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Every state sets its own minimum age requirements for things like driving (16 years of age in the state of Indiana), drinking alcoholic beverages (21 in the state of Indiana), and voting (16 years of age in the state of Indiana). But what is the minimum age for dental veneers?

Well, in case you were wondering, there is no state or federal agency who regulates the minimum age for people to get dental veneers! In most cases, logic and the good standards of the dental practice should prevail.

We try to use caution when placing dental veneers on younger patients. Because teeth can still be in the growing stage for many, it is possible that dental veneers placed too early will need to be replaced again as the teeth evolve in growth spurts. It is possible for someone as young as 14 to get dental veneers; but, chances are, they would need to be replaced again at age 18, and then possibly again around age 21.

The fact is, each patient needs to be evaluated individually, as everyone’s teeth and mouth are uniquely theirs and grow a bit differently. It is truly difficult to gauge an across-the-board minimum age for dental veneers. We generally think age 18 for females and age 20 for males is a good “guidepost” to at least begin discussions by.

Additionally, the current condition of a person’s teeth can also come into play when considering dental veneers. Beyond the degree to which the patent’s teeth have developed commensurate with their age, we evaluate how straight and how crooked teeth are. Because of this, it is entirely possible that, for some patients, dental veneers may not be the best solution for them. Braces, including such innovative products as Invisalign™, may be a more productive solution.

Consider this: There are increased risks for applying dental veneers on younger patients. As mentioned above, a younger patient’s crooked teeth might become straighter over time, thus making the previously applied dental veneer look misplaced. Additionally, as a tooth grows and the veneer no longer fits over the tooth properly, the edges could become more exposed, making them even more unappealing.

Why hurry? Give teeth a chance to grow and mature. Discuss your concerns with your dentist and consider all possible cosmetic dentistry options before deciding upon dental veneers, particularly for patients at a younger age.

Dr. Joseph Majka is a dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana with years of experience in not only various forms of modern cosmetic dentistry, but in helping patients of all ages achieve good dental health and the smile they ideally want. For gentle, caring dentistry, call Dr. Majka at (219) 464-7191 for an appointment today.

When you look in the mirror, do you wonder if your smile could improve? If you answer ‘no, not really’, then you are one of the lucky ones who enjoy a beautiful smile! If your answer is a ‘yes’ or a ‘maybe’, then we invite you to keep reading…

So many people see a less than perfect smile when they look in the mirror and they don’t really want to undergo major cosmetic dentistry. Of course, every individual case – and mouth! – varies, but you very well might benefit from porcelain veneers.

Carefully crafted uniquely for your teeth and mouth from thin sheets of durable porcelain material, porcelain veneers are adhered to your teeth with a strong bonding compound that will securely hold them in place for many years. These thin veneer sheets have the unique ability to conceal many common tooth imperfections and transform your smile via a virtually seamless solution.

Porcelain veneers can:

• Whiten discolored and stained teeth
• Conceal chips and cracks in or on teeth
• Make teeth appear straighter, without the need for dental braces or other cosmetic dentistry
• Resolve gaps between teeth
• Provide a more complete, whiter and brighter smile
• Make you appear more youthful with an all-new enhanced smile

If you find your smile could use a bit of a touch-up, let today’s porcelain veneers work their magic in your mouth! Discuss with an experienced dentist if veneers - as well as a variety of other cosmetic dentistry options - are right for you. Dr. Joseph Majka is a dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana and has years of experience helping people just like you achieve the smile they want. For gentle, caring dentistry, call Dr. Majka at (219) 464-7191 for an appointment today.

If that sounds like an obvious question, think again! Too many people take their teeth for granted. But when a tooth is gone, replacing it is not so easy. Good dental hygiene goes a long way to helping keep your teeth healthy.

The converse of enjoying good dental health is not so pleasant actually – lost teeth, gum disease, bad breath, or worse. Poor dental health can also lead to other more serious health problems as well. Don’t risk it! It really isn’t that hard to practice good dental hygiene.

