a myobrace appliance, which is kind of like a mouthguard, to correct their bite and facilitate nasal breathing. In some cases, they will refer your child to an ENT.

Being proactive is key. When you partner with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert for your child’s dental care, they help your child grow up healthier and have an optimal quality of life. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we recognize that airway and oral health are critical for lifelong physical health and self-esteem and set your child up for academic and athletic success throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Call us today at 651.482.8412 to set up your child’s next recare visit in our office!

Want to learn more?

If you’re interested in the connection between dental problems and airway issues, we highly recommend these books:

  • Sleep Interrupted by Steven Park, MD
  • The Chronic Cough Enigma by Dr. Jamie Koufman
  • No More Allergies, Asthma or Sinus Infections by Dr. Lori Jones
  • Close Your Mouth by Patrick McKeown
  • The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown

“Say Cheese!” – Composite Bonding and Veneers – Grace and Abigail’s Stories

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

What happens when you are young, undergoing orthodontics, and there is what we call a “space/size discrepancy?”  A “space/size discrepancy” is when teeth are narrower than the space your tongue and muscles need to function properly. When this occurs, it usually is best to allow your tongue to have the space, otherwise the teeth will move later and orthodontic relapse is guaranteed.  What this means, however, is due to the narrow shape of the teeth, spaces between the teeth will be present.  Luckily, Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert of North Oaks, MN have great solutions for this situation.  Generally, we need to change the shape of the teeth with restorations and close these spaces.  With young patients, due to expected changes in growth and development over time, we often recommend composite bonding, also known as composite veneers.  This procedure allows for the perfect smile.  This month, we share two patient stories – Grace and Abigail.  Both of these lovely young ladies found themselves in this situation, with spaces between teeth after orthodontics due to a “space/size discrepancy.”  With composite veneers done by Dr. Elizabeth, they now have the confidence they need when it’s time to “Say Cheese!”

How did this start? – Grace

Grace came to us already in the middle of her orthodontic treatment.  She had been going to the pediatric clinic and her orthodontist, Dr. DeVoe, informed her and her family that she would have spaces present between her teeth after orthodontics.  They were told that the pediatric dentist wasn’t prepared to handle this situation and through friends found Dr. Elizabeth.  Her first appointment with Dr. Elizabeth was to verify her current status.  Dr. Elizabeth suggested a few movement tweaks she wanted from Dr. DeVoe before the braces came off.  Dr. Elizabeth then confirmed tooth positions and the braces were ready to come off.

 

Composite Bonding and Veneers

What did she want?

Grace had spacing around her upper lateral incisors due to the narrow shape of her laterals.  While spaces like this don’t have a negative impact on your oral health, they can affect confidence and speech.  Grace wanted her teeth to be fuller and the spaces closed.  She also noticed that her gum tissue was very thick and “bulbous” in the area of the spaces when the braces came off and she was hoping this could be fixed as well.  Finally, Grace wondered about the color of her teeth, noting that she was hoping her teeth could be brighter.

What was involved?

The first thing to address was the gum tissue.  Dr. Elizabeth suggested that Grace use a rubber-tip tool to stimulate her gums for a few weeks.  The extra gum stimulation allowed Grace’s thick gum tissue to heal and shrink.  Grace was dedicated to using her rubber-tip tool and the results were beautiful and healthy gum tissue.  Alternatively, a laser procedure could have been done for the gum tissue, but this was not needed for Grace!

To help Grace and her family visualize the end result, Dr. Elizabeth did a mock-up of what restorations for the front four teeth would look like and she was able to simulate this scenario in Grace’s mouth before moving to final restorations.  Dr. Elizabeth did a couple of simulations looking at what Grace’s tooth shape and size would be if restorations were only done for the lateral incisors vs having restorations placed on the front four teeth.  Being able to share spacing with 4 teeth instead of only 2 allowed Dr. Elizabeth not only to create more natural tooth width proportions, but also allowed her to increase the length of Grace’s central incisors a little as well.  Because Grace is still a teenager and will be moving into adulthood, Dr. Elizabeth recommended composite veneers at this time and discussed with her that she will likely want to move to porcelain veneers sometime in her life.

Grace started bleaching using over-the-counter white strips and shortly after the mock-up appointment, Grace and her mom returned for a two-hour procedure and in that short amount of time, Dr. Elizabeth bonded composite resin material to Graces front 4 teeth to change the tooth size and shape.  Like the mock-up, the composite filled in the gaps as well as lengthened Grace’s central incisors.

What does Grace think?

Grace was very pleased with her results.  “It went really well – and even better than I expected!  It was really worth it.  Also, it didn’t hurt at all!”  Grace was able to undergo the procedure without getting numb so she was very excited not to have to get a “dredded shot.”  Grace notes that she would tell her friends underoing a similar procedure not to worry at all, it goes really smoothly.

