How to Talk to Your Kids About PPE

At South Charlotte Dentistry, our top priority is keeping our patients and their loved ones safe, healthy, and informed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have had to postpone or cancel your child’s dental appointments. Based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Dental Association (ADA), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as guidance from local and NC state governments, we have been limiting pediatric dental appointments to emergency procedures and urgent visits. As we begin accepting our patients back into the office, we want to ensure that you feel informed and safe about your children’s oral healthcare, but also that you know how to talk to your child about an upcoming appointment.

Going to the dentist can already be scary for a child, and visiting the dentist during the COVID-19 outbreak means that a dentist visit will almost certainly be different than what your child’s experienced before.  

A New Look at the Dentist to Keep Everyone Safe and Healthy

• Tell kids what to expect and why. You might say to an older child, “Your dentists and hygienists will be wearing their masks today, just like we wear masks at a grocery store. They also might have on more protective equipment like face shields, gowns, or goggles. You might think they look a little silly or maybe scary, but it’s a new thing they’re doing to stop germs.”
• Focus on the positive, and not on the bad things a virus can do. This might sound like, “Because of the virus going around, we’re all doing extra things to stop it from spreading. We get to help by wearing a mask when we walk into your appointment!”
• Let your kid show what they can do. You may invite your child to prompt you how are capable of stopping the spread of germs, by asking, “Can you show me how you put on and take off your mask? Great job!”
• Practice forehead temperature checks with your child, and offer rewards or encouragement for cooperation. Your visit may require a temperature check before entering. 
• Make sure your child understands what will be the same and different about the dentist visit. This sounds like, “When we go to the dentist tomorrow, we won’t get to play in the waiting room this time. Everyone there will be wearing a mask, and we’ll get to wear masks inside too. You’ll get to show your hygienist how good your teeth look and how you’ve been flossing! Dr. Wells will be there too. He’ll be wearing a mask and face shield. You’ll still get to choose a sticker when you’re done getting your teeth cleaned!”

Talking with your child about PPE
How kids react to seeing or wearing a mask may depend on their age; older kids may not react at all, whereas toddlers and young kids may feel cautious and unsure. Young children rely on faces to read signals and feel safe; when a child sees a smile or familiar face, it can put them at ease. Masks can hide those important signals. Here are our tips for talking to your child about masks:

• If your child hasn't witnessed mask-wearing at home or in public, you may want to set aside a time and safe place for them to look, watch, react, and be comforted by a parent. A child feeling upset or afraid may just need the security of a parent’s lap and a soothing “It’s ok” to calm them.
• Give kids time to practice wearing their masks before they may need to wear one outside of the home. Practice putting them on, spending a few minutes walking around, playing in a mask, and properly storing or disposing of the mask.
• Encourage kids to decorate their masks or choose a pattern for their masks. This gives kids a feeling of control over the situation, and a personal touch may make them more encouraged to want to wear their masks.
• Create no-sew masks together. Older kids may enjoy creating a mask, and you can create them with materials you probably already have around the house!
• Make wearing a mask fun! Younger kids react positively when a situation involves a sense of play. Encourage your child to wear their mask and pretend to be a doctor, nurse, or dentist! Have them put a mask on a stuffed animal, and then ask follow-up questions to the child on why the animal is wearing a mask. You’ll be able to clear up confusion and assess any anxieties your child might have about wearing a mask through this type of role-play.

Keep having those open, honest, and factual conversations with your children about COVID-19.
The CDC has great resources on how to talk to children about COVID-19, with age-appropriate tips on what to focus on and what facts to share with your child. We’re committed to the health and safety of our patients at South Charlotte Dentistry, and we encourage you to give us a call anytime. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about our safety protocols or what to expect at your child’s appointment.

Custom Fitted Mouth Guards

The Importance of Scheduling Your Child a Back-to-School Check-Up (And What to Expect)

Regular dental checkups are a critical part of ensuring your child’s health and well-being. By taking a close look at your child’s teeth, a dentist is able to detect potential problems early on, which is when problems are easiest to treat. During a visit, you can expect the dentist (or oral hygienist) to thoroughly clean your child’s teeth and take an overall assessment of their oral health. This will help the dentist determine your child’s risk of tooth decay and other common issues.

