Hannibal Cosmetic Dentist | Dr. Janes

Porcelain Veneers vs. Dental Crowns

2011-09-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

Your aesthetic goals, and the general appearance and health of your teeth, will help decide if you are better served by getting porcelain veneers or dental crowns. Each one improves the appearance of your smile and both will last for years when taken care of properly. However, there are differences in what they are best used for.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a very popular choice for improving teeth that are uneven, gapped, or chipped. They can also be used to cover discolored teeth that teeth whitening won’t help. This is a cosmetic dental procedure that takes two to three visits to Dr. Janes’ office, but is fairly simple. They are used for purely cosmetic reasons.

Having a porcelain veneer placed on your tooth involves the removal the enamel so that the veneer can fit correctly. They can be matched to the color of your natural teeth so that no one can tell that you’ve had work done.

Dental Crowns

Like veneers, crowns can be used to improve the appearance of damaged teeth. A dental crown covers most of a tooth that has been severely broken off or to cap a dental implant when a tooth is missing.

Dental crowns may be recommended to strengthen teeth, improve appearance of the teeth, or restore a tooth. The tooth with a crown also strengthens the abutting teeth and keeps them in place. They improve the function of your bite and your smile.

While both porcelain veneers and dental crowns can help improve your smile, each has its own advantages.

If you are interested in finding out more about porcelain veneers or dental crowns, and you are in the Hannibal or St. Louis, Missouri area, or the Quincy, Illinois area, please contact experienced dentist Dr. Charles Janes, DDS today.

Professional Teeth Whitening vs. At Home Teeth Whitening

2011-08-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

Many people wish their teeth were whiter than they are. The easiest thing for these people is to simply go down to the store and buy over-the-counter teeth whitening products. Different toothpastes and whitening strips are available for anyone. In this sense, at home teeth whitening is much easier to get than teeth whitening performed in the office of a dentist, like Dr. Charles Janes.

Professional teeth whitening that is done in a dentist’s office offers several advantages over at home teeth whitening.

Professional teeth whitening can get your teeth much whiter and gives a more natural appearance due to using higher concentrations of the whitening gel and hydrogen peroxide than is available in over-the-counter kits. It is performed quickly and the results last longer than with at home teeth whitening products.

Another thing that can be done when you have your teeth professionally whitened is that custom take-home trays can be made so you can continue to keep your teeth white. These custom-fitted mouth trays are able to give you very good results in much less time. Best of all, you do it on your own time.

If you would like more information on professional teeth whitening in the Hannibal or St. Louis, Missouri area, or the Quincy, Illinois area, please contact experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. Charles Janes, DDS today.

Advantages of Professional Teeth Whitening

2011-08-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

Teeth whitening is a common cosmetic dental procedure at the office of Dr. Charles Janes, DDS. Since many people tie a bright smile and self-confidence together, it’s easy to see why so many are looking for ways to whiten their teeth.

Having your teeth whitened professionally by Dr. Janes has several advantages over whitening your teeth at home.

Dr. Janes uses custom fitted trays over your teeth that are made especially for you. This way, the whitening process is controlled and even, which gives you the same shade across all your teeth.

In addition to the evenness and whiteness, professional teeth whitening is quick and less messy than many over-the-counter teeth whitening brands. In less than an hour, you can have the white teeth you’ve been looking to get. Professional teeth whitening also keeps your teeth whiter longer than does a kit you use at home.

Professional teeth whitening with Dr. Janes can be done on your lunch break so you can get back to work or your busy life as soon as possible.

If you would like more information on professional teeth whitening, and are in the Hannibal or St. Louis, Missouri area, or the Quincy, Illinois area, please contact experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. Charles Janes, DDS today.

Replacing Missing Teeth

2011-06-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

A missing tooth is more than just an aesthetic problem: it can have a significant negative effect on your long-term oral health. As soon as a tooth is lost – whether from disease, traumatic injury, or extraction – the supporting bone in your jaw will begin to diminish. The longer a tooth remains missing, the greater the amount of bone loss you will sustain. Additionally, food can become more easily trapped in the gaps left by missing teeth, increasing the risk of decay and disease.

Because of this, it is important to replace a tooth as soon as possible after it has been lost. There are two main ways of permanently replacing a missing tooth: dental implants and dental bridges.

Dental implants are the most effective, functional, and durable way of restoring missing teeth. Involving a titanium screw and a dental crown, implants are bonded to your jaw bone through a process known as osseointegration. It takes around three to six months for osseointegrated implants to heal and properly anchor a dental crown. Dental implants are one of the most consistently successful cosmetic dentistry procedures today, with a five-year success rate of around 95%.

