Restore Your Dental Health with Bridges

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Bad teeth are not wanted by anyone. Poor dental health leads to a poor smile and poor self-esteem. It is not all about looks when you have trouble speaking and eating, too. No matter how bad your teeth are, get the missing ones fixed with the use of dental bridges. Bridgework is a major form of restorative dentistry that you should know about.

The Purpose of Bridges

First, know the main purpose of getting dental bridges in the first place. The bridges are prostheses that replace the large spaces caused by missing teeth. There are several reasons why people use this procedure:

  • Serious accidents that affect the teeth
    • Falls
    • Drug use
    • Poor hygiene
    • Medications

Some people knock out their teeth in car wrecks or serious falls. Other people just have bad eating habits that cause them to get tooth infections and lose their natural parts.

Drug use is another reason why people lose their teeth. Some drugs are worse than others at rotting out the teeth completely. Certain medications are not good for dental hygiene.

The false teeth are attached to metal bridges that are attached to your natural teeth. As a result, your own teeth become fuller, so your smile looks straighter and more attractive. The bridge procedure allows you to reshape your teeth and have an even line across.

The Procedure

You cannot complete a dental bridge procedure in a single day. You have to visit the dentist multiple times for checkups. It is a serious operation, so you need anesthesia within the mouth. After you come out of anesthesia, you should be able to continue your days as usual.

The Importance of Professionalism

Restorative dentistry is an important field similar to plastic surgery. Bridgework should only be practiced by an experienced dentist.

A good dentist has to analyze your teeth and the inside of your mouth and then find the best fitting prosthesis. In the end, if you work with a qualified professional, you get comfortable bridges that are attractive and long lasting.

Everyone has dental problems here and there, but some people get involved in accidents that require the use of bridges. You cannot use any kind of dentist to install your bridges. You need an experienced dentist to initiate the process and provide the most desirable results. You are encouraged to contact a qualified dental specialist at our office today.

Get a New Crown in One Day at Our Apex Dentist Office!

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One of the best things about the world of dentistry is that it’s constantly changing. Safer, better dental technologies are constantly being developed to help improve the patient experience. One of the best innovations to come about in recent years is the CEREC in-office milling machine, which allows dentists to mill crowns, inlays, and other restorations in just one 90-minute appointment. Below is more information about our Apex same-day crown services. 

What is a CEREC Machine?

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. Some dentists might refer to it as a “Ceramic Restoration” machine. Whatever you want to call it, this cutting-edge piece of equipment is able to digitally scan a patient’s mouth, design a replacement restoration, and mill the final product on the spot. Since the patient does not need to wait for results to come back from a dental lab, he or she can walk in needing a crown, and walk out wearing the final product, without having to wear a temporary crown for two weeks, as is the traditional procedure. 

What Should I Expect at a Same-Day Crown Appointment? 

When a patient comes into our Apex cosmetic dentist office for a new crown, veneer, or inlay, the first step is scanning the area of the mouth where the restoration is needed. Dr. Hansen or a member of his team will use a highly sensitive precision wand to digitally scan the area and build a virtual model of the mouth and teeth. One of the coolest part of this process is that the patient can watch the model being built on the screen!

Next, Dr. Hansen will inspect the virtual model to make sure it is an accurate representation of the patient’s teeth. If the model needs to be tweaked, he is able to perform alterations until it represents the patient’s mouth exactly. Once the digital model has been approved, the CEREC machine designs the crown, veneer, or inlay, and sends it to an in-office milling machine, which which creates the restoration out of color-matched porcelain. This restoration is final, not temporary, and is of the same quality we would expect to receive from a traditional dental lab.

Finally, the restoration is test-fitted to the area, final adjustments are made, and the restoration is permanently bonded to the tooth. The patient is able to achieve a perfect restoration in just a single visit.

Benefits of CEREC Crowns

Needless to say, CEREC is an amazing improvement over traditional dental methods, which typically require patients to wear a temporary restoration while waiting for the final result to be milled. Temporary crowns often become dislodged, and can then easily be swallowed or lost, leaving the tooth unprotected and at high risk for more damage. Plus, it’s just inconvenient to have to return for another appointment! The CEREC procedure allows patients to get fast dental restorations almost as soon as they are needed.

