Many patients report that when they have a cavity or a dental infection, the first sign of a problem was a small bit of discoloration on the infected tooth. Patients may notice a black or brown spot on otherwise white teeth as a cavity begins to develop. Often, infected teeth will not become painful or sore until the infection has progressed, so for many people dental discoloration is the only sign of a problem for many months.

Unfortunately, patients who avoid regular professional dental cleanings may not realize they have an infection until it has progressed. Consequently, patients may end up with dull, discolored looking teeth even after their infection is treated.

The good news is that our Sullivan cosmetic dentists can help you whiten your teeth and regain your brilliant smile with modern cosmetic dentistry. First of all, modern dentistry allows dentists to use white, natural-looking composite fillings to seal treated teeth. This means that your fillings can look like a natural part of your tooth, rather than an obviously dark and metallic dental restoration.

If, after your infection is treated, you find that your teeth still appear discolored and darker than you’d like, you may benefit from professional teeth whitening. Professional teeth whitening treatments are actually bleaching treatments—they utilize carbamide or hydrogen peroxide to bleach dental enamel beyond their natural state of whiteness.  These professional whitening treatments are incredibly effective, and many patients can whiten their smiles by several shades.

If your teeth are resistant to teeth whitening treatments, or severely damaged, you may benefit from cosmetic veneers. Dental veneers are placed over existing dental enamel, visually resurfacing the appearance of your smile.

No matter what your cosmetic concern, the first thing to do is obtain dental health by treating any cavities or infections you may currently have. Once your smile is healthy, our Sullivan cosmetic dental office will walk you through your cosmetic options!

One of our patients, Laura, came to us because she had lost a tooth in an accident. Laura was desperate to find a tooth replacement solution that would restore her smile and remain stable and attractive for years. Because Laura didn’t want to deal with her restoration on a daily basis, she opted for a dental implant.

Dental implants are small titanium rods that are surgically inserted into the jawbone, replacing the missing tooth root. Over time the titanium of the implant bonds with the jawbone. Once the implant is stable, it is capped with a natural-looking restoration.

One of the major benefits of dental implants is that they are permanently implanted into the jawbone, so they do not shift like dentures or bridges. Additionally, dental implants do not require an extensive amount of specialized care, they can be cared for in the same way that you care for your natural teeth.

In order to preserve the health and appearance of you dental implant our Sullivan dental implant dentists recommend that you:

Maintain healthy dental hygiene habits. You can help keep your mouth healthy by brushing and flossing at least twice a day and having semi-annual professional dental cleanings.

Watch what you chew. Your dental implant will allow you to eat and drink normally, but you should still take care to avoid chomping on hard candies and ice. These substances can cause small cracks in your restoration and undermine the strength of your implant.

Don’t grind or clench your teeth. Many patients habitually grind or clench their teeth, either because they are stressed or because their bit doesn’t align properly. If you notice that you’re suffering from aching jaw or tooth pain, tell your dentist—you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep.

Laura loved the look and functionality of her dental implant—she was able to smile confidently and easily maintain her teeth. Give our Sullivan dental implant dentists a call if you have any questions or you’d like more information—(573) 321-4008.

Our patient Lauren came in recently for her regular dental cleaning, and she mentioned that her teeth weren’t looking as luminous as she wanted them to. Lauren really wanted to refresh her smile before the holidays. Our Sullivan cosmetic dentists explained to her that with professional teeth whitening treatments we could lighten her smile by several shades.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening treatments are available as professional formulations and over the counter products. Although we frequently call these teeth whitening treatments, they are actually classified as teeth bleaching treatments, because they utilize carbamide or hydrogen peroxide to whiten dental enamel. Teeth bleaching products have the ability to whiten teeth beyond their natural shade of whiteness.

These products are generally applied as gels or pastes. They are kept in place with mouthpieces, whitening strips, or are applied directly to exposed teeth and cured with a laser.

The primary difference between professional teeth whitening products and at-home formulations is the potency of the product. The teeth whitening gel that your dentist uses has a greater concentration of peroxide, meaning that it whitens teeth faster and more effectively than at-home products. Self-administered whitening strips or gels have a lower concentration of active ingredients, so although they are less effective, they are also less expensive and they can be applied without a dentist’s supervision. Additionally, some patients will find that their teeth are only responsive to full strength professional products—this often depends on the extent and type of enamel staining.

Lauren chose to have professional teeth whitening, and she loves the results. Her teeth are significantly whiter now, and her whole smile looks younger and more cohesive. If you’ve been considering cosmetic dentistry in general or teeth whitening in particular, don’t hesitate to give our Sullivan cosmetic dentists a call for more information—(573) 321-4008—we’re here to help!

A regular patient at our Sullivan cosmetic dental office, Amanda, had always enjoyed a beautiful smile. Her teeth were well proportioned and straight, and she maintained a healthy, cavity-free smile. Last year, however, Amanda came in to our office complaining that her teeth had lost some of their luminosity. Amanda was noticing prominent dental stains on the front of her teeth. She was horrified! How did this happen?

