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February 22nd, 2012
Tooth-colored fillings are certainly more attractive than their silver or amalgam predecessors. Fortunately, in dentistry, beauty alone is not enough to qualify any restorative material as acceptable. The restorative material of choice must first be biocompatible and safe for the body. It must also be strong enough to withstand the forces of eating and chewing. Finally, the material should be stable enough to endure the rapid temperature changes of the mouth as well as the constant moisture of the saliva. By offering tooth-colored fillings, your dentist has the ability to restore your teeth while adding strength and beauty.
For many years, amalgam was the most suitable restorative material available. Though not very appealing esthetically, amalgam was one of the few materials to meet or exceed the other important standards.
Today, your family dentist has access to state of the art dental materials that can address all of the clinical requirements while maintaining a higher level of esthetics. Tooth-colored fillings are an example of the advancements in available dental materials.
Right away, it is easy to appreciate the appearance of tooth-colored fillings. Available in a range of shades and multiple levels of translucencies, your dentist is able to blend these restorations perfectly with the shade of your enamel. Tooth-colored fillings will enable you to laugh and smile freely, with no worries about exposing dark silver fillings on the tops and sides of the teeth.
Impressively strong adhesive materials keep tooth-colored fillings bonded directly to the teeth. This bond adds additional strength to the teeth, but also reduces the risk of bacteria seeping in between the filling and the enamel. When bacteria are allowed to invade the space between the filling and the tooth, decay can develop; a major disadvantage to previously used materials such as amalgam.
Tooth-colored fillings can be made from various formulations of resins and porcelains that are safe for the body. These materials do not contain mercury or other questionable substances and do not conduct temperature sensations to the rest of the tooth. Patients typically notice significantly less temperature sensitivity in comparison to metal filling materials.
By offering tooth-colored fillings, your dentist has the ability to restore your teeth while adding strength and beauty. For more information about how tooth-colored fillings can improve your health and your smile, call Alpine Dental Center, serving the Thornton area, to schedule your appointment today.
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February 8th, 2012
 If your teeth are severely decayed, heavily worn down, injured or damaged, porcelain crowns might be the best treatment for restoration.
Conditions Treated with Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are highly versatile and can be used to treat a wide range of problems with your teeth. Your dentist can help you decide if crowns are the best possible treatment for your individual issues. Some problems treated with crowns include:
- Teeth damaged by trauma
- Severely cracked teeth
- Seriously decayed teeth
- Teeth that have been treated with a root canal
In many of these cases, treatment with a porcelain crown will help you keep a tooth that might otherwise require removal. Keeping your tooth intact will help maintain proper alignment of the rest of your teeth, preventing long-term problems with wear and tear, proper bite, or other issues that can affect your dental health.
How Porcelain Crowns Work
Porcelain crowns are placed in the same way as traditional metal crowns. First, the tooth is modified to make room for the crown to fit over it. Then your dentist makes a mold of the tooth, from which your permanent crown is manufactured. Porcelain crowns are made of a natural-looking material that matches the color of your other teeth.
While the final crown is being manufactured, your tooth will be protected with a temporary crown. When the permanent crown is completed, it replaces the temporary crown. The porcelain crown is bonded to the tooth with a special bonding agent. Your newly repaired tooth will look completely natural, without the distracting appearance of a metal crown.
To find out more about how porcelain crowns can help preserve your tooth and keep your smile bright and natural looking, please contact our Thornton CO office at 303-428-6367. We can evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment for your damaged, injured or severely decayed tooth.
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January 23rd, 2012
If you have periodontal disease, or gum disease, an ultrasonic cleaning can quickly and effectively do the scraping and planing that your Thornton family dentist typically did by hand.
With an ultrasonic cleaning, the machine uses ultrasonic vibrations that clean away tartar, decay and dental calculus that accumulate on your teeth. Like an in-home Water Pik, vibrating works to break away tartar and flush away tooth debris and accumulated bacteria. With an ultrasonic cleaning, the machine uses ultrasonic vibrations that clean away tartar, decay and dental calculus that accumulate on your teeth.
One of the great benefits of ultrasonic cleaning is that you don’t feel the vibrations or hear the machine’s sound waves, but you do feel how clean your teeth are afterward. What makes ultrasonic cleaning so perfect for those with gum disease, or gingivitis, is that your family dentist can clean thoroughly under your gum line.