Dental bridges are another popular option for replacing missing teeth. A dental bridge is a false tooth that is held in place by two porcelain crown attachments on your surrounding teeth. There are several different types of dental bridges that can be used, depending on where in the mouth your tooth is missing, and the state of surrounding teeth. Dr. Janes will be able to determine which type of bridge is right for you.

An experienced and qualified cosmetic dentist will be able to fine-tune your dental crown and/or bridge so that it matches the color of your natural teeth and improves the overall appearance of your smile. Not only will your tooth be restored, but your oral health will be preserved.

If you live in the Quincy, Illinois, St. Louis, Missouri, or Hannibal, Missouri areas and need a tooth replaced, please don’t hesitate to contact experienced Quincy dentist experienced in implant dentistry Dr. Charles Janes today to schedule a consultation.

Causes of Tooth Loss

2011-06-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

We usually associate tooth loss with children, where it is normal and natural. Unfortunately, tooth loss can also happen to adult teeth through traumatic injury, disease, or decay. The condition of missing teeth is technically termed edentulism.
There are three main ways in which tooth loss occurs:

• Physical injury or trauma – A severe blow to the face can cause teeth to displace from their sockets and fall out. People who regularly play contact sports are often at risk of this occurring.
• Periodontal (gum) disease – Untreated gum disease is the leading cause of missing teeth in adults. Once the disease has advanced, it can cause the bone structure supporting your teeth to degrade, a process called resorption. Eventually, a tooth can loosen and fall out.
• Dental caries – Better known as tooth decay or cavities, this microbial tooth disease causes damage to the entire tooth structure, eventually leading to tooth loss if not treated.

Preventing and Treating Tooth Loss

While traumatic injuries are by nature unexpected and thus unpreventable, you can work to reduce your risk of tooth loss relating to disease or decay by establishing a strong oral hygiene regimen. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day helps keep a variety of dental problems under control. Regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups are also important in order to catch any problems in their early stages.

If you have lost a tooth due to traumatic injury or disease, you can restore your smile with cosmetic dentistry. One of the best ways to replace missing teeth is through dental implants, which are designed to look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.

If you live in the Quincy, Illinois, St. Louis, Missouri or Hannibal, Missouri areas and have further questions about tooth loss, or need to have a missing tooth replaced through a cosmetic dentistry procedure, please contact experienced Quincy implant dentist Dr. Charles Janes today to arrange a personal consultation.

Why Should I Floss?

2011-06-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

Next to brushing, flossing is the most important way you can ensure your oral health. As the old cliché goes: “Floss the teeth you want to keep!” To better understand how crucial flossing is, it might help to know what happens when you don’t floss.

If plaque is allowed to remain between your teeth, it will eventually harden into a substance called tartar. Tartar cannot be removed through either brushing or flossing. It must be removed by a dentist. Over time, different levels and types of bacteria will build up within the tartar, producing toxins which inflame and irritate your gums – a condition known as gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis will eventually become periodontal disease, which does not just affect your gums but the bone structure that supports your teeth. Unchecked periodontal disease leads to bone loss and loose teeth that are at risk of falling out entirely.

If it’s been awhile since you last flossed, you might notice blood on your floss after using it. This means your gums are inflamed and in dire need of flossing to remove bacteria. If you make flossing a regular part of your oral hygiene regimen, your gums should eventually stop bleeding. Meanwhile, making an appointment with your dentist for a cleaning will ensure that any tartar that has built up gets removed.

If you live in the St. Louis, Missouri, Hannibal, Missouri or Quincy, Illinois areas and are looking for dental care you can trust, please contact experienced Quincy general dentist Dr. Charles Janes to schedule a personal consultation.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

2011-05-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

There are a number of options available for replacing missing teeth, including traditional dentures.

While advances in materials and technology have helped make dentures fit better and more comfortably, many denture wearers still complain of discomfort, slippage and difficulty eating. Dental implants, meanwhile, offer a durable, natural looking, and often permanent solution for missing teeth.

Advantages of Dental Implants

One of the misconceptions about dental implants is that they’re not suited for replacing multiple, adjacent teeth, which is one of the reasons many people choose dentures. But if you’re a candidate for dental implants, two or more dental implants can be anchored next to each other, allowing durable functionality and helping prevent bone loss.