Dental discoloration is one of the most common cosmetic problems among patients of all ages. Enamel stains are caused by a number of factors, only some of which you can control. Take a look at this list to understand how dental stains accumulate:

Staining Substances

Foods like berries, chocolate, and deep sauces can cause surface stains. Additionally popular drinks such as cola, coffee, tea, and red wine contribute to darkening enamel.

Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition in which patients chronically grind or clench their teeth. Over time this action weakens the tooth structure, causing micro-cracks in the enamel. These cracks collect stains and debris.

Dental Trauma

If you experience severe dental trauma your teeth may suddenly darken in color because it is no longer healthy, and the tooth core is compromised.

Plaque and Tartar

Throughout the day plaque—a bacterial film—accumulates on dental enamel. Over time plaque hardens on to teeth as something called tartar. Both plaque and tartar will make teeth appear yellow or brown.

Tobacco

Tobacco is not only bad for your health; it’s also bad for your smile. Chewing and smoking tobacco will stain and darken dental enamel. The best way to avoid these dirty looking streaks is to avoid tobacco products all together.  

If your smile is looking darker or dirtier than you’d like, you have cosmetic options that can restore the luminosity of your smile. Amanda underwent in-office professional teeth bleaching, and she was thrilled with the results. Give our Sullivan cosmetic dentists a call for more information—(573) 321-4008.

Our patient Marie came into our office a few months ago for her regular semi-annual check-up. As we were examining her teeth, she just happened to mention that she was feeling exhausted, because she hadn’t had a good night sleep in months. It seems that Marie was waking in the middle of the nights, and—according to her husband—snoring non-stop in her sleep. Marie was just making small talk, but the information she gave us strongly suggested that she might be suffering from sleep apnea.

Our Sullivan sleep apnea dentists recommended that Marie begin the process of being assessed and treated for sleep apnea. Although Marie desperately wanted to find relief from her sleep disturbances, she was apprehensive about one thing—“Am I going to have to wear one of those CPAP things?” she asked.

Traditionally, obstructive sleep apnea has been treated with something called a CPAP machine. The CPAP machine works via a face mask that the patient wears at night. The CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of air to the longs, preventing soft tissue from obstructing the airway. Although this machine is somewhat effective, it is often noisy, cumbersome, and uncomfortable to wear, leading to low compliance rates among patients.

Luckily for Marie we are now able to treat many cases of obstructive sleep apnea with simple and comfortable dental appliances. Sleep apnea oral appliances are designed like retainers or mouth guards. They hold the mouth and soft tissues in optimal position to keep the airway clear and prevent breathing obstructions and snoring.

After evaluating Marie’s sleep apnea symptoms, we found that she was a candidate for a sleep apnea oral appliance. In weeks she was breathing better and waking up feeling energized and invigorated—all thanks to a small mouth guard! Don’t struggle unnecessarily with sleep apnea symptoms, give our Sullivan sleep apnea dentists a call today—(573) 321-4008 .

Many patients who are interested in transforming their smiles are actually wanting to improve multiple aspects of their smile. Some patients, for example, want to straighten their teeth and whiten dental enamel. Other patients need to fix a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth while they straighten crooked teeth. The fact is that very few people are born with white, straight, and perfectly proportioned teeth. The good news is that dental veneers are a versatile cosmetic option that can help you achieve your dream smile.

Our Sullivan cosmetic dentists are committed to helping patients find a cosmetic treatment that fits their budget, goals, and ideal timeline. Dental veneers are a useful option for many patients because they can be placed in just one or two visits, and they can rectify a variety of very common cosmetic problems all at once. Dental veneers can be used to fix:

·      Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth

·      Misaligned teeth

·      Dark or dull enamel

·      Oddly proportioned teeth

·      Pitted or poorly developed enamel

·      Crooked and crowded smiles

·      Large gaps in the smile

Veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are attached to teeth—essentially resurfacing the appearance of the outside of the tooth, and transforming the appearance of the smile. Because veneers are custom shaped and shaded they are crafted to blend with the patient’s natural teeth. Veneers can be used to lengthen or widen existing teeth, as well as resurface enamel.

Many patients choose veneers because veneers can rectify a number or problems in just one or two appointments. Patients, therefore, do not have to wait through years of orthodontic treatment, or multiple teeth whitening appointments to realize their dream smiles. If you or someone you know is considering porcelain veneers give our Sullivan cosmetic dentists a call for more information. As always we can be reached at (573) 321-4008, and we’re here to help!

A patient of mine, Ryan, came in for his regular appointment recently. His teeth were in pretty good shape, and for the most part he thought that his dental routine was going well. He did have one concern, however (which he almost didn’t even mention), his wife had told him that he was snoring throughout the night, and that sometimes it sounded like he was gasping for air. Ryan wanted to know if this could mean that his teeth were shifting around. I told him that his bite and dental alignment were the same, but that the symptoms he described could be the results of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a chronic condition in which a patient experiences obstructed breathing in the night. Many patients actually stop breathing for seconds or minutes at a time. Sleep apnea patients often suffer from fatigue, concentration problems, and irritability because they are not getting sufficient quality sleep. As I was explaining this condition to Ryan he become visibly concerned, “Is sleep apnea dangerous?” he asked.

