The Importance Of Regular Dental Care

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When was the last time you paid Dr. Christian Willard at 248 Dental in Branson, MO, a visit? If you’re like many people, chances are it was more than six months ago. We hear the reasons why people neglect regular dental visits all the time: lack of money or quality dental insurance, busy schedules, and fear. However, your twice-yearly checkups are so important for your dental health and your overall health as well.

You may brush your teeth twice a day and even floss, and your teeth may feel fine, but regular dental checkups with Dr. Willard aren’t about addressing problems and reacting — they are about cavity prevention. No matter how much you brush and floss, there is still a chance that food or other debris can get lodged between your teeth, and there is also a chance that food and beverages can wear down your tooth enamel in between visits, making your teeth vulnerable to decay.

In addition to thorough teeth cleaning and polishing, these regular visits help us detect and prevent the onset of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. During your visit, we’ll check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. We’ll also check old fillings and restorations, as these can wear away over time from constant chewing, grinding, or clenching.

It’s important to know that the majority of dental problems do not become visible or painful until they are highly advanced. And, unfortunately, serious oral issues are painful and expensive to treat. A deep cleaning twice a year by our team at 248 Dental in Branson, MO, is the best way to hit all the spots you may have missed with brushing and flossing and prevent any problems that may have gone unseen.

Make sure your teeth get the professional attention they deserve! If you’re overdue for your next cleaning, please give Dr. Willard at 248 Dental in Branson, MO, a call at (417) 334-3876.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Transform Your Smile

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Don’t hide your smile, improve it! Cosmetic dentistry in Branson, MO, can help give you the confidence to smile again. Dr. Christian Willard of 248 Dental offers a variety of cosmetic treatments for all your dental needs.

Teeth Whitening

The first thing that most people who want to improve their smile think about is teeth whitening. Regular brushing keeps your teeth healthy, but for a truly bright white smile, you should consider professional whitening. In-office whitening only takes an hour and brightens your smile by up to eight shades.

Bonding

If you have chipped or cracked teeth your dentist may recommend this treatment. Using a dental bonding material, your dentist will fill and reshape your damaged teeth.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are another alternative to enhance your smile, provided by your cosmetic dentist in Branson, MO. They are thin shells that cover the front surface of your teeth to cover imperfections and give you a perfect smile.

Dental Implants

If you have one or more teeth that can’t be repaired with bonding or veneers or have a gap in your smile, dental implants are an excellent option because they can replace one or more teeth. Titanium posts are affixed to the patient’s jaw and it is on these that the replacement crown is bonded, making for a very long-lasting addition to your smile.

Your dentist can find the best combination of cosmetic treatments specifically for you.

Don’t Delay

If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry treatments in Branson, MO, please give Dr. Christian of 248 Dental a call today at (417) 336-2404.

Which Dental Implants Are Right For Me?

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Whether through dental disease or contact sport, losing a tooth leaves an unsightly gap in your mouth. No one wants that. In the past, missing teeth were replaced by loose dentures and bridges. The modern solution is to insert permanent artificial teeth directly into your jaw bone. The advantage of this method is it provides a root replacement and prevents jaw bone loss. Dr. Christian Willard provides dental implants from 248 Dental in Branson, MO. He is a trained specialist who helps restore patients’ natural smiles.

Differences Between Two Implant Types

Standard and “mini” dental implants provide a permanent solution to tooth loss. Standard implants are more stable, durable, and can handle the greater force of chewing food. They consist of small titanium rods that are surgically implanted into your jaw bone. On top of the rod is an attachment that receives the tooth’s crown. The implants come in single tooth configuration or multiple teeth implants.

The “mini” implants consist of much smaller, thinner titanium rods implanted into the bone and have small ball connections to anchor the O-rings that attach the tooth’s crown. Due to their smaller size, they can fit into the smaller areas of your mouth. Of course, they may not be as durable as the standard implants, but one of their advantages is that the “mini” implants may also be used to provide additional anchoring for a set of regular dentures.

Should I Choose Standard or Mini Implants

During your appointment to assess for dental implants in Branson, MO Dr. Willard will examine the condition of your mouth, taking into account the state of the underlying bone and any remaining teeth before advising you which type of dental implants will work best in your unique situation. There are two types of implants used in specific situations, and he is the expert who knows which is the best type for you.

The standard implants require substantial bone mass to be present for insertion and anchoring. If you have already experienced some bone loss from the area, there may not be enough bone left for the proper placement of a standard implant. That is why the smaller sized and differently designed “mini” implant may be used in places where bone loss has occurred without a need for a bone graft. Call Dr. Willard at 248 Dental if you live in Branson, MO or Hollister, MO, Springfield, MO, Forsyth, MO, on the number (417) 336-2404 to schedule your dental implant appointment. He will help you choose the best option for your mouth.