Gannett Drive Dental Blog

If you are having a tooth extracted soon, you’re probably looking forward less to having that tooth removed, and more to how your smile will look after you get the tooth replaced. Going from a damaged, incomplete smile to one that you’re proud to show people is a great feeling.

Dentures are one of the most popular tooth replacement options, and many people get a set of them after having several problem teeth extracted. However, you may wonder how much time you’ll have to deal with gaps in your smile before you can get your dentures. The answer depends on a few factors; here’s a guide that can give you some useful information.

Some denture wearers may assume that staining or discoloration won’t be an issue, but the truth is you should still be mindful about how you take care of them. While they are not porous like traditional tooth enamel, dentures can still dull over time if you are not careful. To ensure you keep them looking great for years to come, read on to learn from your dentist in South Portland about what you can do to whiten dentures.

Many patients are hesitant to move forward with orthodontic treatment because they want to avoid the hassle of metal wires and brackets. Well, Invisalign is a modern solution that allows you to discreetly and comfortably get the straight smile you’ve always wanted. One significant advantage it offers is that there are no dietary restrictions! You must simply remove the clear aligners before eating. Unfortunately, that means food can easily get trapped between teeth when you put the trays back in. Flossing is essential after every meal to prevent bacteria growth and tooth decay. In this blog post, you’ll learn more about the importance of flossing and how to do it correctly.

If you are missing 1-4 teeth in a row, a dental bridge is a great option to spruce up your smile. Constantly advancing dental technology has enabled bridges to look and feel like natural teeth. Bridges made with high-quality materials can last more than a decade with the right care. Even the most well-made bridges don’t last forever, though. Keep reading to learn from your dentist in South Portland the four most common reasons for dental bridge failure and what you can do to make your investment last as long as possible.

You might be more concerned about your teeth as the summer months come into view. After all, you probably want them to look good in your upcoming vacation photos. That being the case, you might want to consider cosmetic dentistry. Depending on your situation, a cosmetic dentist could transform your smile. To find out for sure, read this summary about how cosmetic dentistry works, examples of its treatments, and why to see a dentist before your final decision.

Are you missing one or more of your teeth? If so, you’re probably considering getting dental implants—one of the best tooth replacement methods! While the results can provide the necessary support to preserve your dental health, you may have more difficulty with the procedure if you’re diabetic. Read on to learn how diabetes can risk dental implant failure and ways to ensure a successful treatment.

Your teeth are designed to last for a lifetime, but that’s not a reality for many Americans. At least 120 million adults are missing one or more teeth. You have more options than ever to treat tooth loss; however, dental bridges and partials continue to be common solutions. Although they might seem similar, there is a big difference between partial dentures and dental bridges. Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice for your smile.

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Believe it or not, sugar can be very addictive. Unfortunately, it’s easy to get hooked because sugar and high fructose corn syrup seem to be in everything. Even if you don’t think that your sugar intake is very high, chances are that you are exceeding the recommended daily sugar recommendation, which will eventually harm your oral health. This habit can be very difficult to break, especially when you are having such intense cravings throughout the day. Here are some tips to help you beat them.

If you’re tired of wearing your dentures, you may be thinking it’s time to upgrade to dental implants. They’re the most permanent method of tooth replacement, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence once again. But before you make the switch, you’re probably wondering how they will feel in your mouth. Luckily, we’ve got an answer for you. Read on as a dental implant dentist in South Portland shares what to expect.

If you didn’t go through orthodontic treatment when you were younger, you might be worried that you missed the boat on having straight teeth. You might wince at your crooked teeth in the mirror and wonder, “Am I too old for Invisalign?” Luckily, there’s no such thing! These clear aligners make it easy to discreetly achieve a straight smile at any age. Here’s why you can never be too old for Invisalign in South Portland and how to find out whether this solution is right for you.