Should I Consider Invisalign?

Your crooked teeth might be embarrassing, but alignment issues can cause more problems than making it hard to smile for pictures. When your teeth aren’t aligned properly, they can develop abnormal wear patterns which can put you at a higher risk for deeply rooted infections, chipped teeth, and dental fractures. Crooked teeth can also be more difficult to brush and floss effectively, increasing your chances of developing periodontal disease, causing gum recession, abscesses, and ultimately, tooth loss. To keep your teeth healthy, comfortable, and attractive, orthodontic care is essential.

Invisalign: An Attractive Alternative To Traditional Braces

If you are older or work in a professional field, you might shy away from traditional braces because of the adolescent look this orthodontic treatment can lend to your smile. For teenagers, too, the look of braces can be embarrassing and undesirable. Fortunately, there is a better way. Invisalign is a system of clear retainers that are barely noticeable, allowing patients to correct their smiles without attracting unwanted attention.

The Benefits of Invisalign

In addition to being barely noticeable, Invisalign retainers are also removable so that patients can take them out to eat, clean their teeth, or for any other occasion. Invisalign retainers need to be worn 20-22 hours a day, offering patients a little wiggle room when it comes to their orthodontic care. Patients typically receive a new retainer every two weeks, with treatment spanning anywhere from a few months to a year. Also, since Invisalign retainers can be removed to brush and floss, patients have the opportunity to maintain better oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment, improving their outcome.

Invisalign retainers also help to protect your oral tissues. Because Invisalign retainers gently move teeth into position with contoured acrylic instead of networks of sharp brackets and wires, the lips and gums aren’t susceptible to cuts from the appliance. This feature is especially important for patients who participate in contact sports, such as football or hockey.

Make An Appointment Today!

If you have crooked teeth,  make an appointment with Dr. Postol, your premiere cosmetic dentist in Ballwin, Missouri. During your initial consultation, Dr. Postol can talk with you about your orthodontic treatment options, show you real examples of his work, and recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your budget and preferences. Contact us today to find out more!

The Effects of Missing Teeth

Effects of Missing TeethLosing teeth may not seem like that big of a deal. After all, millions of Americans spend a large portion of their lives with missing teeth. However, there are many hidden consequences of losing teeth that most people either aren’t aware of or don’t take into consideration when they do lose a tooth.

So let’s take a look at the effects of missing teeth and what can be done to reverse that damage.

Aesthetics

Obviously, missing teeth have a huge effect on how your smile looks. But what you may not know is that, according to a wealth of research, a good healthy smile correlates directly to higher self-esteem. A full smile has even been proven to help people perform better during job interviews.

Bone loss

When you lose a tooth, the alveolar bone (the well-like structure which surrounds and supports each tooth in your mouth) loses 25% of its width within one year. That causes loss of facial support, creating the stereotypical sunken cheeks and lips often associated with elderly people who forgot to put their dentures in that morning. Tooth loss also puts your jawbone at a higher risk for fractures, as well as drastically changing the structure of your face.

Increased risk of other health problems

A strong correlation has been shown between missing teeth and various health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease. The mechanism behind these associations is unknown, but is likely to relate to periodontal disease.

How is this treated?

The best way to treat missing teeth is by receiving dental implants in Ballwin, MO. Our office specializes in dental implants and can help you restore your smile to its former glory.

Why implants?

Dental implants are the best option for tooth replacement for a number of reasons. The biggest reason dental implants are so often recommended, including by this office, is due to the fact that they require so little maintenance and look incredibly real. Only other dentists will be able to tell that your implants aren’t real teeth. All you have to do in order to take care of your implants is what you’d normally do for your teeth – flossing, brushing, and regular dental visits. Implants will last a lifetime as long as you take care of them. You don’t have to get them refitted, use adhesive cream, or clean them as you would a pair of dentures.

In addition to these benefits, dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that also replaces the tooth root, which stimulates the bone and encourages it to maintain its mass.

Tooth loss may not seem serious on the surface, but it is a problem that can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. If you need more information about implants and tooth loss, contact us today.  

How Does a Smile Makeover Work?

Full smile makeoverThere’s an entire category of dentistry dedicated to making your smile look the way you want: cosmetic dentistry. Here at Kevin Postol DDS, we have a wide range of options to give you a smile makeover.

How does a smile makeover work?

When a patient comes into our office wanting a smile makeover, they’ll sit down with Dr. Postol to go over exactly what changes they want made to their smile. Whiter teeth, veneers, implants, crowns: we can handle any and all requests—all part of Dr. Postol’s effort to be the best cosmetic dentist in Ballwin, MO.

Once the initial consultation is complete, Dr. Postol will create a treatment plan that encompasses all the requests you’ve made to change your smile into exactly what you want.

When do you need a smile makeover?