You can do simple things to help ensure you keep your teeth for a lifetime…

• Brush your teeth for at least three minutes twice a day, preferably when you wake up and before you go to bed. This helps ensure that all that stuff you ate and drank throughout the day are brushed away before it has hours to sit on your teeth while you sleep. Click here for helpful information on teeth brushing and dental hygiene.

• Use dental floss each time you brush, but at least once a day to get all the stuff between your teeth and at the gum line that your brush might have missed. Click here to find out how to floss correctly.

• If you have a family history of dental health issues or you want to supplement your dental hygiene, a dental rinse used once daily before bedtime might also prove beneficial.

• Always remember to buy and use only products that have the ADA (American Dental Association) seal on them. This will help ensure you are using the highest quality products that are safe and effective to use in your mouth, and that will help ensure ongoing good dental health.

• See your Indiana dentist at least once a year (or more often if your insurance permits) for a complete dental exam and cleaning.

Don’t put it off for another day. It’s easy to practice good dental hygiene – and the long-term effects are so positive. If you haven’t already, start today on your renewed plan of good dental hygiene!

Indiana dentist Dr. Joseph Majka can become a helpful part of your dental hygiene plan. Dr. Majka is a dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana who has years of experience helping families just like yours ensure positive dental health. For gentle, caring dentistry, call Dr. Majka at (219) 464-7191 for an appointment today.

You could look in a dictionary to discover the definition of good dental health. But why go to great lengths when the answer is right there in front of you. Just stop and think – do you see, feel or smell anything unusual in your mouth?

The fact is, feeling nothing at all can be a positive sign of good dental health. And, if you don’t see anything that could be construed as abnormal, that’s good too. Finally, if no one seems to be complaining about the smell of your breath and you don’t notice any abnormal odors coming from your mouth, even after you brush, that probably lies on the side of positive dental health.

These are just quick and simple checks (which should not be a substitute for a complete dental health exam with your Indiana dentist). But they do point out how the obvious could be right there in front of you.

If you find yourself thinking - even for a moment - about your dental health, you might have pause for concern. That nagging little voice might know the deep dark truth you are avoiding. Dental health is so very vital. Just ask someone who has lost all their teeth!

The best bet to keeping your teeth is to ensure you have ongoing good dental health. And, as a friend once told me, keep it simple:

• Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste when you get up in the morning and before you go to bed
• Floss between your teeth
• See your Indiana dentist for a routine dental health exam and teeth cleaning

By practicing this simple plan of good dental health, you have a greater chance of keeping and enjoying your natural teeth for a lifetime.

Take a step in the right direction by scheduling an appointment for a dental health check with Indiana dentist Dr. Joseph Majka. Dr. Majka is a dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana and has years of experience helping people just like you ensure a lifetime of good dental health. For gentle, caring dentistry, call Dr. Majka at (219) 464-7191 for an appointment today.

If you or your family has a history of cavities or “problem teeth”, you might consider dental sealant for your youngsters. In fact, dental sealant can help protect budding teeth before sugary substances and cavities take a foothold.

The fact is, we are not all born equally when it comes to teeth. Some people just seem to have stronger teeth or teeth more innately capable of deflecting cavities, even from an early age. But with the application of a dental sealant, you can “level the playing field” and give your child’s teeth a real fighting chance!

Dental sealant is normally applied on baby teeth, soon after they push through. As these teeth continue to grow, and the dental sealant is gradually lost through natural use of the teeth, reapplication of dental sealant at routine intervals throughout the growing years is required.

But how does the dental sealant application procedure work?

Your dentist will begin with a thorough teeth cleaning, ensuring the tooth surfaces are clean and dry before the application begins. Then the dentist applies a slightly acidic solution to the teeth that ensures a tight bond between the dental sealant and the tooth surface.