Get Same-Day Crowns in Apex from Hansen Dentistry! 

If you live in Apex, NC and are in need of a dental restoration, stop by Hansen Dentistry today. We can’t wait to meet you and help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile for life! 

Our Apex Dentist Explains the Treatment Process for a Dental Implant

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If you are missing a tooth, a dental implant is an excellent way to restore your smile and jaw alignment. No other form of tooth replacement so perfectly mimics the natural tooth structure, root and all, while leaving surrounding healthy teeth untouched. Below is some more information about our Apex dental implant treatments.  

Step One: Post Insertion in the Jaw  

After an initial consultation meeting to discuss your treatment plan and payment details, you will return again to our Apex dental office for the first part of your dental implant surgery: the insertion of a titanium post into your jawbone. This post will eventually be hidden beneath the gum line, and act as the artificial “root” of the tooth. Once the post has been inserted, you will wait for 3-6 months for the jaw and gum tissue to regrow. The gums and bone tissue will grow up around the implant, integrating with it perfectly. 

Step Two: Attaching the Post 

After a few months, your gums and jaw will have healed, and you will be able to return to our office for the second part of your treatment. Our Apex dentist, Dr. Hansen, will attach what is called a “post” to the implant. You might think of this as the scaffolding inside the new tooth’s crown. In order to attach the post, the dentist will need to remove a small amount of gum tissue. That is why you will once again wait several weeks for the tissues to heal. 

Step Three: Attaching the Crown 

Finally, you will return for your last appointment, where your dentist will attach a crown to the post. This crown restoration will look identical in color and texture to the teeth that are surrounding it. After making some adjustments for bite and fit, you will be ready to head out the door with a tooth that is just as sturdy and stable—if not more so—than the old one! 

Why Dental Implants Are Beneficial for Jaw Health

One reason why most dentists prefer dental implants to other dental solutions, like bridges and dentures, is that they give adequate support to the jaw. Once your tooth’s roots are gone, your jawbone begins to naturally deteriorate. This can cause changes in your facial shape, contribute to bite problems, and lead to painful jaw issues such as TMJ. The dental implant, by contrast, allows your jaw to stay strong and stable, preserving the health of your other teeth and your oral health as a whole.

Need a Dental Implant in Apex? 

We understand that the idea of a dental implant can be scary (even for grown-ups!) However, we are very fortunate to have this remarkable development in dentistry. Dental implants have a very high success rate and are almost unnoticeable to most patients. In fact, some of our patients who are returning for a dental cleaning do not remember which tooth is the implant tooth until we remind them! If you would like to schedule an appointment to learn more about our dental implant services, click here. 

What are Veneers? Ask Our Apex Cosmetic Dentist

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If your teeth are cracked, gapped, chipped, or stained, veneers are an excellent non-invasive dental procedure to consider. Veneers are simply a thin shield of synthetic material, either composite resin or porcelain, that are bonded to the front of the teeth, recreate the natural look of enamel. Below is some more information about veneers from our Apex general dentist office!

What Can Veneers Correct?

Veneers are able to correct discoloration, fractures, gaps, chips, and stains in teeth. They are also able to close small gaps and correct small misalignments. Veneers can accurately change the color, size, and strength of a tooth without requiring dental surgery.

Who Does Not Qualify for Veneers?

Unfortunately, dental veneers are not appropriate for all candidates. Situations which may exclude the possibility of veneers include:

  • Unhealthy teeth which have been eroded by gum disease and decay
  • Weakened teeth which lack the necessary amount of base enamel
  • Teeth that are severely misaligned

Only a qualified dentist can determine if veneers are an appropriate choice for your teeth, so be sure to consult a professional before purchasing cheap online alternatives!  

How are Veneers Made? 

If your veneers will be made of composite resin, your dentist will usually be able to sculpt and bond them on-site during your second appointment. However, the majority of veneers are made of porcelain, because it is more durable, long-lasting, and impervious to stains. For porcelain veneers, your dentist will take a mold of your teeth and send it to a laboratory for fabrication. If your teeth are extremely stained or damaged, your dentist will be able to place a temporary veneer for you to wear during the waiting period.

