Michael J Morris, DDS

Posts for: December, 2013

By Michael J Morris, DDS
December 30, 2013
Category: Dental Procedures
ChippedTeethHarmoniouslyMadeGoodasNew

“Break a leg” is a well-known theatrical expression for wishing good luck to an actor about to go on stage. Singers should have one of their own…“Chip a tooth”! Apparently collisions between microphones and pearly whites are an occupational hazard for crooners. Taylor Swift became one of the latest casualties during a concert in Pittsburgh while belting out her hit “I Knew You Were Trouble.” The consummate professional, she didn’t miss a beat and kept on singing despite seeing a tooth chip hit the floor.

After all, while chipping a tooth is an inconvenience, it’s not a permanent smile wrecker. Modern dentistry offers several options for restoring a damaged tooth to its original symmetry and luster, or even better!

Bonding
Dental cosmetic bonding is the quickest and lowest-cost option to repair a chip. This involves application of a composite filling material that is colored and shaped to match the original tooth. Bonding material can be used to replace the lost portion of tooth or to seamlessly reattach the lost portion if it has been preserved and is otherwise undamaged. Little to no removal of existing tooth surface is needed.

Veneers
A veneer can be used for slightly larger areas or discolored teeth. This is a thin, custom-made shell placed on the front of the tooth to give it a new “face.” Some removal of existing tooth surface may be necessary to fit a veneer so it is flush with the surfaces of surrounding intact teeth.

Crowns
When a relatively large portion of the tooth is missing, a crown is often the better choice. It fully encases the visible portion of the remaining tooth above the gum line and is shaped and sized to match the original. It can be made of tooth-colored porcelain fused to metal crowns or all-ceramic (optimal for highly visible areas). A small amount of the existing tooth surface will be removed to allow the crown to fit over it.

If you would like more information about repairing a chipped tooth, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Artistic Repair of Front Teeth With Composite Resin.”


0 Comment(s) Permalink
By Michael J Morris, DDS
December 27, 2013
Category: Oral Health
TheEffectsofMissingTeeth

If you are one of the millions of Americans with missing teeth, then you're probably aware of some of the obvious side effects. You may feel self-conscious during conversations or simply avoid smiling altogether to conceal your dental issue. It is not uncommon for missing teeth to affect your confidence, but did you know that there are other problems that result from tooth loss?

For starters, if you have lost enough teeth, eating may become more difficult, in particular healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables. This is one of the main reasons that inadequate dental care frequently results in nutritional deficiency.

Another very serious issue that results from missing teeth is bone loss. We sometimes refer to this as a “hidden consequence,” because you may not actually see or feel this issue right away. Did you know that bone is actually living tissue that needs constant stimulation to maintain its form and density? Thus, when a tooth is lost, the bone in the jaw that surrounded and supported that tooth melts away. There is a 25% decrease in width of bone during the first year after tooth loss and an overall 4 millimeters decrease in height over the next few years. The longer you have missing teeth, the greater the loss of bone.

As bone loss continues, it can actually affect the structure of your face. If you lose your teeth early in adulthood, by age 45 you might start to notice sunken cheeks. By age 60, your cheeks and lips will lose their support, resulting in a collapsed and aged look. If your teeth are not replaced, this process will continue, and you will be in danger of losing much of the structural support of your lips and cheeks.

Luckily, we can use dental implants to not only restore your smile, but also to halt this bone loss. Implants look, feel and function like your natural teeth and are made of titanium, which has the unique ability to fuse with your living bone. Among the many benefits of implants, they continue to provide stimulation to your bone, preventing further bone loss.

With a success rate of more than 95%, implants are the best long-term solution for tooth replacement.

If you would like more information about implants and bone loss, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “The Hidden Consequences of Losing Teeth.”


