Downtown Houston Dental Blog

Dentures have allowed millions of people to restore their smiles after extensive tooth loss. These modern dental appliances are incredibly lifelike and amazingly comfortable, so much so that many people forget that they’re wearing them at all. However, dentures do not have quite the same chewing power as natural teeth because they are not firmly anchored in the mouth. Here are a few foods dentures can have trouble chewing along with a few tips for enjoying your meals.

While each set of dentures is customized to match precise measurements of its wearer’s jaw and oral cavity, these appliances can lose their fit over time due to the changing shape of the mouth. A poorly fitting pair of dentures can make it difficult to speak and chew, fall out accidentally, or even cause gum irritation or dental damage due to it sliding about in the mouth. While it’s usually ideal to have loose dentures adjusted or replaced by a qualified dentist, you may be able to find some relief by using denture adhesives. Here’s a quick guide to these products and which may be best for you.

Many people are frustrated with defects in their teeth such as chips, cracks, gaps, and stains. Fortunately, veneers are a great way to transform your smile in as few as two appointments by concealing defects and reshaping teething. While these remarkable dental appliances are impressively durable, they do not last forever and will eventually need to be replaced. Here are a few tips to help you keep your veneers in great shape for as long as possible.

Feeling self-conscious about dental imperfections like crooked, chipped, discolored, or gapped teeth is common. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry provides various solutions to address these issues, greatly enhancing your smile and improving your quality of life. Before starting any treatment, it’s important to align your goals with your dentist. The first step in transforming your smile is a consultation, where your dentist can learn about your dental history and objectives. This is also a great time for you to ask questions and seek clarification. To help you make informed decisions, here are three essential questions to ask during your consultation.

While traditional metal braces have effectively treated alignment issues for decades, many people are put off by the thought of having to wear conspicuous and often pointy irremovable metal appliances in their mouths for one or several years. Luckily, Invisalign is an easier and more convenient way to address alignment issues, and it uses removable and virtually invisible clear aligners (also called trays) to do it. If you’re considering Invisalign, here are a few things you should know before committing to the treatment.

Many people want to straighten their teeth but are reluctant to commit to the conspicuous metal parts and dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces. Thankfully, Invisalign has allowed many patients to straighten out their smiles in a virtually invisible manner and in less time than would be necessary with braces. Here’s a quick overview of how long you can expect an Invisalign treatment to last and how your oral health can make it longer or shorter.

Did you know that people with dental problems are more likely to report feelings of depression and unworthiness? As a result, they’re less likely to engage with others or participate in activities that show off their teeth. That means oral issues can leave you feeling so self-conscious that it impacts your overall quality of life.

Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can mend or hide imperfections to elevate your appearance. Before your dentist can help you, however, they’ll need to know what it is that you want to upgrade. Keep reading to learn about 3 typical concerns and their solutions.

If you’ve lost any teeth, you may have a denture or dental bridge. That’s only natural – those prosthetics do a good job of restoring smiles. However, perhaps you’d prefer to have dental implants. In that case, you may ask yourself a tricky question: Can implants replace existing restorations? As it turns out, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” To learn more, let your Houston dentist give you the details. Learn how implants can replace your existing dentures or dental bridges.

If you suffer from tooth loss, odds are you know about dental implants. These prosthetics can restore all sorts of smiles. That said, you might wonder: Are dental implants stronger than natural teeth? It’s easy to question their durability, especially compared to regular pearly whites. Well, implants really are more robust than ordinary chompers. If you’d like to learn why, your Houston dentist can explain. Here’s a summary of how implants stay stronger than natural teeth and their other benefits.

Invisalign is one of the hottest dental treatments around, and many patients recognize these clear aligners as a quicker and more subtle alternative to traditional braces. However, some wonder if Invisalign can be used to address other issues, including those that affect their temporomandibular joints (also referred to as TMJ disorder). Keep reading to learn more about why these types of issues should always be resolved and how Invisalign can help!