Other advantages of dental implants over dentures include:

• Dental implants can be permanent with proper oral hygiene
• Dental implants resemble your natural teeth
• Dental implants are cared for like your natural teeth
• Dental implants are fixed in place

Although dental implants are meant to provide a long-term solution that dentures and dental bridges can’t, dental implants come with a few drawbacks.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

In addition to providing strong, potentially permanent tooth replacement, dental implants don’t rest on the gum line like removable dentures or use surrounding teeth as anchors like dental bridges. But they do have disadvantages that must be considered:

• Dental implants are more expensive than other tooth-replacement options
• Dental implant installation is a time-consuming process, involving several visits over many months
• Dental implant surgery is minimally invasive and requires local anesthesia
• Dental implants are not for everyone, including those with certain medical conditions or lack of jawbone density

However, dental implants offer you the benefit of being able to maintain a diverse diet with replacement teeth that function like your natural teeth.

Sick of Dentures? There Is a Better Way

2011-05-19T12:51:00.000-07:00

The origins of dentures are shrouded in mystery. We know that Phoenicians and Etruscans were buried with replacement teeth in their mouths, but there is some question whether these restorations were even functional. Much the same with today's dentures.

When it comes to replacing lost teeth, dentures are better than nothing, but just barely. Dentures restrict your diet, require extra care in cleaning, often don't stay in place, can impair your ability to speak, and may make extra clicking or sucking noises when you eat or speak. Dentures provide no support for your gums and jawbone, and actually may lead to additional damage if care is not taken to have them fitted (and re-fitted) well.

If you're sick of dentures, make a technological leap of 25 centuries with dental implants. Dental implants are replacement teeth that look and function just like your natural teeth. The dental implant is a replacement root made of titanium that secures your replacement tooth to the jawbone rather than relying on other teeth for support as with dentures.

If you want to learn about a better kind of tooth replacement, please call or email Dr. Charles W. Janes today to learn whether you are a candidate for dental implants.

Planning for a Dental Implant

2011-05-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

If you are considering a dental implant, there are a number of steps you need to take in order to successfully plan for the procedure.

Step 1: Choose a dentist experiences in cosmetic dentistry. Your choice of dentist is the most important decision you will make for the success of your dental implant procedure. Talk to a number of dentists about their experience with dental implants and what treatments they would recommend for you to find one that you trust to listen to your cosmetic goals and fulfill them.

Step 2: Make financial arrangements. Find out whether your dental insurance will cover some or all of the cost of a dental implant. Then talk to your dentist of choice about cosmetic dentistry financing options.

Step 3: Schedule the surgery (or surgeries). Find a time that is good for you and your dentist. Remember, you may have to take a couple days off work following the initial procedure, so you should plan for that as well. Depending on the condition of your jawbone, placing the implant may take more than one procedure if a bone graft is required.

Once you have selected your dentist experienced in cosmetic dentistry, he can help you make all the plans for your dental implant procedure. To learn more about dental implant procedures in the Hannibal, Missouri area, please call or email Dr. Charles W. Janes, DDS to schedule a consultation today.

Advantages of Dental Implants

2010-07-05T14:51:00.000-07:00

Do you have a denture or a bridge for replacing missing teeth? These are traditional ways of filling those gaps left by lost teeth, and they work well up to a point. Their downside is that they ignore the gap in the jawbone left by the lost tooth root.

It is a good idea to fill both gaps. If the tooth gap is left, the remaining teeth are missing that support and can drift out of alignment. This can cause a misaligned bite. If the jawbone gap is left, the gum tissue will sink down into it, creating an indentation in your gums. Also the bone tissue may shrink into the gap, changing your jawline.

Dr. Janes offers dental implants as a way of both filling the jawbone gap and supporting a replacement tooth for the gap in your smile.

Implants are virtually never rejected by the body, as they are made of titanium, which bonds well with bone tissue.
Implants need no special care at home. Just brush and floss, as you do anyway, to prevent gum disease.
Once a dental implant is surrounded and accepted by the jawbone tissue, it is a permanent solution for anchoring one or more replacement teeth.

One implant can anchor one or two teeth or a dental bridge
Two or perhaps three implants can anchor a denture
Four implants can anchor an arch of teeth, upper or lower
Eight implants can hold an entire mouthful of teeth

If you would like to know more about dental implants, please call or email our office in Hannibal, Missouri. We will be happy to schedule a consultation for you with Dr. Janes.

Implants to Support a Denture

2010-06-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

Dentures are famous for not fitting well. Presumably every denture fits well to start with, but mouth tissues change over time and after a few years, the denture may be loose and may shift when you talk or eat, causing embarrassment.

If your denture is supported by dental implants, none of this will happen. Implant dentistry is one of the great offerings of modern dentistry and use of implants improves the traditional use of dentures.