How are Veneers Applied?

Once your veneers are ready for application, your dentist will lightly buff your teeth so that they can adhere to them more easily. Usually, about one millimeter of the tooth surface will be removed. Then, your dentist will carefully place each veneer over your teeth to verify that the fit and color match those of the original teeth. When your dentist is satisfied with the veneer’s fit and appearance, he or she will apply a cement bond beneath them, and cure the cement with a light beam for about 60 seconds.

Schedule an Appointment with Hansen Dentistry in Apex NC

Veneers are one the most effective, least invasive ways to correct dental blemishes and enhance your smile. If you’re ready to begin the process of applying your veneers, contact Hansen Dentistry in Apex today!

Am I a Candidate for Invisalign? Ask Our Apex NC Cosmetic Dentist

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You may have already heard of Invisalign, a modern alternative to traditional orthodontic braces which uses a series of clear plastic aligners to move the teeth. Since Invisalign has many significant benefits over traditional braces, many of our patients are interested in the treatment. However, not every smile is a good fit for Invisalign, and certain circumstances might require the traditional method.

Only your dentist can determine whether Invisalign is right for you, but here are some signs we look for when assessing whether a patient is a good candidate.

Dental Issues Helped by Invisalign

Generally, Invisalign is best-suited for patients with mind dental and orthodontic issues, such as:

  • Mildly crooked teeth
  • Protruding teeth
  • Mild overbites
  • Mild underbites
  • Wide gaps in the teeth
  • Overcrowding of teeth
  • Mild open bites (teeth that do not touch when the mouth is closed)
  • Mild crossbites (when the upper and lower teeth are misaligned)

When Invisalign May Not the Best Choice

Invisalign is usually not recommended for harsher dental issues, especially issues that require the jaw alignment to be corrected, such as extreme overbites and underbites. .  Invisalign aligners can move crooked teeth, but they do not have the ability to actually shift a person’s jaw into a different position.

Invisalign is also generally not recommended for children. This is because juvenile teeth are still growing and have not reached their final stage of development. Children also generally do not have the dedication or self-control to successfully finish the Invisalign treatment. Since the Invisalign trays can be easily removed at any time, and since all tooth realignment will cause some soreness, it is usually very difficult for children to keep the trays in for the recommended 22 hours per day they should be worn.

Get Invisalign and More at our Apex NC Dentist Office

If you live in the Raleigh, Cary, or Apex NC area, and are interested in correcting your smile with Invisalign, stop by Hansen Dentistry for a consultation. Dr. Hansen will examine your teeth and determine whether Invisalign is a good treatment option for you. Remember that only an experienced dentist should make this decision—if you have already decided that you don’t qualify for Invisalign, you might be wrong!

To schedule a dentist appointment with us, click here.

Our Apex Dentist Explains Why Overbites are More Than a Cosmetic Issue

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More than a cosmetic issue: How malocclusions harm your teeth

If you have been to the dentist lately, you may have learned that you have a malocclusion—in layman’s terms, an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or other type of situation that prevents the upper and lower teeth from aligning correctly. While many people believe that their underbite or overbite is simply a cosmetic issue, malocclusions affect far more than your appearance. Below are some ways dental malocclusions harm your teeth.

Tooth decay

There are three categories of malocclusion. In Class I, the teeth may be rotated, crowded, or too spaced-out for the upper and lower jaw to meet properly. It’s that second issue, overcrowding, that can lead to tooth decay. Because crowded teeth are much more difficult to clean properly, patients may struggle with oral hygiene despite their best efforts. Flossing can be challenging if teeth are grouped too tightly, and brushing might not reach all the hiding places where bacteria live. Therefore, fixing crowded teeth isn’t just a matter of having a pretty smile; it’s actually a matter of preserving your long-term oral health.