Each tooth is then brushed with a very thin layer of the sealant, which itself is clear or opaquely white and blends well with the child’s natural tooth color. Following application to all teeth, the dentist uses a high-intensity light to harden the sealant after it has been applied. Periodic exams to check the sealant application should be performed over time, with re-application performed as needed.

Additionally, dental sealant does not replace routine dental cleanings and exams, and it certainly does not replace routine fluoride applications. These things are vital to ensure ongoing dental health, especially in children with growing teeth. However, dental sealant supplements fluoride with added benefits, helping to protect teeth against early decay.

If it sounds like dental sealant may be for your youngster, Dr. Majka can help. Dr. Joseph Majka is a dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana who has years of experience helping families just like yours ensure ongoing positive dental health. For gentle, caring dentistry, call Dr. Majka at (219) 464-7191 for an appointment today.

If you think your teeth are not as white as they could be, teeth whitening may be the solution you are looking for. If you are thinking of a good reason to get your teeth whitened, you really don’t have to think long or hard! The reasons are probably right there staring back at you from your bathroom mirror every morning.

• Are your teeth stained?

If you enjoy coffee, tea or red wine - or you are a cigar or cigarette smoker – you may notice stains on your teeth that just never seem to go away. Professional teeth whitening has the remarkable ability to erase the stains that have taken years to collect on your teeth.

• Are you preparing for a special event?

An upcoming wedding, reunion or special vacation is reason enough to celebrate. And just like you would get your hair cut and styled and buy some new clothes, a fresh bright smile resulting from cosmetic teeth whitening can be that added accessory that makes those treasured photos even more special.

• Are you getting a new job?

A bright, white smile can do so much to instill self-confidence – and can help you make a great impression on that first day of your new job. Make sure your new job starts right – pressed clothes, shiny shoes and a bright white smile. Let teeth whitening help you start your new job right.

• Interviewing for a new job?

Perhaps you haven’t yet secured that new job just yet. If you are interviewing and hoping to land a great new job, a bright smile can help you interview more confidently – and create an excellent first impression in the eyes of the interviewer. Let professional teeth whitening help.

• Combat the effects of aging!

As you age, your teeth can yellow, stains can become more evident and your smile become less overly attractive. Cosmetic teeth whitening can be part of an aggressive effort to combat the effects of aging.

If you are looking to regain that bright, white smile, Indiana dentist Dr. Joseph Majka can help. Dr. Majka is a dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana who has years of experience helping his clients restore their natural, beautiful smiles. For gentle, caring dentistry, call Dr. Majka at (219) 464-7191 for an appointment today.

You may be wondering just what is a dental implant and how it differs from partial dentures. Well, there really is a difference…

A dental implant is a metal post that your dentist surgically implants into your jaw, which is used to hold an artificial tooth. It replaces both the missing tooth and the missing root.

The great thing about dental implants is they are so natural looking and feeling. You will forget the tooth is not natural after long; and most people won’t even know the tooth is not real or your original tooth. Plus, dental implants normally last a lifetime, with proper care and maintenance of course.

Typically, dental implants are best for those who enjoy good overall dental health.  They are also good for people who have lost one tooth or just a few teeth due to illness, injury, or isolated periodontal disease.

With other tooth loss treatment options, including partial dentures, support from adjacent healthy teeth is needed. The dentures are formed and placed into the space of missing teeth, supported by anchors on either side of the teeth.

Because a dental implant replaces some of your missing or lost tooth root, the bone is much better preserved. When a partial denture is placed, the bone that previously supported the now-missing tooth and root may begin to deteriorate. The gums can also begin to recede around partial dentures, which may leave an obvious void or defect, and possibly also an unattractive partially collapsed smile. Without careful application of a proper bonding agent, partial dentures can have a tendency to move around in your mouth. As such, you may have difficulty chewing and eating certain kinds of foods.

On the other hand, dental implants are sturdy, secure, and meld with your jawbone much better to help keep your jaw bone healthy and in-tact. They integrate smoothly with your gums, presenting an aesthetically pleasing long-term, durable tooth replacement solution.