What is Implant Dentistry?
Dr. Janes has extensive training beyond basic dental school. He is experienced in placing an implant in the jawbone that will be accepted by the body and incorporated as part of the jawbone. Implants typically look like small screws. They are made of titanium because it has good affinity with bone tissue, and after placement they are given several months for the bone to grow in closely around them. It grows right into the grooves of the thread around the implant. You can read more on our Implant Dentistry page.

To anchor a denture, at least two implants are needed, and perhaps three for an upper denture. If you have both upper and lower dentures you would need at least four implants. When the bone has healed and the implant is a sturdy part of the jawbone, Dr. Janes performs a short second procedure for placing a protrusion called an abutment on the top of the implant. It is much smaller than the implant and when Dr. Janes has closed the gum incision, it will protrude visibly.

These abutments will fit neatly into your denture and hold it firmly in place. This is a permanent solution, as the implant will remain in the bone. If your gums recede a little with age, your denture will still fit properly on the abutments. You no longer need to deal with a loose denture or one that has to be replaced periodically.

Dr. Janes offers neuromuscular dentures that are designed to complement your bite. Please see our Technology page for more details. There is also more on implant-retained dentures.

To learn more about implant dentistry and whether implants would be a good way to anchor your denture, please contact our Hannibal, Missouri office today for a personal consultation.

Why Visit a Neuromuscular Dentist?

2010-05-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

A neuromuscular dentist is specially trained in the branch of Dentistry that diagnoses and treats the proper alignment of the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint) and how it affects the surrounding muscles and nerves. The relationship between the teeth, jaw joint and surrounding tissues is among the most complex in the body. General dentists are usually trained to focus on the health of the teeth and gums alone.

You should seek a qualified neuromuscular dentist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:

Headaches
Jaw Pain
Neck and/or shoulder pain
Pain or noises in the ears
Clicking of the jaw joint
Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands

Your neuromuscular dentist has a special focus on the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. TMD produces the symptoms listed above and can be caused by many factors such as accidents, misaligned teeth or even stress. Diagnosis and treatment of TMD are highly effective, often relieving pain that has haunted patients for years.

Dr. Janes uses state-of-the-art TMD technology to discover the correct alignment for your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) – one in which the surrounding muscles are relaxed and nerves are quiet. With this correct alignment comes relief from pain. In order to maintain this alignment your treatment may include bite splints, physical therapy or depending on your case, reconstruction or orthodontic treatment. Dr. Charles Janes has received extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular dental problems at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI).

If you live in the Hannibal, Missouri area and are in need of an experienced neuromuscular dentist please contact us at 1-800-873-3980 for a TMD/TMJ consultation.

Tooth Whitening Options

2010-04-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

Tooth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental treatments performed in the United States – it certainly is in the office of Charles Janes, D.D.S, serving the St. Louis, Missouri and Quincy, Illinois areas. The goal of a bright, white Hollywood smile is common, but there are many ways to achieve that goal. Let’s review some of the options available to you.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Kits: These kits consist of strips or trays and gel. They are relatively inexpensive and can be picked up at most drug stores. The bleaching can be performed in your own home on your own schedule. The downside to these kits is that trays or strips may not fit correctly leaving teeth bleached unevenly in some areas, bleaching may take up to a month and they are very limited as to how many shades whiter you can make your teeth.

Whitening in the Mall: There is nothing good to say. There is no supervision by a dental professional, you don’t know what they are sticking in your mouth and we won’t even discuss lack of sterilization…

Take-Home Whitening: This method uses trays that are custom fitted to your teeth that are filled with a prescription strength whitening gel. The gel is worn at home for a period of time each day over the course of about two weeks. This Take-Home Whitening method is supervised by your experienced cosmetic dentist and since the trays are custom fit, the whitening is achieved evenly and gradually. This method is less expensive than in-office tooth whitening.

In-Office Tooth Whitening: In only 90 minutes you can achieve a smile up to 12 shades whiter than before. Using the ZOOM! whitening method Dr. Charles Janes has given countless patients the brilliant smile they were seeking. The Zoom! treatment involves applying a special whitening gel to your teeth which is then activated by a high-intensity light for 15 minutes. During this time the patient can watch TV, listen to music or even nap. This process is then repeated two more times. The result is a brilliant white smile with little or no sensitivity.

Before you choose a method of whitening your teeth contact Missouri/Illinois dentist, Dr. Charles Janes for a consultation. Dr. Janes and his team can help you decide whether whitening will help you achieve the smile you desire and if so, which method would work best for you. Call 1-800-873-3980 to schedule your consultation.