0 Comment(s) Permalink
By Michael J Morris, DDS
December 19, 2013
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: Invisalign   Spring  
Invisalign Spring TXWith 2013 quickly coming to an end, you may begin thinking about the New Year. For 2014, put an end to your worrying if you desire a straighter smile.  With Invisalign in Spring, TX from Dr. Michael Morris, feel confident in any situation while you straighten your teeth discretely.  Unlike traditional wire and bracket braces that are bulky and uncomfortable, Invisalign straightens your teeth using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. It’s virtually invisible, which means hardly anyone will know that you’re straightening your teeth.  Take the next step to an attractive smile with Invisalign clear aligners by calling Dr. Michael Morris, our dentist in Spring, TX, at (281) 379-6939. 
 

Enjoy the Benefits of Invisalign Treatment in Spring, TX

 
Invisalign features a host of benefits. For one, Invisalign is virtually undetectable. That means you can go through treatment without anyone even noticing. Invisalign is also removable. You can conveniently take out your trays to brush your teeth, floss, eat dinner or even for a special occasion. As long as you are wearing the aligners for the required amount of time each day, you are free to remove the trays as you need to. And since you can remove your aligners, you can eat what you want without having to worry about breaking a wire or bracket.
 
Another benefit of Invisalign is its comfort.  While abrasive wire braces can irritate your cheeks and mouth, thin Invisalign trays are smooth and gentle on the oral tissues. With Invisalign in Spring TX, there's decreased risk of lost braces, broken wires, cuts and abrasions that can happen inside the mouth.
 

Straighter Teeth Help with Oral Hygiene

 
A more attractive smile is a great motivator for undergoing treatment, but beyond the cosmetic advantages, there are also many important, long-lasting health benefits of straight teeth.  A straight smile improves dental function, helping you chew, bite and speak more effectively.  With proper alignment, balanced forces on your teeth can reduce the incidence of damaging dental habits such as grinding or clenching. 
 
In addition, crooked, crowded teeth are also difficult to floss and brush.  As a result, plaque can easily accumulate between teeth and along the gum line, leading to a higher risk of cavities and periodontal disease.  Since straight teeth are easier to clean, the gum tissue will have less plaque and debris that cause inflammation, decay and gum disease.
 
Ready to take the next step in looking and feeling your very best?  Talk to Dr. Michael Morris in Spring, TX about Invisalign and to see if it is an appropriate solution for straightening your smile. 

0 Comment(s) Permalink
By Michael J Morris, DDS
December 12, 2013
Category: Oral Health
FollowinVannaWhitesFootstepsandReplaceThatMissingBackTooth

As the co-host of one of America's most beloved television game shows, Wheel of Fortune, Vanna White is recognized for her beautiful gowns and her dazzling smile. However, during an exclusive interview with Dear Doctor magazine, she shared her experiences with cosmetic dentistry. “I had a bridge put in probably 30 years ago where I had a tooth pulled and there was a space,” Vanna said.

Prior to having a permanent tooth pulled, most people are concerned with what can be done to replace it. It's important to follow through and do exactly that. This is especially true with back teeth. Just because you can't see them, it doesn't mean you won't face problems if they are not replaced.

For example, did you know that missing posterior (back) teeth can lead to a wide array or problems with the remaining teeth, muscles, ligaments, joints and jaw bones? This includes:

  • A decrease in chewing efficiency that in turn can impact your diet, nutrition and overall health
  • Excessive erosion or wear of remaining teeth
  • Tipping, migration, rotation and even loss of adjacent remaining teeth
  • Painful jaw problems such as Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD)

One treatment option is to follow in Vanna's footsteps and consider a fixed bridge. This is an excellent option when dental implants won't work. And through our artistry, we can easily blend them in color and appearance with your surrounding teeth.

When implants are possible, they represent the best option. They are easily maintained and are a durable, long-lasting solution that can increase bite support.

To learn more about this topic, continue reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Replacing Back Teeth.” Or if you are already missing a permanent tooth, you can contact us today to schedule an appointment so that we can conduct a thorough examination. We will also address any questions you have as well as your treatment options. And if you want to read the entire feature article on Vanna White, continue reading “Vanna White.”


0 Comment(s) Permalink


Louetta and Spring, TX Family Dentist
Michael J Morris, DDS
9318 Louetta Road Suite 600
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 379-6939
Family Dentist in Spring and Louetta, TX Call For Pricing Options

Our Blog

Archive:

Tags

Facebook iconTwitter iconOur Blog icon