Grace After

How did this start? – Abigail

Abigail’s parents have been long-time patients of Dr. Elizabeth, but Abigail didn’t become a patient until the fall of 2017 as she had been going to the pediatric clinic.  She was interested in getting braces on and had questions about the gaps in her front teeth.  Dr. Elizabeth referred Abigail to Dr. Wahl, another local orthodontist for a consultation.  Abigail noted that she noticed herself clenching and grinding her teeth.  She also had a history of some speech issues because she was born with a tight connection of her tongue to the floor of her mouth.  This is also known as ankyloglossia, or tongue-tied.  What does a tongue-tie do to your teeth?  Most often, we see patients with untreated tongue and lip ties needing braces to properly align crowded, crooked teeth caused by a narrow palate.  Since the tongue is held so tightly to the floor of the mouth, it often can’t rest at the roof of the mouth and development and speech are affected. 

Abigail Before

What did she want?

Even after orthodontics, Dr. Wahl was not able to close the spaces between Abigail’s front four teeth because of her “space/size discrepancy.”  Abigail has undersized laterals as well as narrow central incisors and forward swallowing forces due to her tongue limitations.  Abigail preferred to have the spaces closed, however, to help improve her esthetics.  Orthodontics was able to improve her overall bite, as well as perfect the tooth positions before addressing the spacing with restorations. Improving her bite excited Abigail because she had a fair amount of jaw pain and occasionally she noticed that her jaw would lock up on her.

What was involved?

Once Dr. Wahl completed orthodontics, Dr. Elizabeth helped Abigail and her family visualize what was possible with restorations. Abigail and her parents weren’t sure they were ready to commit to 4 restorations, worrying about being conservative, as well as the overall investment.  Abigail also noted that “having smaller teeth is part of my identity.”  Dr. Elizabeth was concerned that by only addressing two teeth with restorations, that the lateral incisors would look wide and out-of-proportion.  She was also worried that by doing no restorations, Abigail’s teeth would continue to move over time, shifting to positions out of ideal function. Dr. Elizabeth suspected that this would cause Abigail’s jaw pain and jaw locking to return.  Therefore, Dr. Elizabeth waxed up and simulated both restoration options.  She did a simulation for 2 teeth only on Abigail’s left side and a simulation for 4 teeth on Abigail’s right side.  After some contemplation, Abigail and her family agreed that the spacing for only 2 restorations was not preferred and they agreed to complete 4 composite veneers.  Composite (resin) veneers can be used to correct gapped, chipped, poorly shaped, and stained teeth.  They can be created chairside and can often be placed in as little as one visit.

Abigail is known to breathe more through her mouth, this creates more plaque on the teeth, therefore, it is important to be especially diligent with brushing and flossing.  Dr. Elizabeth reminded Abigail of this throughout treatment because this will also help her future restorations be more successful.  The presence of plaque can lead to compromised esthetics, bonding, and overall outcome.  Abigail also still had to work hard on her tongue position to help keep her teeth from moving.  Abigail was great about doing tongue exercises with her speech therapist.

When she was ready, Abigail returned for a two-hour procedure and in that short amount of time, Dr. Elizabeth bonded composite resin material to Abigail’s front 4 teeth to change the tooth size and shape.  Like the mock-up, the composite filled in Abigail’s spacing.  Abigail did not do any bleaching before her composite veneer procedure, but she did want to go just slightly lighter with the shade for her restorations.  Also, the decision to move to 4 composite veneers was made after Abigail’s orthodontics had already come off.  If possible, Dr. Elizabeth would have liked a little more tooth movement to help Abigail’s central incisor gingival positions be more level.    

What does Abigail think?

Abigail is very pleased with her results.  She wasn’t really sure what she was getting herself into and was afraid that it was going to hurt.  But, in the end, she says “I am glad I did it and I would recommend it, my bite feels so much better and I am glad the veneers can help it stay that way.”  It’s so rewarding when we cannot only help people get out of pain, but when we can help create that winning smile while doing so!

Congratulations Grace and Abigail – you both look magnificent!  Thank you for putting your trust in us!  It’s always our pleasure to work with you!

“Invisalign Has Been Really Nice!” – Ashley’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Where did Ashley start?

Ashley came to Eggert Family Dentistry as a new patient in the fall of 2016 with pain in the areas of her wisdom teeth, also known as 3rd molars.  The panoramic image shown below shows the need to have her wisdom teeth extracted due to the impacted angle and their inability to erupt on their own.  They were also putting a lot of pressure on her erupted second molars. With the impaction, Ashley’s teeth were also becoming more crowded, which she didn’t like.  Dr. Jeff referred Ashley to an oral surgeon to have her wisdom teeth extracted and that took care of one problem.