Sleep apnea, left untreated, causes chronically low oxygen levels, and may contribute to increased adrenaline and stress levels. As a result untreated sleep apnea patients have a higher risk of suffering from:

·      Painful headaches

·      Strokes

·      Heart disease

·      Diabetes

·      Hypertension

·      Respiratory problems

·      Memory impairment

Our Sullivan sleep apnea dentists were able to fit Ryan with a comfortable and effective dental appliance that allowed him to breathe normally at night. He started feeling better rested, more focused, and energized. And best of all, he knew that was no longer putting himself at risk for serious health problems down the road. Timely, effective sleep apnea treatment lowers the risk of long-term health complications, so if you think you or someone you know my be suffering from sleep apnea, give our Sullivan sleep apnea dentists a call for more information or to schedule an appointment— (573) 321-4008.

We all know that as we age our appearance changes.  Environmental and biological factors can make us look tired and worn down.  What many patients don’t readily acknowledge is that the same thing is true for your teeth! As dental enamel ages it becomes thinner and naturally becomes darker in appearance. Additionally, cumulative stains and discoloration over time can mar a patient’s smile. All of these cosmetic problems can cause your smile to look years older than it really is.

The good news is that we now have a variety of cosmetic treatments that can brighten your smile again. Depending on your oral health, cosmetic concerns, and dental goals, you may benefit from one of many teeth whitening treatments.

The most common way of whitening dental enamel is through competent and regular dental cleanings. Patients who floss and brush regularly can minimize staining and sometimes prevent serious discoloration. Professional cleanings actually remove stains and discoloring dental debris. If you’d like to keep a white smile, it’s critical see your dentist for semi-annual cleanings.

If you already have stained enamel teeth bleaching treatments—which use hydrogen and carbamide peroxide—can bleach enamel, often lightening it several shades. Our Sullivan cosmetic dentists offer in-office professional whitening treatments that are both fast and effective. This is a very popular option that suits a variety of cosmetic patients.

If your teeth do not respond to conventional teeth whitening treatments, you may benefit from dental veneers. Veneers actually cover existing enamel, which means that your can achieve a white smile regardless of the current shade of your teeth.

Cosmetic teeth whitening treatments are more varied and effective than ever before. If you’d like more information, or you want to discuss your situation with one of our Sullivan cosmetic dentists, give us a call at (573) 321-4008.

Last week I met with a patient, Mark, who had recently suffered severe tooth loss in an accident. Mark had lost three teeth, and he was worried about how he could repair his smile as quickly as possible. Mark’s job requires him to work with customers on a regular basis, and he found that with missing teeth he just wasn’t confident speaking to people anymore.

When I mentioned to Mark that our Sullivan dentures dentists may be able to help him he looked surprised. “But Doctor, I still have all of these teeth! How am I supposed to wear dentures?” Mark was thinking of complete dentures—dentures which replace all teeth on the upper or lower jawline—so he didn’t understand how dentures could work from someone wanting to replace three teeth. The truth is there are two types of dentures—partial and complete dentures.

Partial dentures are used when we are replacing teeth but there are still natural teeth along the gumline. Partial dentures are anchored by these natural teeth, allowing them to fit tightly and remain stable in the mouth. Partial dentures also keep natural teeth from shifting in the mouth after tooth loss.

Complete dentures replace all teeth on the upper or lower jaw line. Many of us think of complete dentures when we hear the word “denture,” and Mark was no exception. Complete dentures are custom-fitted to  the gums so that they can stay in place with adhesive.

Mark ended up using partial dentures to replace his missing teeth and he’s thrilled with the results. With a simple partial denture he is now able to smile and speak with ease—some of his customers have even complimented his refreshed smile! If or you someone you know may benefit from partial or complete dentures feel free to give our Sullivan dentures dentists a call to get more information— (573) 321-4008.

Sleep apnea is a devastating condition. Obstructed nighttime breathing can cause annoying problems for sleep apnea sufferers and their bed partners—snoring, restless tossing and turning, and choking and gasping at night. Even scarier, long-term oxygen deficiency due to sleep apnea can increase your risk for high blood pressure and diseases of the heart and arteries. The good news is that proactive, timely sleep apnea treatment can greatly reduce your risk of suffering long term complications, as well as restore a good night’s sleep for you and your partner! You can take control of your health by looking out for these key symptoms of sleep apnea:

Daytime Symptoms

• Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
• Concentration and memory problems
• Irritability

Nighttime Symptoms

• Disruptive snoring
• Restlessness during sleep—you may be tossing and turning and waking your partner up
• Chest pain
• Frequent heartburn feeling or sour taste in the mouth
• Obvious periods of stalled breathing—your partner may notice that you aren’t making regular breathing noises
• Waking up at night choking or gasping for air

Obviously these symptoms are annoying, sometimes even scary. If you see yourself or your partner in this list it’s time to act. Our O’Fallon sleep apnea dentists can give you more information and help you get the treatment you need. Without effective treatment, sleep apnea can cause serious problems and keep you from feeling well-rested and refreshed. We’re here to help—give our O’Fallon sleep apnea dentists a call at (573) 321-4008.