TMD/TMJ and Headaches

2010-03-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

Patients experiencing repeated migraine headaches often go from one doctor to another seeking relief and a diagnosis. For many of these patients, the headaches are not actually migraines but are a symptom of TMD. TMD or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder affects the jaw joint – one of the most complicated joints in the human body.

The pain these headaches cause often centers over the temples; it is severe and may last for days. Many people suffer debilitating pain for years without discovering the cause of their discomfort. Most physicians are not trained to understand the complexities of the jaw joint and while the pain from regular headaches can be treated with medications, pain and damage from TMD will persist.

Proper diagnosis and treatment by a trained Neuromuscular Dentist is essential. Most general dentists do not have the in depth knowledge of the muscles and jaw joint or the appropriate diagnostic and treatment equipment to deal with such a complex problem. Dr. Charles Janes has trained in treating these types of cases at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) and is a Fellow of the program.

The causes of TMD vary. Many cases are caused by an accident such as a fall or a car crash. Other cases may be caused by stress, bruxism (grinding the teeth), or poor habits (such as holding a telephone between your ear and shoulder for extended periods). Whatever the cause, treatment options are available and highly effective at alleviating your pain. These treatments may include heat, ice, physical therapy, bite splints, diet modification and/or neuromuscular dentistry to repair abnormalities.

If you are experiencing headaches it is possible that you are suffering from TMD. Don’t delay your diagnosis and treatment any longer – If you live in the Hannibal, Missouri area and are in need of a dentist with experience in treating TMD, please contact our Neuromuscular Dentist, Dr. Charles Janes at 1-800-873-3980 to arrange for a consultation or fill out our online contact form.

Dental Myths

2010-02-26T13:35:00.000-08:00

Dental myths haven't really changed much over time. Patients seem to share the same ones with us on a regular basis– so it is time to do a little myth-busting and set the record straight on some of the more common misconceptions about caring for your teeth.

Myth #1 – Children don't need to see a dentist because their baby teeth are just going to fall out anyway.

Truth – Children need to learn good oral hygiene from the beginning. If baby teeth are damaged by decay and must be removed early there may be problems with bite or improper development of the adult teeth. Children need regular checkups and treatment just like adults.

Myth #2 - Pregnant women shouldn't go to the dentist because it can be dangerous for the baby.

Truth – The truth is actually just the opposite. We now know that periodontal disease can lead to premature birth. Regular dental hygiene appointments before and during pregnancy are a must.

Myth #3 – Brushing your teeth using a hard bristle brush gets them cleaner.

Truth – Brushing with a hard bristle brush or brushing too vigorously can damage your tooth enamel. Better to brush with soft bristles twice a day and floss.

Myth #4 – Bleaching your teeth will make your teeth soft and give you cavities.

Truth – The technology used for bleaching teeth that is used today won't harm your enamel. Patients have a choice of over-the-counter strips, custom fitted trays, or in-office treatments like Zoom! That being said, all dental whitening should be done under the supervision of your dentist to ensure that you achieve the appropriate shade for your smile and to help avoid sensitivity issues.

Myth #5 – I was born with ugly teeth and never had braces. Now I'll never have a beautiful smile.

Truth – Cosmetic dentistry offers many options that weren't available a few years ago. Many adults choose to change their lives with a Smile Makeover. The procedures involve little discomfort and financing plans are available to meet your budget. Your smile is the first thing people notice when they meet you – make yours bright and beautiful.

If you live in the Hannibal, Missouri and Quincy, Illinois areas and have questions about these or any other dental myths please contact Charles W. Janes, D.D.S. today at 1-800-873-3980 or by filling out our online contact form.

Lumineers vs. Traditional Veneers

2010-02-15T13:47:00.000-08:00

Many patients come to our office for smile makeovers and request that we use a product called Lumineers rather than regular dental veneers. Mostly this is because of the highly effective marketing campaign that the laboratory that makes Lumineers has run. Magazine and television advertising have made the Lumineer brand highly visible to consumers. While this product is very similar to regular dental veneers there are some differences that patients must be aware of.

Both Lumineers and veneers (also known as dental porcelain laminates) are very thin, porcelain shells that cover only the visible part of your tooth. Both are resistant to staining and both can repair minor imperfections in teeth. However, most highly trained, experienced cosmetic dentists prefer dental veneers. Why?

First, because Lumineers are designed to require no preparation of the tooth they are very limited in cosmetic cases. Teeth that are slightly turned or misshapen cannot be corrected by Lumineers. Even on teeth that are simply discolored, the product can leave a "bulky" look. In contrast, traditional dental veneers can be used to perform "instant orthodontics" or extreme smile makeovers.