Ashley was also experiencing tissue recession, mostly due to the crowding and current position of her teeth.  One option Dr. Jeff discussed with Ashley was the possibility for gingival grafting (gum-tissue grafting).  In a grafting procedure, tissue is added to the root surface to cover the root back up again and increase gingival height and thickness.  For Ashley, this may have worked, however, due to her crowding, the ability for the graft to last a lifetime was very unlikely.  Therefore, Dr. Jeff suggested Ashley consider orthodontically moving her teeth.  Ashely was most interested in Invisalign and had read about it from our blogs, learning that we do that procedure here at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert.  Dr. Elizabeth met with Ashley and determined she would be a great candidate for Invisalign!

What was involved?

Ashley went through the “Invisalign Records Process.”  At that time, we took impressions and photos of her teeth and sent them to Invisalign so they could create a 3D simulation of how her teeth could move with Invisalign treatment.  Ashley was very happy with the simulation, which showed a significant improvement to her crowding.

During the Invisalign Records Process, Dr. Elizabeth also noted with Ashely a fair amount of muscle tension and while Ashley didn’t initially report having frequent headaches, throughout treatment, she noticed a difference in her tension and that she no longer was having headaches.  It is amazing how people learn to live with what ails them, but how much better they can feel working their way to healthy!

Ashley’s case was expected to consist of 28 aligners that she would wear 22 hours a day.  Ashley’s case called for a few “buttons,” which are attachments on the teeth.  Basically, these small buttons allow the Invisalign aligners to grip onto your teeth more effectively (similar to a traditional orthodontic metal bracket).  These attachments help move the teeth more effectively.  Ashley was very compliant and consistent in wearing her aligners as instructed and was able to complete her case after the expected 28 aligners, needing no refinements!

What does Ashley think?

When we asked Ashley what she thought about the Invisalign process, she said her only thought is that it was more appealing than getting traditional braces.  “It’s been really nice!  It has reduced my headaches and that was the biggest thing, and it has reduced the crowding too.”  She says that if she were discussing Invisalign with someone considering the treatment she would tell them, “It’s definitely worth it.  Don’t get discouraged the first few weeks; it gets better.  It may be uncomfortable at first, but it gets much better.”

We are so happy that we could help Ashley on her journey and fulfill our motto of providing “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles!”  Congratulations, Ashley on your wonderful results!

Implant Supported Dentures vs. the All-on-4 Technique: Which is Right for You?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

While traditional dentures are an effective solution for some patients, they also can come with a few downsides. Because the bony support that holds the dentures in the mouth changes over time, traditional dentures tend to move while patients eat or talk. 

Luckily, when it comes to choosing dentures, our patients have more options than ever. Patients who are looking for a stronger, more tooth-like restoration solution may consider either Implant supported dentures or the All-on-4 technique. 

While both of these options rely on dental implants to support the denture, these solutions have key differences as well. Below, we’ve compared each to help you decide which treatment option is right for you. 

Implant Supported Dentures

What are they?

Implant supported dentures are a more stable, modern version of regular dentures. Just like traditional dentures, implant supported dentures can replace a full set of upper or lower teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, however, the dentures have much better anchorage as the implants are stabilized into the jaw bone. Usually, the denture is attached to 4-6 implants that act like tooth roots and help them stay in place.   

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, often made of titanium, that are surgically implanted into the jaw after a tooth has been removed. During the healing process, the implant will fuse with the jawbone, creating a permanent replacement for the missing tooth. Implants keep bone intact, therefore preventing the bone loss that’s common with traditional dentures.

The Implant supported dentures snap onto the implants, which hold them securely throughout the day. This significantly decreases denture movement, and gives them a greater biting force than traditional dentures, putting crunchy foods like apples and granola back on the table for patients with these dentures.

Who Can Get Them?

The best candidates for Implant supported dentures are patients who’ve recently lost their teeth since these patients still have better bone density to support the dental implants. The longer a patient is without teeth, the more bone loss will occur and it is difficult for implants to integrate successfully.

Patients who have been wearing traditional dentures may still be able to switch to Implant supported dentures if they haven’t yet experienced major bone loss. These patients will need to discuss their options with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert to see if their jawbone can still support this type of denture. Occasionally, it is possible to place bone grafts to improve the chance of a successful outcome. 

All-on-4 Technique

What is it?

The All-on-4® technique is a revolutionary method that offers full-arch replacement on as few as four implants. The All-on-4 technique is similar to Implant supported dentures in that it uses implants to secure the prosthesis. However, this implant technique is designed to maximize the existing jawbone and stays fixed in the mouth, which helps to make everything look and work much more like natural teeth.