Along with the cleaning process, the dentist may want to apply fluoride or a sealant to fight tooth decay, as well as perform an x-ray and/or other types of diagnostic procedures. Moreover, you can expect the dentist to discuss oral hygiene habits and diet, along with going over how to brush and floss their teeth effectively.

If your child is due for a checkup, now is the time to schedule an appointment with South Charlotte Dentistry. Below, we will discuss what the process might look like in more detail, as well as potential orthodontic procedures that could improve your child’s dental health.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A BACK-TO-SCHOOL CHECKUP
While regular dental checkups, which are typically every six months, are essential to oral health, getting one right before the school year starts is the best time for children. This is primarily because it helps to combat cavities—the most common chronic oral health disease found in school-age children. On the whole, more than 51 million hours of school are missed by children in the United States every year because of dental disease.

Along with reducing the likelihood of school absenteeism, the early detection and prevention of back-to-school checkups can help to keep your child from experiencing eating issues, speaking issues, pain, and many other difficulties throughout the year. So, be sure to plan ahead and schedule an appointment as soon as possible to make sure your child gets in!

YES, IT IS SAFE 
With everything going on with the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be wondering if now is a good time to send your child to the dentist. After all, it wasn’t long ago when dental offices across the country were shuttered, seeing only patients with serious cases like tooth pain and infections. However, now that restrictions have been loosened, dental offices are allowed to open for regular checkups.

And yes, it’s safe. In fact, both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed that not a single case of COVID-19 has been transmitted in a dental office. Additionally, dental offices (including ours) are taking extra precautions recommended by the CDC to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

GETTING TEETH CLEANED 
Let’s talk more about what you can expect when your child comes in for a teeth cleaning:

There will be a physical exam.
The first stage of your child’s dental checkup will most likely be the exam. This is where a dental hygienist will take a close look at the entire mouth. By using a small mirror, the hygienist will examine the teeth and gums for any potential issues, such as gingivitis. If they come across any concerns, the hygienist may call in the dentist to evaluate your child’s teeth and gums. Then, they will determine whether to proceed with the cleaning or take other action.

The hygienist will tackle plaque and tartar. 
If the cleaning proceeds, the next step will be to address any plaque and tartar buildup. The hygienist will use the mirror along with a scaler to remove plaque and tartar in between the teeth and around the gum line. This scraping can be a little scary for school-age children, so it’s important to prepare them for this part of the process beforehand. And if there is an excess amount of tartar in the mouth, it may take a little longer for the hygienist to remove it.

Besides telling your child what to expect during the scraping process, be sure to enforce proper brushing and flossing habits at home, as this is the only way to prevent plaque from hardening into tartar. And when your child has tartar on their teeth, it must be removed by a professional. Thus, make sure your child understands the importance of brushing and flossing.

The hygienist will brush your child’s teeth.
Once all the tartar is removed from your child’s teeth, the hygienist will then brush them with an electric toothbrush. Unlike conventional electric brushes used at home, however, the electric brush your child’s hygienist will use is high-powered, which means that it does an excellent job of deep cleaning teeth, albeit the grinding noise can be loud and startling to children. This is another thing you will want to discuss with your child before the visit.

Along with the high-powered electric brush, your child’s hygienist will use a professional-grade toothpaste for the cleaning. Kids usually don’t mind this part, because the toothpaste tastes and smells like normal toothpaste. However, the texture is gritty, which helps to remove stains from teeth while also polishing them. This heavy-duty kind of cleaning is good to have done twice a year, but it’s important that your child knows not to brush too hard at home because it can erode the enamel of their teeth.

The hygienist will floss between your child’s teeth.
After the deep cleaning, your child’s hygienist will floss between your child’s teeth and gums. Not only does this step help the hygienist to spot any potential places where your child’s gums may bleed, but it also helps to remove any plaque, toothpaste, and other debris that was missed during the cleaning.

Your child will rinse. 
Then, your child will rinse their mouth. This helps to rid their mouth of any leftover debris, and the liquid fluoride that your child’s hygienist will likely give them to rinse with will add another element of protection for your child’s teeth.