Worn tooth enamel 

If your teeth are not properly aligned, or if some teeth jut out higher than the others, they will get worn down over time from normal talking and chewing. This is problematic because your enamel protects the sensitive dentin beneath it, and once it’s gone, your teeth will be more susceptible to cavities and bacteria (not to mention, a lot of pain and discomfort.) Re-aligning your teeth into their correct positions helps ensure long-term protection (and no painful, expensive procedures in the future!)

Jaw pain (TMJ)

The human jaw has evolved to operate based on one type of tooth arrangement. Uneven teeth can impact the muscles of the jaw, causing long-term problems usually referred to as TMJ, or Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome. This condition is characterized a pain in the jaw joint; head and neck pain; facial pain; ear pain; frequent headaches; a jaw that is locked in position or difficult to open; problems with biting; and jaw clicking or popping sounds when the patient bites. While you might not develop severe TMJ from a misaligned jaw, you are certainly at risk for it, and it is probable you will develop at least one of the symptoms, such as jaw clicking or headaches.

Speech impediments 

The shape of our mouths is critical when it comes to forming words and communicating. Malocclusion can lead to speech problems, especially for young children just getting a grasp on language. Speech problems can have a significant impact on an individuals self-esteem, social interactions, and job or school performance—so it’s not a minor thing! If your teeth are interfering with the way you communicate, it’s important to have them corrected.

Avoid these issues with our Apex Dentist today! 

As much as Dr. Hansen and the rest of the team at Hansen Dentistry want you to have a beautiful smile that looks great in pictures, we are much more concerned about preserving your long-term oral health! Correcting crooked, misaligned, or gapping teeth is primarily about keeping your teeth strong and cavity-free over the course of your lifetime. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using Invisalign trays to move the teeth into alignment. To learn more about how Invisalign can help you, call us now for a consultation!

How Our CEREC Machine Helps Us Give You Same-Day Crowns in Apex!

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If you have ever dreaded the idea of visiting the dentist or have postponed scheduling dental work you knew you needed, you are not alone. Dental procedures have changed for the better, and at Hansen Dentistry in Apex, NC, we blend proven techniques with outstanding customer service.

Would you believe us if we told you that you could receive customized, natural looking crowns or bridges that fit perfectly, in a single office visit? Believe it! Dr. Rylan Hansen and provides custom dental crowns and bridges using the CEREC system: where old school service meets state-of-the-art technology.

What is CEREC?

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic. Like the name suggests, each restoration the system produces is made from ceramic (read: no more metal!).

If you opt for a CEREC crown or bridge, you will not need to endure traditional putty impressions that often cause gagging. Instead, Dr. Hansen will use a 3-D imaging system to gather all the data necessary. You also will not wait days or weeks while a lab technician creates your restoration, then return for a second visit to have the restoration placed. Even better, you won’t need to wear a temporary crown that could come loose and cause embarrassment or hassle.

How does CEREC work?

After imaging your teeth, Dr. Hansen will use CEREC software to design your custom restoration, for a secure fit and balanced bite. He will insert a CEREC Block that matches the shade of teeth surrounding the location of the restoration in your mouth. The CEREC Block will be turned, sculpted, and contoured in the system’s milling unit. This process takes about an hour.

After the dentist provides a local anesthetic to numb the affected area, he will seat the custom-made crown or bridge. Once he determines that your bite is properly aligned with the new restoration, Dr. Hansen will permanently cement it in position. Your CEREC restoration will look and feel totally natural, and it will endure for many years to come.

With same-day service, you will save time and leave your first visit with a restored smile. No metal, no waiting, no fuss. This is certainly not your father’s dentist!

Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic (CEREC) is changing the way we think about restorative dentistry. CEREC is an effective, affordable service that brings together the customer service and care that patients expect and the high-tech performance and outstanding results they want.

Give CEREC a try.

Ready to give our CEREC same-day service a try? Contact us at (919) 363-8444 to schedule your appointment. Let us answer your questions and explain the details about CEREC.

Dr. Rylan Hansen and our team at Hansen Dentistry proudly serve our patients, listening carefully to all concerns, and providing solutions for great oral health. Learn more about the variety of dental services we offer, including family and pediatric dentistry, along with cosmetic, restorative, and surgical procedures. Our office is located at 800 West Williams Street, Suite 240, in Apex, NC.