Who can get them? 

The best candidates for the All-on-4 technique are patients who need a full arch dental replacement option and that want the prosthetic to look and function the most like their natural teeth. 

What is the procedure like?

The All-on-4 technique requires digital pre-planning so the surgery can be completed virtually first. Because of this pre-planning, the surgery goes smoothly and most often a temporary version of the prosthetic is placed onto the implants on the same day as the surgery!  

What is the recovery period? 

The recovery period is the same as it would be for Implant supported dentures, with the initial post-surgery recovery including 72 hours of rest, and the full recovery period lasting anywhere from 6-12 months.

Have Questions About Dentures?

If you’re still unsure whether you’re a candidate for Implant supported dentures or the All-on-4 technique, call Eggert Family Dentistry and schedule an appointment to talk with Dr. Jeff or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert about your unique dental situation. We’ll be happy to walk you through all your options and help you choose the treatment that best suits your needs. Contact us today or call us at 651.482.8412 to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to helping you have a smile you can be proud of! 

All About Partial Dentures: What Can You Expect When You Get Them?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When most people think of dentures, they think of a prosthetic that replaces the entire upper or lower set of teeth (or both). But when you only have a few teeth missing, and your remaining teeth are healthy, partial dentures can be an effective solution to bridge the gap.

Partial dentures help fill in your smile, improve speech, and make chewing more comfortable, among other benefits. If you’re considering partial dentures, you likely have many questions. The purpose of this blog is to help answer as many of those questions as possible.

Here’s a snapshot of what to expect with partial dentures, as well as tips for taking good care of them.

What Are Partial Dentures and How Do They Work?

Partial dentures are a type of prosthetic restorative that fills in gaps left by sections of missing teeth. They function similarly to full dentures, but for a smaller portion of your mouth.

When you get partial dentures, they will be matched to the shape and color of your teeth and gums. The dentures sit on a base that rests on your gums, which is typically made of acrylic.  The artificial teeth themselves are typically made of porcelain or acrylic. Finally, a set of fasteners that grasp the adjoining teeth will hold the partial dentures in place. These connectors can be made from metal or plastic. 

Partial dentures are removable. Unlike a dental bridge, partial dentures usually don’t require much change to the surrounding teeth to hold them in place.

Creating your partial dentures is a simple, painless process:

  1. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert will take impressions of your teeth and measure your jaw.
  2. They’ll then have a partial denture framework made, which they’ll use to double-check the fit and make necessary adjustments.
  3. Once the framework fits well, they will ask for a try-in version of your partial denture and that will be checked again before the final partial denture is made.
  4. Then you’ll get your final partial denture and you can start wearing it right away.

This process can take several appointments over multiple weeks (or in some cases months). Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert can give you a more detailed timeline of how long it will take to get your partial dentures, depending on your personal situation.

How to Care for Partial Dentures

Caring for your partial dentures isn’t difficult and won’t take a lot of extra work. But there are a few things you should do to keep them in top shape as long as possible.

Putting Them In

Putting your new dentures in properly will take some practice. It may be difficult at first, and they may feel bulky or uncomfortable. Over time, you’ll adjust to them and they’ll feel more comfortable in your mouth.

Never force your dentures into place when inserting them. If you bite down on them when they’re in the wrong position, you could break something.

Cleaning

Partial dentures are easy to clean. Simply brush them at least twice daily (or after each meal, whenever possible). 

However, don’t use your regular toothpaste and toothbrush to clean your dentures. Instead, use a soft-bristled denture brush and a denture cleaner. Regular toothpaste or other cleaners can be too harsh and cause damage to the plastic of your dentures. And since dentures can break, it’s best to clean them over a bowl of water or a towel in case you drop them.

In addition to cleaning your dentures properly, you’ll also want to pay special attention to the gums and natural teeth on either side of the partial dentures to ensure they stay healthy.

Storage

You should wear your new dentures at all times, except at night. Take your dentures out at night because your dentures need a break from all their hard work (and so does your mouth!). 

Before you go to bed, remove your partial dentures, clean them, and then soak them in cold water or a denture cleaning solution overnight. It is important to keep dentures moist at all times, so never skip this step.

Are Partial Dentures Right for You?

Now that you know what to expect with partial dentures, you might have a better idea of whether they would be a good solution for your missing teeth. Of course, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert will be more than happy to help you make this determination as well. 

Simply schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert to discuss the available options to meet your dental needs and determine if partial dentures are the right choice for you.