The hygienist will apply fluoride. 
The final step of a basic teeth cleaning involves the dental hygienist applying a fluoride treatment to your child’s teeth, which is meant to protect them from cavities for three to four months. Most likely, your child will choose a flavor of treatment, and then the hygienist will place a mouthpiece filled with a foamy gel or sticky paste over your child’s teeth and let it sit for about a minute. Finally, the hygienist will use a small brush to apply a fluoride varnish on your child’s teeth, which will dry immediately. 


GETTING BRACES 
Part of a checkup is evaluating the need for any orthodontic corrections. Braces are still one of the most popular such improvements, particularly among children. 

The Benefits of Braces
Getting traditional braces can do wonders for your child’s smile and, more importantly, oral health. If your child has overcrowded teeth, crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, and/or poor alignment of the upper and lower jaws, braces are worth considering because of their proven history to work. Here are some of the long-term benefits that braces can yield for a child who needs orthodontic correction:

• They can help you chew food more easily.
• They can help you speak more clearly.
• They can make it easier to brush, floss, and clean teeth.
• They can reduce the frequency of grinding and chipping teeth.
• They can help prevent protruding teeth (and the injuries they can cause).
• They can reduce cavities and the likelihood of periodontal disease.

Along with these benefits, braces can also boost your child’s self-esteem and confidence. While these reasons may not be as dire as your child’s health, they do play an undeniable role in your child’s mental and emotional health and wellbeing.

The Best Ages for Braces
Your dentist should be able to evaluate your child and determine the best course of action as far as orthodontic corrections go. That is, they should be able to tell you whether braces or another type of correction will work best, and if it’s braces, then when to do it.

Generally speaking, it’s best for children to get braces while their head and mouth are still growing. However, it’s also essential that the child can shoulder the responsibility of maintaining their oral health through brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and knowing what foods and drinks to avoid.

Furthermore, the child needs to be able to identify and communicate any pain they may be experiencing. This leaves the middle school years (roughly ages 11-14) as the ideal period in which to get braces. Nonetheless, it’s never too late to get braces, as they can prove helpful for teens and adults as well.


GETTING INVISALIGN
Another common product for orthodontic correction is Invisalign. Rather than using metal or plastic brackets and rubber bands/wires to reposition teeth (as braces do), Invisalign (“invisible aligners”) treatment serves the same purpose by using clear guides that fit over the teeth. Therefore, they are far less noticeable than traditional braces.

But there are many more benefits to using Invisalign than mere aesthetics. Here are some ways that Invisalign can be a better choice over traditional braces:

They are easier to clean.
While traditional braces can prove very effective long-term, they are a hassle when you’re wearing them, and this is especially the case for children. With Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about the impossible task of keeping your brackets clean; instead, you simply remove the aligner trays and brush them with toothpaste and warm water whenever they need cleaning.

They are lower-maintenance. 
When you have traditional braces, you have to take periodic trips to a dental office to get the rubber bands or wires tightened. This is unnecessary with the Invisalign treatment, as you will be given aligner trays for every phase of the process. Therefore, when it’s time, your child can just move onto the next aligner tray without having to visit the dentist.

They are more comfortable.
Braces are not known for being comfortable. And it’s not hard to understand why: The tension caused by the constant tightening of brackets, rubber bands, and/or wires hurts. Also, brackets can easily slip off or reposition to where they cut into your gums, tongue, or cheek. All of these issues are eliminated when you use Invisalign.

They don’t require adjustments for eating. 
Eating and drinking are much easier with Invisalign because all you have to do is remove your aligner trays beforehand. Then, you can brush and floss your teeth like you normally would before reinstalling the trays.

They work.
Last but not least: Invisalign treatment is effective. It can lead to major improvements if your child has crowded teeth, gaps in teeth, crossbite, overbite, underbite, and other misalignment issues. This in turn can significantly reduce the rate and risk of your child getting cavities and gum disease.