Do you need a full smile makeover, or would a simple teeth whitening session do the trick? Sometimes, it’s hard to tell whether or not you need a full smile makeover. Your best bet is to describe the smile you want to Dr. Postol. He can tell you whether it’s achievable through one procedure, or whether you’ll need a more in-depth approach. Any serious dental issues also make you a candidate for a full makeover, as do any of the following conditions:

  • Unexpected accident or trauma to the mouth
  • Poor diet/oral care for years
  • Constant clenching or grinding of your teeth
  • An uneven bite
  • Persistent acid reflux

This isn’t a comprehensive list of the issues that may cause you to need a smile makeover, but it’s a start. If you have any questions, or think you’d benefit from a full smile makeover, please don’t hesitate to contact our office and schedule a consultation.

What procedures are done during a smile makeover?

Depending on what you want done to your smile, a wide variety of options exist. Some of the most common procedures include:

  • Bite or alignment treatment
  • Dental implants
  • Dental bridges
  • Porcelain veneers
  • Dental crowns
  • Periodontal therapy
  • Tooth-colored fillings
  • Full mouth reconstruction

Not everyone needs a full smile makeover, but if you do, we can give you the smile you want no matter how far away it may seem now. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation, and let Dr. Postol perfect your smile.

 

5 Reasons to Get Dental Implants

Damaged or missing teeth aren’t any fun. Damaged teeth can be incredibly painful, and missing teeth don’t make for the greatest smile on the family Christmas card.

Dental implants are a great choice to fix these issues. One of their advantages is that you can get dental implants in Ballwin, MO to Olympia, WA. Dr. Postol in particular can provide these implants for you.

If you have missing teeth, here are five honest reasons why you should consider getting dental implants.

  1. Implants keep other teeth from shifting. When you have missing teeth, your other teeth may shift in an attempt to fill in the gap left by the missing tooth. That’s obviously not good for your remaining healthy teeth, and dental implants can prevent it.
  2. Help maintain bone and gum health in the area. Did you know that, if you lose one or more teeth, those empty spaces in your gums can lead to major health issues? One of the biggest health issues faced by people with missing teeth is the deterioration of the jawbone. Implants preserve and protect your jawbone.
  3. Permanence. How often have you seen someone in a sitcom lose their dentures while laughing, talking, or eating? That’s an honest concern to have when it comes to using dentures to supplement missing teeth. However, with dental implants, you don’t have to worry about that. They’re a long-term solution that will last a lifetime.
  4. Stability. Again, going back to the above sitcom reference – implants are much more stable options than dentures, or even tooth-supported dental bridges. Implants will stay in place, as long as you’re doing your part to take care of them.
  5. Aesthetics. Perhaps the best part about dental implants is how real they look. Dentures are easily spotted, and tooth-supported dental bridges don’t look as good as implants. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, dental implants, “[Restore] a lost tooth so that it looks, feels, fits, and functions like a natural tooth. Other options…may interfere with eating, smiling, speaking, and other activities of everyday life.”

If you’re missing teeth, you should at least consider implants. They’re reliable, protect your overall health, look great, won’t rot away, and will get you looking great again. If you’re interested in more information, call our office today or ask a question online.

Did You Notice These Features?

TypeWe want you to have an incredible dental experience—both inside and outside of our office. We know that people today are busier than ever, which is why we decided to upgrade our website to make it more functional. Here are a few features you should check out on our website, and how these things might be able to help make your life a little easier.

Information When You Need It

Learning that you may need a root canal, a dental crown, or a mouth guard can be intimidating, which is why we decided to fill our website with loads of information about common dental procedures. In our Dental Services tab, you can access helpful, informative articles about topics like:

  • Preventive Dentistry
  • Tooth Whitening
  • Veneers
  • Dental Crowns
  • Dental Bridges
  • Common Restorations, such as fillings and crowns
  • Clear Braces
  • Smile Makeovers
  • TMJ
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Gum Recession Surgery

These articles are here to teach patients the “why” and “how” behind common dental restorations, so that you can rest a little easier in the dentist’s chair. We also want patients to understand all of the options and services available to them, so that you know that you can count on us for all of your family dentistry needs.

Meet Our Staff and Explore Our Office

On our new website, you can find more than just detailed explanations of dental procedures. While here, you can also take the time to read about our incredible office staff, hygienists, and dental assistants. There is also a detailed biography about Dr. Postol, so that you can learn more about the dental expert who will be treating your teeth.

If you have never been to our office before, you might also enjoy taking a virtual tour of our office. Our website features a state-of-the-art virtual tour tool that allows you to explore our entire facility.

Easy Access To New Patient Forms

To make your first visit to our office a little easier, we also offer new patient forms online. Here, you can find downloadable versions of patient information forms for adults, children, and sleep apnea sufferers, so that you can speed up your initial visit. You can also access our HIPPA Privacy Policy, so that you can learn more about your rights, your choices, and how we use your dental information.