When Is It Time for Dentures?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Whether or not you need dentures depends on your unique oral situation. We are lucky to be in an age where very few people are unable to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. However, even with a lifetime of quality care, it is possible to end up in a situation where dentures make the most sense as a tooth replacement option. 

Let’s discuss what dentures are, how they work, and when it’s time to come in for an appointment to see if dentures are right for you. 

What Are Dentures and How Do They Work?

Traditional dentures are a set of false teeth that can replace all upper or lower teeth. They attach to a gum-colored, acrylic base that sits directly over your gum tissue. These dentures are removable, and sometimes need adhesive strips or paste to help them stay in.

Not only can dentures improve the appearance of the smile, but they also support the structure of the cheeks and lips. Dentures are often used as the solution for advanced cases of: 

  • Tooth loss
  • Tooth decay 
  • Tooth pain
  • Tooth injury
  • Tooth and gum infection

While many patients report that dentures take time to get used to, dentures allow patients to look fairly normal when they smile, talk, and chew food, after an adjustment period, of course. 

What are Dentures Made Of? 

Dentures haven’t changed much in nearly 100 years, but in the last few years, innovations in 3D printing and design, have allowed for some new opportunities in denture design. If you don’t look too closely, they can look like real teeth. They have a gum-colored acrylic base and artificial teeth that can be made of porcelain, plastic, or hard resin. 

Even though they’re false teeth, it’s important to care for your dentures as if they are real by brushing them daily to remove food particles and oral bacteria. Additionally, take care not to drop them or damage them, as they can become cracked. 

It is also important to give your gum tissues a break and take your dentures out every night. Remove them before bed and place them in warm water or a denture cleaning solution like Efferdent. 

2 Signs You Might Need Dentures

If you have any of the following dental conditions, it may be time to make an appointment with Dr. Eggert to see if dentures are right for you. 

  1. Loose or missing teeth. Loose teeth can be a sign of periodontal (gum) disease and usually mean you are losing bone support for your teeth. At a certain point, if too much bone is lost, it becomes too difficult to treat the periodontal disease and Dr. Eggert may recommend that the most healthy treatment option is to remove the infected teeth and replace them with dentures. 
  2. Chronic toothaches or non-restorable teeth. If you have chronic tooth infections and toothaches, it may be a sign that your teeth can no longer be restored or saved. The bacteria cannot be managed in any way other than the extraction of the teeth. Dr. Eggert will remove the infected teeth and dentures can replace what is lost. 

Types of Dentures 

Full Dentures 

Full dentures replace all the teeth in your mouth and can either be conventional or immediate. Conventional dentures are made after your teeth have been removed, allowing the gums to heal. On the other hand, immediate dentures are made prior to surgery and can be placed immediately after tooth removal. (Immediate dentures will need many more adjustments as the gums heal and usually have to be remade within 1-2 years.) 

Partial Dentures

A partial denture is a set of replacement teeth that attach to any remaining natural teeth. Typically, partial dentures use the same tooth and gum-colored acrylic of full dentures but are attached to a metal framework. Some all-plastic options are available today and these plastic frameworks have become much stronger than in the past and are typically thought to be more esthetic overall.  

Implant Supported Denture 

An implant supported denture, sits on the gums and is anchored into place with dental implants. Implant supported dentures can be designed to be removable or fixed in place. These dentures are much more secure than traditional dentures since the implants anchor very much like natural tooth roots. They can look very natural and can last a long time. 

How Long Will It Take to Get My Dentures? 

The process of getting dentures usually takes anywhere from a few weeks to many months. During your first appointment at Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert will need to determine which type of denture is right for you. Then, the process of fabricating dentures typically includes many impressions and try-in appointments to make sure the design will work best for you!

Think You Need Dentures? Call Us! 

Getting older doesn’t have to mean losing your beautiful smile! If you think you might benefit from dentures, give Eggert Family Dentistry a call at 651.482.8412. Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert can address your concerns and discuss all the options available to you. 

Canker Sores vs. Cold Sores [and How to Treat Each!]

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When someone discovers that they have a blister or sore in or around their mouth, there are two questions that usually come to mind: 

1. “What is it?”

2. “How do I get rid of it as fast as possible?”

Most oral blisters or sores are usually either a canker sore or a cold sore. Both of these types of sores can appear in varying degrees of severity, but luckily, they both go away in a relatively short amount of time. 

However, there are steps you can take to prevent these sores from occurring, and ways to treat them so that they heal faster. Let’s take a look at each type of sore to find out how to identify, prevent, and treat them. 

Canker Sores

Canker sores, also called aphthous (ulcers), are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth, your gums, or your tongue. 

They are usually oval in shape and white or yellow in color, with a red edge. They may appear as a single sore, or in clusters. Canker sores are not contagious. 