Conclusion
Now is the perfect time to schedule a back-to-school dental checkup for your child at South Charlotte Dentistry. Remember what you’ve read about the cleaning process so that you can help your child prepare for the big day. Also, look into the differences between traditional braces and Invisalign, along with factoring in the opinion of your child’s dentist, so that you can make a sound decision if your child needs orthodontic correction. Most importantly, remember that it’s safe to pay us a visit!

Is it Safe to Visit the Dentist in Light of Covid-19?

As we find ourselves navigating through this pandemic, it is difficult to know how to deal with previously normal circumstances, such as visiting the dentist. If I have a toothache or am in need of some form of emergency dentistry, what do I do? The answer: come see us at South Charlotte Dentistry—we’re still open! Our method of operating has had to change a little, but we are still seeing patients, which means there is NO reason for you to go to the ER for emergency dental procedures. 

In the past two weeks, life has changed dramatically for everyone. We’ve gone from watching parts of the world shut down to seeing our very own little worlds close in around us. At this time, restaurants, bars, libraries, and more are shutting their doors and people are being encouraged to stay home in a mass effort to contain, and ultimately rid ourselves of this virus.

But in the midst of the sudden change, life must go on—at least as much as it possibly can. South Charlotte Dentistry is happy to announce we are staying open on a limited bases, as we continue to provide the best care for all of our patients.

How to Schedule an Appointment 
Since we are open for appointments only, we have set up an easy process for scheduling a time to come in.

Simply call our office at 704-759-0908 and press option one. You will then be prompted to set up a day and time that works best for you to come in. It’s that easy. When you do come in, you can wait in your vehicle until the exact time of your appointment, in which case you will be the only patient in the office.

Here are the steps for setting up and completing your appointment:
1. Call for an appointment.  

2. Show up at the scheduled time and wait in the parking lot.

3. Receive a call or text that we are ready for you to come in.

4. Walk into the office—where the door will be held open for you—and go through the lobby and directly into the dentist’s chair. (This is a lobby-free experience.)

5. The only contact is the gloved hands of the dentist with your teeth.

6. Once the appointment is over, you can check out virtually, as there is no need to make a stop at the front desk on your way out. 

Is it Safe to Come in?
Yes, it is. Our team spends hours each day deep-cleaning every surface and every tool used. Gloves and facemasks are worn the entire time, making your experience hands-free.

These are strange days we are living in, but they won’t be here forever. We will beat this thing and normalcy will return to our lives. But until then, know that South Charlotte Dentistry is still here for you. The most important thing is to make sure you come to us for your dental needs instead of the emergency room. With people flooding hospitals and overwhelming staff and resources, we don’t want to add to the overflow.

Maintaining Your Oral Health
Though it may be inconvenient sitting at home trying to shelter in place, you could use this time to do a little spring-cleaning of the teeth and gums. Keeping a routine is important, if not only for our own sanity, for our health as well.

Here are some tips we, at South Charlotte Dentistry, live by:

It’s important to brush your teeth in the morning and at night with fluoride toothpaste. In the morning it’s a good idea to begin with mouth wash, which breaks down plaque and food particles. Then thoroughly floss between each tooth to get those spots your toothbrush won’t reach. When brushing, hold the toothbrush at an angle pointing the bristles towards the gums. Brush, using back-and-forth motions on both the inside and outside of the teeth, making sure not to scrub too vigorously. Brushing too hard can cause the gums to recede and expose sensitive areas of the teeth. It is strongly advised to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush for two minutes a side and repeat the same process at night. 
It may sound a little strange (what doesn’t these last few days?), but even during a pandemic you still need to go to the dentist every six months. Here are four reasons why: 