Another plus for veneers is their extreme durability. Veneers can last up to 15 years and have a very natural appearance. Because of their resistance to staining your new smile can keep its brilliance for years.

To find out more about porcelain veneers, please contact our St. Louis cosmetic dentistry office today at 1-800-873-3980 to schedule your initial consultation. Dr. Charles Janes serves patients in St Louis and Hannibal, Missouri and Quincy, Illinois.

Preventative Dentistry

2010-02-04T07:01:00.000-08:00

Taking care of your teeth and gums is easy, takes very little time and can be one of the best ways to stretch your health care dollar. The main culprits in any dental problem are decay in the teeth and bacteria causing gum disease. Proper oral hygiene in the form of brushing and flossing correctly and consistently can keep your pearly whites in top form and, as study after study has shown; problems in your mouth can be linked to heart disease and certain cancers.

The first step is always a regular visit to your dental hygienist for a proper cleaning. Your hygienist will not only clean and polish your teeth but will assess the overall health of your gums and note any problem areas that Dr. Janes may need to look at. Catching and treating problems early prevents larger, more expensive problems later. While you have the undivided attention of your dental hygienist, ask about proper brushing and flossing techniques and will be more than happy to make sure you are performing your home care correctly.

Old wisdom had us visiting the hygienist twice a year but new research has shown that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease begin to spread rapidly at about 90 days. Therefore a three month recall may be needed for many patients to maintain their best oral health.

Other preventative measures include avoiding highly acidic food and drink, or if you do partake, you should wait 20 minutes before you brush your teeth. The acid in the juice or soda softens your tooth enamel. If you brush immediately you will further damage the enamel. One good way to keep your enamel healthy is chewing sugarless gum. The constant saliva bath caused by the chewing will wash away particles that can cling to teeth.

Regular brushing and flossing, along with trips to your hygienist will help you prevent cavities and periodontal disease. Not only will you be saving your smile, you will be protecting your overall health. Now that's the best preventative tip of all.

If you are in or near Hannibal, Missouri and Quincy, Illinois and would like to schedule a dental hygiene visit, please call 1-800-873-3980 or email our dental office in Hannibal, Missouri or Quincy, Illinois today.

Questions about TMJ

2009-12-01T09:04:00.000-08:00

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) of the jaw are unique in that both are required to perform their actions simultaneously. Not only are the muscles of the jaw some of the strongest and most tenacious in your body, the design of the jaw gives it tremendous leverage and power. The actions of chewing and even speaking make the TMJ the most used joint in the body.

At your initial consultation, St. Louis neuromuscular dentist Dr. Charles Janes will be happy to answer all of your questions about TMJ disorders, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). For now, the following questions and answers should help you gain a better understanding of what the disorder entails.

What is the TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is where the lower jaw or mandible is connected to the skull. This junction is one of the most complex joints in the human body. Muscles, tendons, blood vessels and nerves all converge at the TMJ, on both sides of the head, just in front of the ears.

Because of the complexity of the joint and the number of physical connections made, the TMJ is subject to a number of problems or disorders. If one side of the jaw is damaged or gets misaligned, it can cause a wide variety of problems. Learn about the causes of TMJ.

What are Some Signs and Symptoms of TMJ problems?

Although many of these signs and symptoms may also point to something more serious, one or more may be present with TMD:

Headaches
Jaw pain
Clicking jaws
Tinnitus
Limited range of motion
Locking jaws

Get answers to more of your questions about TMJ.

In order to rule out problems that are more serious and to address the underlying cause of your TMD, please contact our St. Louis neuromuscular dentistry office today to schedule your initial consultation. Dr. Charles Janes serves patients in the St. Louis and Hannibal Missouri and Quincy, Illinois areas.

Causes of TMD

2009-11-18T09:07:00.000-08:00

Thousands of people every year suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) without ever being properly diagnosed and treated. TMD is a collection of maladies associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull.

There are many causes of TMD, which when properly identified by a neuromuscular dentist, can be successfully treated. Some of the causes of TMD include:

Trauma
Malocclusion
Bruxism
Stress
Disease

Once the underlying cause of your TMD is identified, St. Louis neuromuscular dentist Dr. Charles Janes can create a comprehensive treatment plan to address the issue. For example, grinding your teeth at night (bruxism) puts an inordinate amount of stress on your TMJ. By fitting you with a custom-made mouth guard, Dr. Janes may be able to relieve the pressure causing your TMD.