Financial Options

It can be stressful to pay for dental services, especially if you are using a new insurance plan. For this reason, we have decided to include detailed explanations of our accepted forms of payment, payment plan options, and CareCredit plans right here on our website. We also have information about how dental insurance works, what to expect when filing a claim, and how we handle insurance paperwork. You can also find financial information for patients who will be paying out-of-pocket. We want your dental visits to be as convenient and stress-free as possible, so feel free to give us a call if you have questions about paying for your dental work.

Make Appointments Online

Believe it or not, you can even request an appointment online! By sending us a quick message, you can get the ball rolling on your next dental visit—regardless of what time of day you remember to schedule your checkup. We love meeting new patients, and we look forward to serving you and your family.

Welcome to Our New Website

_MG_0003Kevin F. Postol DDS is pleased to unveil the new design for our website. We welcome you and hope you will find it useful and informative. We are confident you will enjoy the new look. The layout is fresh and clean, much like our patients’ teeth! Navigation is easy and you can find what you need at the simple click of a button. Request an appointment, find out more about our services, and contact us more easily with our new design.

Our patients near Ballwin and throughout the area have been showing off their healthy and beautiful smiles for years, and we will continue to provide our excellent services for many years to come. Refer a friend to our office, and point them to the great new design for our website. They will be able to learn more about our wonderful staff, read reviews straight from our patients, and peruse our various blog posts. You can even take a tour of our office from the comfort of your own home, or on the go on your device. At Kevin F. Postol DDS we are passionate about smiles and dental health. We continue to add more information, services and blog posts to our growing repository, all for our patients’ benefit.

We are very excited for a future in building a relationship with you, your family, and your smiles. We provide many services and try to be a one-stop shop for our patients. We have a focus on preventive dentistry: avoiding problems and costs before they even happen. We are family friendly and enjoy the family dynamic from young to old. We have plans for general dentistry for the regular maintenance needed to keep your smiles bright and healthy. We also have cosmetic dentistry services to beautify and enhance your smile.

We know that going to the dentist can be scary and daunting to some patients. We offer techniques in relaxation dentistry service that will help you feel at ease. Our dental implant services will help fill gaps when needed. Our gum treatment services can help prevent the leading cause of tooth loss. We also have TMJ and migraine treatments that can relieve chronic pain that many struggle with. Additionally, we offer services regarding sleep apnea and snoring to help you and those around you get a better night’s rest. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation or appointment!

Give the Gift of a Brighter Smile this Holiday Season

Dental Gift BoxesWhat do you give the person who has everything? A brighter smile!

You can only get someone a tie as a gift so many times until that idea gets worn out. And, you know they really don’t actually eat those fruitcakes you give them every year. So, what do you give someone who seems to have it all? Why not a gift certificate for dental services? A practical gift, a dental gift certificate can be use for treatment, teeth whitening, a shiny new power toothbrush or whatever other dental services or products they may need. Dr. Postol would love to help all Ballwin residents give the gift of a great smile to a loved one. Contact the office of Kevin Postol DDS for gift certificates or to set up an appointment today! (more…)

Caring for Your Dentures

Denture CareThe image of a glass full of false teeth on the nightstand is plastered all throughout popular culture. You would think that soaking your dentures in water and cleaner is sufficient, but Dr. Postol reminds us that proper denture care requires more than just that. In fact, denture maintenance is an important part of oral health. For Ballwin residents who have dentures or are considering them, it is important to know exactly how they function and how to care for them. If you have any questions, please give us a call.

How do Dentures Work? (more…)

Stop Tooth Pain and Sensitivity Now!

Tooth PainWhy Are My Teeth Sensitive?

There are a ton of specialized toothpastes, mouthwashes, and toothbrushes available to Ballwin residents suffering from sensitive teeth. It is a very common problem that lots of products claim they can solve, but have you ever wondered why it exists? Today, we would like to explain what causes tooth sensitivity and how these products work. Dr. Postol wants everyone in Ballwin to enjoy a pain-free mouth, so feel free to give us a call with any questions or to setup a consultation.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?
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Does Inflation Affect the Tooth Fairy?

Inflation, Tooth FairyWhen the Chicago Dental Society surveyed its members in 2003, more than half thought the tooth fairy should pay $1 for a child’s tooth. The members were surveyed again in 2009 and this time almost a quarter thought the children should get $2 and another quarter thought they should receive a whopping $5.

Not to be outdone by dentists, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has weighed in on the matter and said that the tooth fairy should give $1.15 per tooth, instead of the $1 it suggested in 2003. The tooth fairy’s website claims that the going rate is now at least $2. Dr. Postol can give you a better idea of what the going rate is in your area for the tooth fairy trade. (more…)