1. 1. Removing Hardened Plaque. You know when you visit the dentist and he gets that sharp, silver hook tool and scrapes it against your teeth? Sometimes, he has to press extra hard and poke and prod. What he is doing is removing plaque from your teeth. Flossing and brushing twice a day can get most of it from your teeth, but little bits of plaque can remain and harden. In time that plaque will discolor and can cause damage to the teeth and gums if it’s not removed. Visiting us at least twice a year will keep this hardened substance from accumulating.
   2. Preventing Gum Disease. Bacteria in the mouth can cause gum disease, and most times it is not noticeable to the individual who has it until it’s festered. However, we can help prevent gum disease from ever occurring by professionally cleaning your teeth and gums. And if signs of gum disease show up, he can recommend the proper medication to help illuminate it.
   3. Preventing Cavities. Plaque and food particles can create cavities, which eat away at the teeth. And like gum disease, cavities can be difficult to notice right away. Unless you see us, that is. If they are found, cavities can be removed and the damaged tooth repaired, or, in extreme cases, the tooth will have to be pulled. Regardless, it is of the utmost importance that cavities are taken care of right away, as they can lead to more serious oral maladies.
   4. Preventing Oral Cancer. The thought of cancer can be scary, but it’s something that should not be ignored. Instead, it should be prevented. Seeing your dentist twice a year and having an oral exam can greatly help reduce your chances of contracting cancer of the mouth.

There are other reasons to keep your mouth clean. For instance, did you know cavities and gum disease, if left alone, could lead to serious medical problems such as heart disease? It’s true. Poor oral health can even affect other diseases, like diabetes, making them more difficult to control. This is why it’s so important to be sure you are caring for your teeth and gums correctly. 

Stuck Indoors and Snacking 
One of the toughest parts of being stuck at home is keeping from snacking. Whether out of boredom or the sweet or salty taste, it’s hard to stay away from them. But how do these sweets affect your teeth and gums? Well, too much of anything is bad for you, right? What happens when we eat a lot of sugary treats or even sip on too many cocktails, is the sugar combines with any plaque (hard or soft) in the mouth to create an acid. This acid then eats away at your teeth. And though this is a serious matter, as no one wants her teeth to be eaten away, it can be prevented. 

If you are regularly and correctly caring for your teeth twice a day, there are ways to still enjoy sweet foods and fresh drinks without damaging your teeth. If you are eating something high in sugar, gargle with mouthwash or water after you are finished. This will not completely clean the teeth and gums, but it can clear away enough unwanted matter before your brush next. As for drinks, try and find or make ones with fruit as a substitute for sugar. And, as with sugary treats, it's a good idea to gargle or have a glass of water after.

Teeth Whitening
While taking this time to maintain that oral health, it might be tempting to brighten that smile a bit with teeth whitening. But with so many whitening products out there, how can you be sure to get the best brand? Moreover, how can you be sure not to purchase a whitening kit that will damage your teeth? Here are four recommendations to consider when looking to brighten that smile: 

1. Stay away from trays and gels. This whitening system has been around the longest. The process involves heating a tray, filling it with whitening gel, and inserting it to the mouth to form a bond. The problem with this method is that it can take weeks for results to show. And, most people who use the tray and gels report having teeth sensitivity afterward. 

2. Use caution with whitening strips. The famous whitening strips have been around for ten years or so and have had a lot of success. Results can show in about a week, and the process is easy: simply fold the strip over your top and bottom rows of teeth and keep in your mouth for a short period of time. It is important to be cautious, however, not to overlap the strips onto your gums. Over time, this can cause irritation. Also, if you use the strips too often, your teeth can become sensitive.


3. When you have the time to wait, use paint-ons. The paint-on method solves the problem of the whitening agent interacting with interior soft tissues, such as the gums and inner cheek. You simply brush the whitening gel on each tooth and let it sit for a short period of time. Easy enough, right? The only downside to this method is it can take months before results can be seen, and you have to be diligent in getting the gel on each tooth daily.

4. Whitening devices. Though they may be a little more expensive than the others, whitening devices work the best. The device uses high-intensity lights to break down hydrogen peroxides to create more whitening oxygens on the teeth. The best part of using this method is your teeth will be much whiter in a matter of two days.

No matter what, remember that the most important things are to stay safe and stay calm—and to keep your mouth clean! Take care, and set up your dental appointment with us today.

Are You and Your Dog Too Close?

We love our pets, and as we find ourselves spending more time at home these days, an upside is being able to hang out with our little (or big) furry friends. But, if you are a dog owner could your oral health be at risk? Studies indicate those sweet doggy kisses we look forward to every day might be negatively impacting our gums and teeth.