If you suffer from severe malocclusion, a misalignment of your jaw, there are a number of treatment options we can use to bring your jaw back into proper alignment. After determining what your natural jaw alignment should be, Dr. Janes will be able to address the malocclusion using one or more of the following:

Orthodontia
TENS therapy
Mouth guard
Surgery

To find out more about the causes of your TMD, please contact our St. Louis neuromuscular dentistry office today to set up your initial consultation. Dr. Charles Janes serves patients in the St. Louis and Hannibal, Missouri and Quincy, Illinois areas.

Cosmetic Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

2009-11-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

Advances in cosmetic dentistry are occurring more rapidly every year. Materials and techniques for improving your smile are constantly being refined. One of the most affordable and diverse dental treatments available from St. Louis cosmetic dentist Dr. Charles Janes is porcelain veneers. There are many cosmetic benefits of porcelain veneers, including:

Whitens teeth
Closes gaps
Straightens teeth

Applying Porcelain Veneers

There is typically a three-step application process for porcelain veneers:

The initial consultation
Tooth preparation and impressions
Verification and application

Dr. Janes will explain the application process to you in greater detail at your initial consultation.

Porcelain Qualities

Porcelain is an excellent material for dental improvements for the following reasons:

Ceramic porcelain is very thin, only a few millimeters in width. Therefore, porcelain veneers require only a small amount of tooth enamel to be removed in order to fit them properly.
Like your original enamel, porcelain is translucent, allowing some light to pass through and reflect off the underlying dental material.
Once applied, these glass-like veneers are very durable and actually help strengthen weakened teeth.
Porcelain veneers are non-porous and will resist stains better than natural tooth enamel.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of our porcelain veneers services, please contact our St. Louis cosmetic dentistry office today. Dr. Charles Janes serves patients in the St. Louis and Hannibal, Missouri and Quincy, Illinois areas.

Candidacy for Cosmetic Dentistry

2009-09-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

Many people may be candidates for cosmetic dentistry and simply not realize they can get those things that have bothered them for years fixed quickly and to their satisfaction. This is because virtually everyone is a candidate for cosmetic dentistry. The first thing is to discuss your goals with Dr. Janes to understand exactly what he can do for you.

Simple procedures like tooth whitening can be performed in one or two sessions in his office, or you may wish to take custom-made bleaching trays home with you. This gives you control over how white your teeth become, but you will see the vast improvement that over-the-counter whitening products simply can't deliver.

More involved procedures can be done on patients who have chipped, cracked, or worn teeth, as well as gaps, misaligned, or even missing teeth. The procedures to fix these issues are certainly more involved, but the end result improves functionality as well as cosmetic problems. Some of the more common procedures people are cosmetic dental candidates of include:

Figuring out what type of cosmetic dental candidate you are depends on the level of improvement you want, as well as what you need. Dr. Janes can improve your teeth, and thus, your smile, through any number of procedures.

If you are interested in finding out what cosmetic dentistry can do for you, please contact experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. Charles Janes for an initial consultation. Dr. Janes serves the Hannibal and St. Louis, Missouri and Quincy, Illinois area.

Cosmetic Dentistry Fixes a Variety of Dental Problems

2009-08-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

General dentistry, the “traditional” dentistry, is focused around oral health. By preventing problems that may occur with the teeth and gums, you are much more likely to avoid pain and expense later in life. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on making sure you are happy with the way your teeth and gums look – the aesthetic approach. Cosmetic dentistry looks past the science and medicine to the art of the practice of dentistry. This is based around the premise that almost everyone wants a bright smile with straight teeth. Experienced cosmetic dentists, like St. Louis, Missouri area’s Dr. Charles Janes.

Perhaps the main benefit of cosmetic dentistry is its versatility. Different cosmetic dental procedures can fix a variety of problems.

Problems and Their Cosmetic Dental Fixes

• Stained teeth – For many people, the color of their teeth is their biggest complaint. Dr. Janes can brighten your smile through tooth whitening procedures using Zoom! in his office, before sending you home with whitening trays to use. You can also have your teeth whitened using porcelain veneers, which are bonded to the front of your teeth

• Chips, cracks, and gaps – Wear and tear, and injuries to your teeth can be fixed through several different cosmetic dental procedures. Dental bonding is a quick and easy fix, with bonding matched to your natural tooth color, while dental implants and dental bridges can repair the gaps left by missing teeth. Porcelain dental crowns are used as the replacement tooth.

• Metal amalgam fillings – While there is much speculation on tooth fillings with mercury, the metallic color that shows when you open your mouth to laugh or speak can be only too evident. Dr. Janes uses metal-free fillings that are matched to your natural tooth color. Whether you need new fillings or want to replace your existing amalgam ones, Dr. Janes can accomplish this for you.