Of course, ultrasonic cleaning cannot replace the skilled hand scaling of your experienced dentist or dental hygienist. When you have an ultrasonic cleaning, the key purpose is to remove large deposits of scale and tartar; the follow-up hand scaling takes care of the smaller details and deposits that aren’t washed away via ultrasonic cleaning.
Who is the best candidate for ultrasonic cleaning? If you have a lot of dental tartar or calculus on your teeth, then you may want to consider this procedure. If you have yellowed or discolored teeth, you may have a build up of dental plaque; you may also have swollen, red and inflamed gums that indicate gum disease. If not treated, these conditions can lead to tooth decay, and potentially tooth loss.
There are many benefits of ultrasonic cleaning, including:
- A complete, painless removal of dental tartar to improve oral health.
- A successful treatment to help prevent gum disease or its progression.
- The ability to remove stains and improve the appearance of your teeth.
Find out how an ultrasonic cleaning can improve your smile and the health of your mouth. Contact the office of Dr. Alan Gurman at 303-428-6367 today to see how we can make a difference in your smile.
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January 9th, 2012
 If you’re looking for a bright, beautiful smile, one of the easiest ways to achieve it is with Invisalign from your dentist serving Thornton Colorado. Invisalign is perfect for adults and teens who don’t want to bother with the aesthetics of traditional metal braces. Instead, these clear alignment trays are nearly invisible, so you can correct your smile without having anyone know.
The Invisalign alignment system consists of a series of specially crafted clear trays that are custom fitted to your mouth. Your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth and devise a treatment plan to achieve your specific teeth straightening goals. Depending on your treatment plan, your dentist will change the alignment trays every few weeks to accommodate your new tooth and mouth configuration.
The Invisalign system can correct many orthodontic conditions such as:
- Tooth overcrowding – when you have too many teeth or too little space for them to align properly, your teeth will become overcrowded.
- Tooth gaps – if you have missing teeth or misaligned teeth, you can have large gaps in your smile.
- Overbite – if your upper teeth project too far over your lower teeth, then you have an overbite. This can cause chewing and jaw problems if not corrected.
- Underbite – if your lower teeth project too far over your upper teeth, then you have an underbite. This can also lead to chewing and jaw problems.
- Crossbite – this is when one or more of your upper teeth fall inside your lower teeth when biting down.
One of the biggest considerations with wearing Invisalign trays is that they are not permanent like traditional metal braces. It takes a while to get used to consistently wearing them all day, every day and night. In order to achieve the desired results of straighter teeth, you must be disciplined in using the alignment system as directed by your dentist.
Invisalign can conveniently give you a healthy, bright smile. Call Alpine Dental Center at 303-428-6367 today to learn how you can benefit from the Invisalign system.
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December 21st, 2011
When we age, our body will not be able to heal itself as fast as it used to. This applies to both teeth and gums. Dr. Alan Gurman, your dentist serving Northglenn patients, wants you to have full use of your dentition in your old age. By incorporating proper dental hygiene into your daily life, you may not have to rely on dentures or dental implants when you reach your golden years.
Smoking constricts and reduces circulation. This is why many smokers have gingival tissue that is darker than the normal shell-pink color. All forms of tobacco can lead to periodontal problems, tooth loss and oral cancer. Your dentist understands that it may be hard to quit cold-turkey. You can enroll yourself in a support group to help you through the first few months.
Improper brushing techniques can also damage your teeth and gums. You can brush the occlusal portion with horizontal strokes and use the Bass technique for the other surfaces. Angle your brush at a 45 degree angle so the bristles rest on the area where teeth and gums meet. Move the toothbrush towards the incisal edge to remove the plaque found on the gumline. Repeat the procedure a few times to rid the area of plaque build-up. The procedure should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Your dentist would be happy to demonstrate this technique during your next visit.
Our alveolar bone is made up of osseous tissue and you may notice that older individuals who do not wear dentures exhibit a shrunken mandible or maxilla which purses their lips. Upon close inspection, the jawline will show resorption. This can be a problem if the patient wants dentures or implants. To keep your bones healthy, incorporate foods that are high in calcium into your diet. If you have lost a tooth, consider dentures or implants to prevent jaw shrinkage.
People with heart problems or diabetes need to prevent plaque from building up because it can actually worsen their medical condition. There are studies that show a link between periodontal problems and the fore-mentioned diseases. Individuals with familial history can lessen their risk of developing these conditions by maintaining proper oral hygiene, monitoring their food intake and regular exercise.
Contact Alpine Dental Center today to learn more and to schedule a consultation.