It shouldn’t come as a shock that your dog’s mouth is filthy. Whether your dog resides inside the house or outside in the yard, doggy likes to lick and eat things that we wouldn’t pick up with our bare hands, some we wouldn’t dare look at with a naked eye. And when you go to kiss your dog—or let him slobber all over you—the germs picked up from the garbage or toilet or dead bird (or other places) are then transferred over to your mouth.

Recent research shows that pets, such as dogs and cats, share the same type of bacteria as humans that causes periodontal (or gum) disease. However, despite the fact we share the same or similar oral bacteria, there is no scientific evidence showing that humans can actually develop gum disease directly from a pet. In fact, there have been certain defenses found in the mouths of humans that actually combat outside germs, such as those from dogs and cats, and prevent them from developing into gingivitis, cavities, gum disease, etc.

That said, your dog’s mouth is still disgusting and teeming with germs. Simply relying on your body’s own defense systems to keep you healthy may not be wise. According to Dr. Villamizar-Martinez, an assistant professor in dentistry and oral surgery at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, “At the end of the day, it’s unlikely that you’ll get really sick from smooching your pet. But if you want to take those slim odds down a few notches, all the experts we spoke to agree that it’s probably better to show your affection in other ways.”

What You Could Catch
The odds are slim you will get sick from kissing your pet, but there is still a chance. So what could you catch?

According to the CDC, campylobacteriosis is the most common infection given to humans from their pets. Campylobacteriosis sounds like a good time, but it is actually an infection transmitted by the stool of an animal—an animal that may or may not seem or look sick. As we all know, animals tend to lick their rear-ends causing them to pick up particles of stool into their saliva, and well…there you go.

Once this is transmitted to a human, it can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain.
Giardia is another infection that can be transmitted from our pets. This is a tiny, intestinal parasite that can cause the following:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach Pain
• Nausea
• Gas
• Vomiting

Giardia is spread by the animal swallowing stool particles containing the parasite and passing it on to you; however, the risk of contracting this infection from your dog or cat is extremely low.
The truth is, even if you get one of these illnesses from your dog or cat, it probably won’t be serious—that is unless you have a weak immune system, in which case you should be careful how close you are getting to your pets.

Keeping Your Mouth Clean
The good news is there are ways to build up your own defenses against these nasty infections, and the best way to maintain a healthy relationship with your pet is by maintaining your own oral health. Follow these procedures and keep your mouth clean!

• Begin by brushing correctly. The best way is to brush in small, circular motions. This will keep the toothbrush bristles from pushing your gums away from your teeth, which causes irritations that can lead to any of the conditions previously listed.

• Floss every day. Flossing is incredibly important for your oral health. This keeps food from resting between your teeth, which begins to rot and aid in gum disease. Floss every morning or at night right before bed. Be sure not to jam the floss down on your gums. Use soft, clean motions, going back and forth. Hit every area between the teeth and rinse with water or mouthwash after.

• Watch your diet. Sugary drinks and foods, alcoholic beverages, even fatty meats can all have negative effects on your gums. You don’t necessarily have to cut these things out of your diet completely, but if you are the type of person who enjoys these on a regular basis, try and cut back a bit. At the very least, make sure you brush your teeth right after eating or drinking sugary or fatty substances.

South Charlotte Dentistry wants you to keep up on your oral health and show your pets the attention they need.

*Source: https://www.self.com/story/kissing-pet-health-effects

Should You Get Implant Overdentures? What They Are, The Benefits of Using Them and More

There are many downsides to missing teeth. The inability to chew properly limits your nutritional options. Talking clearly becomes all but impossible. If you don’t replace your missing teeth, your jaw bone can deteriorate over time, which results in facial shrinkage and the appearance of premature aging. Obviously, any and all of these consequences can result in embarrassment, diminished self-confidence, and a lower quality of life. 

So the question is: What can you do about your missing teeth? While there are several options to choose from, some of the options can prove ineffective and other options are simply too expensive for the average person. 

That’s where implant overdentures come in. While implant overdentures are not cheap, they are not the most expensive choice on the market, either. And they can actually prove less expensive than conventional dentures in the long run because they are durable and require minimal maintenance. 