If you are missing teeth and need a quality dental professional to help you regain a healthy smile, Dr. Majka can help. Dr. Joseph Majka is a dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana who has years of experience helping his clients restore their natural, beautiful smiles. For gentle, caring dentistry, call Dr. Majka at (219) 464-7191 for an appointment today.

If you read our last blog post and are considering dentures, you might be wondering exactly what “complete dentures” and “partial dentures” are.

Complete dentures are made after all the teeth have been removed. Complete dentures may be “conventional”, placed eight to twelve weeks after the teeth have been removed and the gums have begun to heal. Complete dentures may also be “immediate”, in which the dentures are molded prior to the teeth actually being removed and placed immediately after the teeth have been extracted, with no waiting time for gum healing or recovery. For this reason, we typically recommend conventional complete dentures when at all possible.

Partial dentures, on the other hand, may often be referred to as a “bridge”. Partial dentures normally consist of several molded replacement teeth attached to a plastic base, colored and formed to look like your gums. This device is placed within your mouth and connects to your jawbone via metal posts, making these dentures removable and semi-permanent.

Another approach for partial dentures can be a permanent bridge, replacing one or more missing teeth. With this approach, crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of the empty space, and the artificial teeth attached to them, with the bridge permanently cemented into the desired position in the mouth. This helps not only solidify the artificial teeth filling the missing space, but also fortify surrounding teeth and prevent them moving.

Many of today’s partial dentures are removable, lacking the clasps that typically attach to nearby crowns, providing a more natural appearance and a more removable solution.

If you have had a few teeth removed, instead of all your teeth, partial dentures can be an ideal solution to blend in naturally with your remaining teeth, whether in the upper or lower jaw.

If you are looking for a dental professional to help you regain a healthy smile, Dr. Majka can help. Dr. Joseph Majka is a dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana who has years of experience helping his clients with complete dentures and partial dentures alike. For gentle, caring dentistry, call Dr. Majka at (219) 464-7191 for an appointment today.

If you are considering dentures, how about some basics first? How about we discuss the definition of complete dentures.

If you have had all of your teeth removed, you will be looking for complete dentures, rather than partial dentures. Partial dentures are typically designed to replace only some missing teeth, not all the teeth. Complete dentures are put in place after all the teeth have been removed, replacing the extracted teeth and presenting a nice smile once again.

Complete dentures may further be defined as either conventional or immediate; you may read about or hear these terms regarding complete dentures, so let’s define them.

Conventional complete dentures are placed in the mouth approximately eight to twelve weeks after the teeth have been removed. This gives the mouth and the gum tissue plenty of time to heal and recover. They are molded and crafted uniquely for your mouth, to resemble your original teeth, with obvious flaws eliminated.

On the other hand, immediate complete dentures are crafted in advance and placed immediately after the teeth are removed. This is positive in that you don’t have to be without teeth for any period of time, saving you frustration and embarrassment. Healing of the mouth and gums occurs while the complete dentures are in place.

However, a big downside to immediate complete dentures is that they typically require more adjustments to ensure a proper fit than conventional complete dentures would. Again, this is due to the lack of a waiting period in which the bones and gums have time to heal. Also, gums will shrink over time, particularly after tooth extraction, causing further fit challenges.

As such, we would normally consider immediate complete dentures a temporary solution, placed until complete conventional dentures can be put into place, following a solid healing period. This will help ensure not only a good fit, but also a good long-term tooth replacement solution.

Are you looking for complete dentures? Or do you have a set of complete or partial dentures already and are just not happy with them or their fit? Dr. Joseph Majka is a dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana who has years of experience helping his clients with complete dentures and partial dentures. For gentle, caring dentistry, call Dr. Majka at (219) 464-7191 for an appointment today.

Congratulations Justine!

Congratulations to Justine Johnson! We hope you enjoy your new iPad as much as we enjoyed viewing all the entries into our Facebook contest. Speaking of contest— stay tuned as our next one will be announced very soon!