Canker Sore Symptoms

Canker sores can be very painful, and can make it difficult to eat, drink, or talk. While they only last a couple of weeks, it can feel like a very long time for someone suffering from a canker sore. 

Along with pain from eating, drinking and talking, other canker sore symptoms may include: 

  • Tingling or burning sensation
  • Swollen lymph nodes 
  • Fever 
  • Feeling ill 

Causes of Canker Sores

It’s still unknown what exactly causes canker sores, but it is a fact that the sores erupt as a result of the immune system attacking the lining of the mouth. There are many reasons why your immune system would respond this way, including: 

  • Viral infection
  • Injury to the mouth
  • Eating too hot or too spicy foods
  • Friction between a dental product and your mouth (dentures, braces, retainers, etc.)
  • Chewing tobacco 
  • Sodium lauryl sulfate in certain toothpastes
  • An allergic reaction 
  • Celiac disease
  • Emotional stress 
  • Vitamin deficiencies
  • Hormonal changes 
  • Problems with immune system
  • Illness 

Canker Sore Treatment

Most canker sores will go away on their own and don’t require treatment. However, you should see Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, Dr. Jeff Eggert, or your doctor if your canker sore lasts longer than 2 weeks, becomes infected, or is extremely painful. 

If you have a severe canker sore(s), your primary care doctor or Dr. Eggert may prescribe:

  • Coating Medication: Mouth rinses containing anti-ulcer drugs that reduce pain and promote healing.
  • Viscous Lidocaine: A numbing agent that comes in gel form. It’s the most commonly used prescription canker sore medication.
  • Topical Disinfectants: These are prescribed to people suffering from severe canker sores to prevent infection.
  • Steroids: Prescribed for severe canker sores, steroids come in liquid and gel form and reduce inflammation and pain.

For most canker sores, though, over-the-counter pain-relief treatments are usually effective. These usually include topical numbing agents, such as benzocaine and lidocaine, that can be applied directly to the canker sore. 

At-home remedies such as applying ice to the affected area, applying milk of magnesia a few times a day, or rinsing with a mix of baking soda and water, can also help with pain relief and even promote healing. 

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we treat canker sores using Debacterol, an especially effective liquid topical agent. Debacterol is the only treatment for canker sores that completely stops the pain, seals damaged tissues, and aids the natural healing processes. It only requires one application, which takes only minutes to perform. 

Canker Sore Prevention

To prevent canker sores, it’s important to keep your immune system performing at its best, protect your mouth from injury, and to keep bad bacteria out of your mouth. If you eat healthy, avoid irritants, and maintain good oral hygiene habits, you will lessen the likelihood of developing canker sores.

Cold Sores 

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, appear as small, painful blisters that first form a cluster and then burst, creating a sore. Once the blisters burst, the sore will begin to scab over as the body heals. 

Cold sores usually appear on the lips and area surrounding the mouth, but can also appear on the nose, cheeks, or eyes. Cold sores are very contagious, and can be passed on even when the blisters and sore are not present through a process called viral shedding. 

The good news is that cold sores are very common, and easily manageable. By taking the right precautions and treatments, you can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of your cold sore flare-ups. 

Causes of Cold Sores 

Cold Sores are most commonly caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1, and less commonly by Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2. As we mentioned earlier, the virus is very contagious. Approximately 90% of people in the world have at least one form of HSV. 

Once you have the virus, it does not leave the body, but for the most part it will stay dormant. Still, there are a variety of triggers that can cause HSV to be active, resulting in flare-ups. Major triggers include: 

  • Weakened immune system: Your immune system can be weakened by excessive stress, fatigue, and illness, among other things. Many people report stress as being a frequent cause of flare-ups. 
  • Trauma: Any sort of injury to the lips or inside of the mouth can trigger an outbreak. That includes sporting injuries, cosmetic injections, and biting, chewing, and picking at your lips. 
  • Sunburn and dryness: Letting your lips become too chapped can cause an outbreak, as can getting sunburned on your face.

Miscellaneous causes include some food allergies, hormonal changes, and vitamin B deficiency.

Cold Sore Symptoms

Cold Sores can be very painful and can make eating or drinking difficult. They can also be unsightly, which is often stressful for the afflicted person, especially school-age children. 

The first flare up is often the worst, as it is your body’s first time dealing with the virus. Afterward, your body will develop antibodies to fight the virus, and you may never experience another flare-up. However, many people experience recurring cold sores.

Cold sores occur in stages: 

  1. Tingling and itching: You will first notice tingling, itching, or burning sensation in a small area with slight discoloration. 
  2. Blisters: 12-24 hours later, a cluster of blisters will appear and the area will become red and swollen. Within a day or two, the blisters will pop and weep. This stage can last up to three days. 
  3. Healing: A scab will form over the sore as the body heals, though it may crack or bleed. The scab will fall off once the area is healed, which usually takes about two weeks.