Also, they are among the most effective teeth replacement solutions available.
In order to help you determine whether they are right for you, this article will discuss the nature and workings of implant overdentures as an alternative to conventional dentures, along with going through their benefits and other essential information. 

THE PROBLEM WITH CONVENTIONAL DENTURES
First of all, it’s important to understand that conventional dentures can still improve the lives of those with missing teeth. Getting dentures is a much better option than not doing anything at all because it provides you with a set of teeth and can slow down the process of bone loss in the jaw. However, there are two significant problems with conventional dentures:

1. They are less effective than some of the alternatives.
2. They are high-maintenance. 

Even with conventional dentures, daily tasks like speaking and eating can be difficult, particularly when it comes to harder or more challenging foods. Many patients worry that their dentures will slip and/or fall out while in public, which can be embarrassing. Also, most patients experience significant jaw bone loss over time, albeit at a slightly slower rate than someone with missing teeth. 

Conventional dentures are also much more high-maintenance than overdentures or fixed dentures. 
Though dentures and overdentures are similar in the fact that they must both be removed in order to prevent hygiene issues and bad breath, dentures don’t have the stability and support of implants to rely on. This means that they can wear out quite quickly, and when you factor in the bone loss that occurs, you are left with dentures that don’t fit properly. This causes many patients to have to get their dentures replaced or relined a number of times.

IMPLANT OVERDENTURES EXPLAINED 
So, let’s get into some of the details of what implant overdentures actually are, including how they work and what you can expect from the fitting process:

What Exactly Are Implant Overdentures?
Implant overdentures are a replacement solution for people who are missing multiple teeth or all of their teeth. They are similar to fixed dentures in that both are implant-supported. Unlike fixed implant dentures, however, overdentures are removable and generally larger, which makes for faster and easier cleaning as well as optimal facial support. 

Many patients with conventional dentures have experienced their teeth loosening or falling out during meals and conversations. Though you can find numerous adhesives and creams that aim to rectify this problem, they rarely work. With implant overdentures, you don’t have to worry about slippage or any similar issues, as overdentures provide optimal grip throughout the whole day. 

Also referred to as “snap-on dentures”, implant overdentures snap into channels that have been inserted into your gums. This means that the dentures are completely secure, which is why patients don’t have to worry about them shifting—even in the slightest.

How Do They Work? 
As the name suggests, implant overdentures are supported by implants. Occasionally, overdentures are placed over natural teeth, but most of the time implants are used. This means that, if you choose to get these overdentures, you will undergo a procedure where implants are placed in your upper and/or lower jawbone under the gums. Then, the implants will be allowed to adhere for a few months. 

Once your jawbone and gums are ready, abutments will be attached to the implants. A metal frame with three or more implants is typically used as the supporting structure in the upper jaw, while just two implants with no frame are most often used for the lower jaw. These implants are what provide the stability that sets overdentures apart from conventional dentures, as the overdentures remain fastened until they are removed for cleaning. Adding the prosthetic crowns and simulated gum tissue make for a secure set of natural-looking teeth. 

How Are They Fitted? 
The fitting process typically takes a number of months to complete. You will undergo a consultation with your dentist. This usually involves X-rays to ensure that your jaw is strong enough for implants, followed by a CT scan that will map out the underside of your gums. If approved for the implant overdentures, it will be time to begin treatment, which generally involves three procedures. 
The first procedure is where the dentist opens the gums and prepares the jaw for the dental implants. After placing the implants in the jaw, the dentist will sew the gums shut. Depending on the number of implants, among other factors, your mouth will be left to heal for two to six months. The purpose of this time period is not only for the jaw and gums to heal, but it also allows for the jaw to fuse with the implants on a cellular level. 

The second procedure involves the dentist reopening the gums and attaching healing collars to the implants. This is followed by a two-week period during which the gums will be allowed to heal. After this period, you will come in for the third procedure; the healing collars will be taken out and the support structures attached. This is also when an impression of your mouth will be taken to create a mold for your dentures and crowns. 

After the dentures and crowns are fabricated, you will return to the dentist to have them fitted. Once the overdentures feel comfortable to you, they will be attached to the supporting structures and adjusted as needed. 