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December 7th, 2011
 Our oral cavity requires as much care as the rest of our body. We use our teeth to break down the food we eat and our tongue is a hyper-sensitive sensory mechanism that helps us taste every morsel we ingest. Many people focus on the superficial needs of their mouth without fully understanding that this structure is also a breeding ground for bacteria if not maintained properly. To maintain your oral health, it would be best if you visit Dr. Alan Gurman, your dentist serving Thornton CO, regularly for plaque debridement and check-ups.
Brushing and flossing regularly is essential to keep the bad bacteria at bay. Make sure you incorporate this into your daily lifestyle, especially if you are fond of beverages that can stain the teeth. Drinking coffee, tea and red wine or smoking increases your risk of stains that will require bleaching treatments to resolve. It is imperative that you maintain your dental hygiene by meticulously brushing your teeth.
Plaque build-up can lead to tooth loss. When the soft, cheese-like matter hardens, it will turn into calcular deposits. This shell-like deposit can seep into the free gingival and give bacteria an entry point to subgingival structures like your periodontal ligament or roots. Once the bacteria have settled down in the area, the colonization will lead to periodontal problems.
An infected pulp chamber will require your dentist to perform root canal treatment. If it is left untreated, an abscess could develop. This will cause extreme discomfort because it involves the alveolar bone and the supporting structures. Your immune system will try to combat the foreign organisms and this will cause an inflammatory response. The patient will notice that the area around the tooth is swollen. There will usually be discomfort in the area when the specific tooth is used to chew food.
If this is not resolved, the bacteria may travel to the nervous tissue, maxillary sinus and in severe cases, even the brain. Your oral cavity is made up of vital tissue. Although we have an immune system that fights infections, we are not invincible. Ask your dentist for tips on how to maintain excellent dental hygiene.
To schedule your next exam, call Alpine Dental Center at 303.428.6367 today!
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November 22nd, 2011
Tooth whitening is one of the easiest and most popular treatments offered by cosmetic dentists. In only an hour, the look of your teeth can be dramatically improved, turning a brown, yellow or dingy smile into a bright, white smile you can be proud of. Teeth whitening in Thornton can give you self confidence and security about your looks with little risk and few side effects.
How Tooth Whitening Works
Most professional teeth whitening is performed in the dentist’s office, though more stubborn staining might require an at-home approach. Typically, your dentist paints a whitening agent on your teeth which is then left in place for about twenty minutes. It is then removed and re-applied. Most teeth whitening sessions last an hour, and can produce dramatic results, lightening your teeth anywhere from five to ten shades.
For at-home tooth whitening, your dentist will supply special trays for you to wear, usually for fifteen minutes at a time, twice a day. This provides increased exposure to the whitening agent, making it more likely that stubborn or severe staining can be treated.
Tooth Whitening and Safety
Teeth whitening is a very safe procedure. For in-office whitening, the dentist places a protective gel on your gums and lips before the whitening agent is applied. This will protect these sensitive tissues from direct contact with the whitener. If the whitening agent does make contact with your lips or gums, there might be some irritation or discomfort, but it will not be severe, and it will wear off quickly.
Tooth whitening can have mild side effects. These include increased sensitivity in the teeth as well as mild irritation to the lips and gums. These side effects are more common with over-the-counter whitening products and take-home professional products. With over-the-counter products, you are more likely to accidentally let the whitener contact the soft tissues of the mouth, leading to irritation. Take-home professional kits often include a stronger whitening agent, which can lead to temporarily increased tooth sensitivity.
If you’d like to find out more about making your smile the best it can be with teeth whitening, please contact the office of Dr. Alan Gurman at 303.428.6367 today.
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November 8th, 2011
 Even a single missing tooth can have a dramatic impact on how you feel about your looks. However, the side effects of a missing tooth are more than just aesthetic. Missing teeth can affect other aspects of your dental health, as well. If you are debating whether to have dental implants in Thornton Colorado, here are some facts to help you decide.
Effects of Missing Teeth
One of the most important issues involving tooth loss is that of tooth alignment. Even having one tooth missing can cause the rest of your teeth to move out of position. If one tooth is gone, other teeth might move into the empty space, leading to a domino effect that can leave your bite severely misaligned. Poor alignment can lead to various issues such as:
- Teeth grinding
- Premature wear
- Temporomandibular joint disorder
Correcting these problems could require extensive orthodontic work. If teeth wear down prematurely due to grinding or misalignment, you might even find yourself facing the loss of more teeth.