Symptoms that can accompany cold sore outbreaks include: 

  • Swollen lymph nodes 
  • Fever 
  • Illness 
  • Sore throat 
  • Headache 
  • Upset stomach 
  • Fatigue 

Learning to recognize the signs of an oncoming cold sore will help you catch it early and manage it better with treatment. Caught early enough, you may even be able to prevent the cold sore from appearing at all. 

Cold Sore Treatment 

While there’s no cure for cold sores, cold sore treatments can significantly reduce outbreak frequency and intensity. There are three types of treatment options available, and many people use a combination of treatments to manage their cold sores

  1. Topical creams: Creams that contain antivirals Acyclovir (Xerese) and penciclovir (Denavir) need a prescription, but will speed up the healing process dramatically. You can also use over-the-counter docosanol (Abreva), which will also speed up healing and numb the area. 
  2. Prescription Pills: Taking an antiviral pill can knock out a cold sore before blisters even appear. These include Acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), or valacyclovir (Valtrex). Companies like Nurx allow patients to order valacyclovir online. 
  3. Injections: This type of treatment is usually reserved for severe cases of HSV. Medicines such as cidofovir (Vistide) or foscarnet (Foscavir), and acyclovir can be injected into your bloodstream.

At home treatments include applying an ice pack to the affected area, keeping the cold sore moisturized, and ibuprofen for pain. 

Cold Sore Prevention

To prevent cold sore outbreaks, you should aim to: 

  • Manage your stress levels
  • Eat healthy to support a strong immune system 
  • Keep your lips moisturized 
  • Wear sunscreen on your face and lips
  • Avoid picking, biting, or chewing your lips 
  • Get a good night’s sleep to avoid fatigue

If you get recurring cold sores, or if you want to avoid coming into contact with HSV, the main precaution to take is to be mindful of direct and indirect contact. 

Cold sore transfer often occurs through direct contact, like kissing, or indirect contact, such as sharing a drinking glass with someone who has an infection. It’s good practice to avoid sharing drinks, utensils, or razors with others.

Even touching a sore and then not washing your hands can pose a risk of transfer. There is also a risk of transferring the virus from one area of your face (i.e., your lip) to another (your nose, cheeks, or eyes). Make sure to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face when experiencing a flare-up.

The Bottom Line

With the right treatment and precautions, cold sores and canker sores can be less frequent and much more manageable. If you have questions about canker sores or cold sores, call Eggert Family Dentistry today to find out if you need further treatment. Our friendly team can answer any questions you may have! 

10 Dental Sealants FAQs: What They Are, Why They’re Important, and When to Get Them

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

There’s no doubt about it, children love sugary snacks and sweets. That’s why the first step in ensuring your child’s optimal dental health is to teach them good oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. 

But, if you want to give your child an extra layer of protection, consider having dental sealants applied at Eggert Family Dentistry. Sealants are a preventative measure that many parents take to keep their children’s teeth healthy throughout childhood. 

But what are dental sealants and how exactly do they work? Let’s go over the 10 most frequently asked questions about dental sealants. 

1.) What are Dental Sealants? 

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are “painted”and then bonded onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Sealants are usually applied to the back molars, where bacteria and germs can easily hide, making these teeth harder to clean. 

2.) How Do Dental Sealants Work? 

Just as a raincoat will protect you from getting wet, the sealant protects the tooth by covering it, keeping bacteria and acid away from the tooth’s most susceptible surfaces. Less contact with bacteria, germs, and acid means fewer cavities and less tooth decay!

3.) How Long Do Sealants Last?

Sealants last for many years and can be reapplied if necessary.

4.) How are Dental Sealants Applied? 

First, the tooth is cleaned with an etchant and rinsed. The sealant is then “painted” over the adhesive as a liquid. Dr. Jeff Eggert, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, or an Eggert Family Dentistry team member will then use a special blue light to harden the liquid, creating a barrier between the teeth and any plaque, food particles, or bacteria.

5.) When Should My Child Get Dental Sealants? 

We recommend that children have sealants applied to their molars as soon as they come in. Permanent molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. The sooner the sealant is applied, the more protected the new teeth will be from cavities, saving you money and time in the future. According to the Center for Disease Control, “School-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.”

6.) Can Adults Get Dental Sealants?

Of course! Dental sealants can be applied at any age, though they’re most effective when applied from childhood. If you’re looking to prevent cavities for yourself as well as your family, ask Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert about scheduling an appointment to have dental sealant applied. 