10 BENEFITS OF CHOOSING IMPLANT OVERDENTURES 
Let’s go through the 10 primary advantages of using implant overdentures to see if they sound like an attractive option for you:

1. Stability
Conventional dentures are held in solely by adhesives, which makes them prone to slip during meals and talking. Overdentures, on the other hand, are securely fastened to implants. This provides optimum support and eliminates the fear of slippage. It also means that they will not wear down quickly as conventional dentures do. 
2. Removability
Fixed dentures are secure and stable, but they are more difficult to clean than implant overdentures. This is because overdentures can easily be removed by your dentist when you go in for your regular checkups and cleaning, which makes maintaining hygiene a breeze. 
3. Comfort
The difficulties with chewing and talking and the embarrassment of dislodging are major problems with conventional dentures. However, the frequent slippage of dentures can also cause painful sores in the mouth. This isn’t an issue with implant overdentures, as they are fitted to your exact specifications and fastened securely to support structures.
4. Customization
The fitting process that comes with implant overdentures will result in a set of dentures that comfortably and securely fits your mouth. Moreover, the dentures will look like a natural set of teeth, and they can even be shaped so that they don’t cover your palate, which makes talking and eating much easier. 
5. Slowing/Halting of Jaw Bone Loss
One of the most significant long-term advantages of implant overdentures is that they delay—if not stop altogether—the loss of jaw bone. The acts of chewing and eating stimulate your jaw bone, so when these acts are difficult for you to engage in, stimulation of the jaw bone declines. With overdentures, your jaw bone will continue to be stimulated, which will fight the shrinkage that occurs from missing teeth. 
6. Prevention of Facial Shrinkage
The shrinkage (resorption) process mentioned above refers to when the distance between your nose and chin shortens over time. This results in the sunken-in look that leaves many people to appear older than they really are. This can be prevented by replacing missing teeth with implant overdentures. 
7. Easier Chewing and Talking
With the secure and non-slip qualities that come with implant overdentures, you can engage in chewing and talking as if you had a complete set of natural teeth. Since you don’t have to worry about your dentures slipping or dislodging, you can enjoy your favorite foods, get the nutrition your body needs, and carry on conversations without the fear of embarrassment. 
8. Healthier Digestion
The ability to chew food more thoroughly makes it easier for your stomach to break down that food. This more efficient digestion means that your body can absorb more of the nutrients that help you live a healthy life. 
9. Improved Self-Confidence
It’s not hard to see how missing teeth or slipping dentures can harm one’s self-confidence. The reliability of implant overdentures, along with the fact that they look like natural teeth, can go a long way in helping you regain that much-needed confidence and overall quality of life. 
10. Costs Can Be Lower
While conventional dentures may cost less upfront, most patients have to get them relined or replaced a number of times. Implant overdentures require much less maintenance, and they can cost as low as half the price of fixed dentures. Therefore, they actually might be the most cost-effective option long-term, especially if you keep up with regular cleaning and maintenance.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
Implant overdentures are designed so that you can easily clean them each day. In fact, you should be able to brush and floss your overdentures the same exact way as you would a natural set of teeth, since they are custom-fitted to your mouth. 

Along with brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, it’s important to go to regular checkups at your dentist, which is typically every six months. During this visit, the dentist will be able to detach the overdentures from the implants for deep cleaning. Then, they will reattach them, make any necessary adjustments, and send you on your way. 

HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE A GOOD CANDIDATE 
Thanks to technological advancement in dental implants, most people are good candidates for implant overdentures. However, the only way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. After inspecting the location of your missing teeth, as well as the health of your jaw bone, your dentist will be able to recommend the best course of action. 

Conclusion 
Implant Overdentures are proving to be one of the most effective methods of replacing missing teeth. Nonetheless, the most important thing is that you address the issue of missing teeth, even if your dentist believes that fixed or conventional dentures will work best in your situation. Leaving the issue unaddressed can result in severe consequences for your overall health and well-being. 

Schedule an appointment South Charlotte Dentistry for a consultation to determine the best path forward!

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