In addition, missing teeth can lead to breakdown of the jawbone. The roots of the teeth help stimulate bone growth in the jaw when you chew. If teeth are missing, the bone is not stimulated, and can break down over time. This can also change your bite, as well as the shape of your face and your overall appearance.
To prevent these long-term effects of tooth loss, consider dental implants to keep your bite—and your smile—intact.
Tooth Replacement with Dental Implants
Dental implants can be used to replace even a single missing tooth. Unlike a dental bridge, an implant does not require adjacent teeth to be restructured to accommodate anchoring crowns or wires.
A dental implant is set directly into the jawbone, and bonds with the bone over a healing interval. A prosthetic tooth can then be put into place on the root portion of the implant, restoring your smile. The implant is virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth. Regular visits to your dentist will help keep your teeth healthy and maintain the health of the implant, as well.
For more information about dental implants and how they can restore your smile, please contact Alpine Dental Center at 303-428-6367 to schedule a consultation.
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October 19th, 2011
Before we discuss the specifics of Invisalign treatment, one must first understand what it is and how it works. This breakthrough in orthodontics has been used to successfully treat malocclusions. It works like braces by slowly moving your teeth into the best possible alignment, minus the metal and wires.
The process starts with your dentist taking an impression of your teeth. The cast is then put through the Invisalign 3D computer imaging system which creates a number of trays for you to wear. The first one will fit your current dentition perfectly. The succession of trays will gently move your teeth into proper alignment. Each series is to be worn 24 hours a day for about two weeks. They can be removed during meals, of course.
This treatment has been known to fix different types of cases. Those with large spaces ( 1 to 5 mm) due to heredity or missing teeth have noticed a significant closure. People with overly crowded dentition ( 1 to 5 mm) have also responded well. Individuals who have had braces but did not wear their retainers religiously can also benefit from wearing Invisalign trays. Those with crossbites have noticed a drastic change as well.
Patients who have overbites can definitely benefit from Invisalign retainers. If the lower teeth are supra-erupted, the aligner can slowly guide them back into the proper position. This is a common problem and easily resolved. If the upper teeth are too extruded and the jaws do not exhibit macrognathia nor micrognathia, the anterior dentition can be pushed back at a steady pace. Lastly, the front teeth of the mandible might be leaning in, that may have resulted into an overbite. By use of this treatment, they can be pushed outward, correcting the overbite.
Patients with jaw or bone irregularities that result into malocclusion might need to seek the help of an oral surgeon to resolve their problems. Orthodontic treatments work, but they have their limits. After appropriate surgical techniques are done, the orthodontist may be able to fix the faulty occlusion by use of Invisalign trays.
To learn more about Invisalign treatment in Thornton Colorado, please contact the office of Dr. Alan Gurman at 303-428-6367 to schedule a consultation.
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October 5th, 2011
 Pregnancy is when the mother and child are at their most vulnerable state. Many people do not realize that some procedures can undermine fetal health. Our dental team serving Thornton CO would like to give a few guidelines about how expectant mothers can keep their unborn child safe and protect their oral health at the same time.
There is a link between gum disease and pre-term or underweight children. Those women affected by it produce increased amounts of hormones that can induce labor. Females with pregnancy gingivitis will exhibit red, inflamed gums that bleed at the slightest touch. It is important to brush and floss regularly to ensure the health of your bundle of joy.
It would be best to resolve any dental problems before planning a pregnancy. If you already have conceived and wish to seek treatment, consult your OB-GYN beforehand. You will usually be advised to wait until the fourth to sixth month for any procedure aside from routine cleaning. The fetus is very sensitive during the first three months of life. This is when your baby undergoes the most development, and any irritant might cause harm.
Calcium is needed by both mother and child. Drink as much as you can to keep your bones healthy and to help boost your baby’s osseous growth. Studies have shown that pregnant women who are deficient in calcium are prone to tooth loss. Milk, cheese and yogurt are great sources of bone-building nutrients.
In the first trimester, make it a point to visit your dentist. Inform him or her about your pregnancy and ask what sort of treatment procedures you need to avoid until the fourth month. You will be told to avoid x-rays, antibiotics (i.e. tetracycline), certain pain medications and anesthetics unless it is absolutely needed. Should you require emergency dental treatment, please inform the dentist of how far along you are and provide a list of medications you are currently taking. This will help him assess what to give you for the procedure.
Be sure to ask Dr. Alan Gurman at Alpine Dental Center how you can keep you and your bundle of joy safe and healthy by maintaining proper oral hygiene.
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