7.) Will It Hurt to Get Sealants? 

Not at all. Sealant application is a pain-free procedure with no drills or shots necessary! 

8.) Do Sealants Make the Teeth Look or Feel Different? 

Sealants are white like your teeth so they don’t make the teeth look different. After sealants are applied, some patients report feeling like something is covering their teeth or experience the sensation of needing to bite down. But the sealant is thin, and the sensation will fade after a few days. Also, the Eggert Family Dentistry team can adjust on the sealants before you leave the office, if necessary, to reduce any strange feeling with your bite. 

9.) How Long Should My Child Wait to Eat After Getting Sealants?

You or your child can eat right away after getting dental sealants. However, we recommend staying away from certain foods, such as hard candies, jaw breakers, ice, or especially chewy foods, as these are more likely to break the newly applied sealants. 

10.) Are Dental Sealants Expensive?

No! Some dental insurance plans will cover sealants, but even without coverage, sealants are still very affordable. And dental sealants are a much cheaper option than having to get fillings done to fix cavities!

Let Eggert Family Dentistry Protect Your Family’s Dental Health 

Do you have more questions about dental sealants? Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call Eggert Family Dentistry today to find out if dental sealants are right for your family, or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping your family’s smiles be the healthiest they can be! As always, our motto is “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles!”

How Occlusal Equilibration Helps Jaw Pain and TMD

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, as many as 12 million U.S. adults suffer from pain in the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), a disorder known as TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder).

If you suffer from TMJ dysfunction, you know how painful it can be. When your jaw is misaligned, it can cause agonizing joint problems as well as increased wear on your teeth.

Jaw pain caused by TMD is often solved using devices like splints and mouthguards, or even surgery. But if you have jaw pain related to TMD, there’s another solution that could help: occlusal equilibration.

Read on to learn more about this procedure and how occlusal equilibration helps jaw pain and misalignment.

Is Your Jaw Pain Caused by Jaw Misalignment?

Jaw pain can be caused by a number of factors. Some of the most common causes include: decayed or abscessed teeth, gum infection, migraines, sinus or ear infections, heart disease, bruxism (teeth grinding), and TMD.

The treatment for your jaw pain will depend on what is causing it. If your jaw pain is caused by jaw misalignment or TMD, occlusal equilibration could help relieve it. 

But how do you know if your TMJ is causing your TMD and jaw pain?

The simple answer, of course, is to visit Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert to determine the cause of your jaw pain. But if you are experiencing the following symptoms, TMD may be at the root of your pain:

What Is Occlusal Equilibration?

Occlusal equilibration is the process of subtly and precisely reshaping the biting surfaces of your teeth to correct the alignment of your bite and positioning of your jaws. 

A well-aligned jaw allows your upper and lower teeth to fit together properly when you bite down. But when your jaw is misaligned, your bite becomes uneven, putting stress on individual teeth as well as the jaw joint and especially the surrounding muscles. When the misalignment is corrected with occlusal equilibration, those muscles relax, reducing or eliminating pain and sensitivity. 

This procedure is generally pain-free, and doesn’t require anesthesia. It’s quick and affordable, and the adjustments are generally so slight that they don’t change the appearance of your teeth.

How Occlusal Equilibration Helps Jaw Pain and TMJ

When something keeps your bite from being evenly distributed throughout your mouth (tooth loss, clenching, grinding, and so on), it can cause occlusal trauma. 

This can manifest as worn or chipped teeth, sensitive areas on the teeth, gum recession, headaches, or a “popping” sound when you open and close your mouth. In addition, an uneven bite places pressure on teeth and this can accelerate periodontal disease including bone loss and loosening of teeth.

Occlusal equilibration redistributes that pressure so your bite is even, eliminating spots of excess pressure and allowing the bones and ligaments to heal.

During this procedure, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert will note all of the areas where your teeth don’t align properly, then re-shape and adjust on the teeth using the dental handpiece. This restores your correct mouth structure and alleviates pain caused by misaligned jaws.

Many of our patients who have had occlusal equilibration have seen results quickly, saying they can feel the difference in their bite within even minutes of the procedure.

Determining if Occlusal Equilibration Is Right for You

At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff both love helping their patients who would benefit from occlusal equilibration and they can help you determine if this treatment is right for you.

The first step is to schedule a diagnostic appointment, where Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert will assess your mouth’s structure and analyze how your teeth move against one another. This will allow them to determine if adjusting the biting surfaces of your teeth could help reposition your jaws properly. If they determine occlusal equilibration is right for you, our office will help you schedule a separate appointment for the procedure.

Ready to find out if occlusal equilibration could help your jaw pain? Contact us to schedule your diagnostic appointment.