These and other issues may cause self-consciousness that keeps you from enjoying life completely. Dr. Charles Janes has the experience necessary for your complete smile makeover. As a graduate, fellow, and alum of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, he has received the highest training available for cosmetic dentistry. Only around 600 people worldwide have received LVI fellow status.

If you are considering cosmetic dentistry, traveling to the St. Louis, Missouri area to meet with Dr. Janes is one of the most important steps you can take to get the smile you’ve always wanted. Please contact experienced cosmetic dentist Charles Janes, D.D.S . for an initial consultation.

Benefits of Neuromuscular Dentistry

2009-06-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

Many people who suffer from TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) are unaware of it. They are aware of the symptoms but do not realize what is causing them. Some have visited a series of physicians in search of pain relief, and have received temporary pain relief in the form of medications, but no treatment for the root of the problem.

The person who can best diagnose and treat TMD is a neuromuscular dentist. Dr. Janes is fully-trained in neuromuscular dentistry and has the technology to diagnosis it and plan an effective treatment for you.

What is TMD?
TMD is a misaligned jaw joint. You can feel those joints by placing a finger in front of each ear and opening your mouth. They are ball-and-socket joints with a cartilage pad cushioning the two bone surfaces.

They can be gradually pushed out of alignment, They can also be suddenly knocked out of alignment by an impact to the side of the head such as you might sustain in a car or sports accident. When you open and close your mouth, the jaw muscles are now stressed and the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly.

A misaligned jaw joint can lead to a misaligned bite, where your teeth continually meet improperly, rubbing or scraping on each other. The jaw muscles keep trying to avoid this, becoming chronically stressed. The teeth can become loosened or prematurely worn down.

TMD Treatment
Each case of TMD is individual, and therefore each TMD treatment is also individual. Once your TMD has been diagnosed, Dr. Janes will have all the data he needs to plan an effective treatment. It may include:
• A customized oral appliance to be worn at night, for retraining the jaw muscles and preventing any night-time tooth grinding or jaw clenching
• Dental work to correct misalignment and wear, and to prevent the teeth from pushing the jaw the wrong way
• Use of a TENS unit to relax the jaw muscles
• Medication

If you have been suffering from unexplained headaches, or from facial pain, earaches, neck or shoulder pain, or limited jaw movement, you may have an undiagnosed case of TMD. A personal consultation would be the first step towards your pain relief.

Please call or email our neuromuscular dentistry office today and we will be happy to start working with you. We serve the areas of Hannibal, Ladue, and St. Louis, Missouri and Quincy, Illinois.

Cosmetic Smile Makeovers: How Are They Done?

2009-05-25T07:42:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you have seen a smile makeover done on a television program and if so you may have formed the impression that they are a routine. They are far from being a routine. Your smile makeover has never yet been done because every smile makeover is individual.

Dr. Janes would first talk to you in a consultation to learn what might be bothering you about your teeth. He would answer your questions and listen to your concerns. When you are ready he will do a full dental examination and assess your overall dental health.

Planning Your Smile Makeover
If there are any dental health issues, Dr. Janes will address those first. This will create a solid foundation for the cosmetic enhancements. He will discuss each specific procedure that could be part of your smile makeover.

Replacing metal fillings with white fillings – not only are metal fillings unsightly, they are also destructive in the long run. The metal expands and contracts with hot and cold substances. The filling remains in place by exerting outward pressure on the tooth and will eventually fracture it. Old metal fillings show through the enamel, discoloring the entire tooth. You can have them replaced with white composite fillings or with porcelain inlays or onlays and your smile will be vastly better for it.
Porcelain veneers – a quick and easy way to deal with defects in the front teeth, such as uneven sizing, gaps, stains and chips. The veneers are designed and shaped so as to enhance the evenness, color and alignment of the most visible teeth in your smile. Once they are attached to the teeth’s front surfaces, they are a permanent upgrade for your whole facial appearance.
Teeth Whitening – an effective and fast way to brighten your whole smile. You can have this done in our office, whitening your teeth up to 12 shades lighter, or you can use a customized take-home kit that we will prepare for you. This may not give results as dramatic as the in-office procedure, but it is done at your convenience, perhaps while you sleep.

There are more procedures too, that can be incorporated into your individual smile makeover. You and Dr. Janes can plan the right sequence for your procedures and we will be happy to help you with financing.

Please call or email our cosmetic dentistry office today to schedule your personal consultation. We serve Hannibal, Ladue and St. Louis, Missouri, and Quincy, Illinois.

CEREC III - Our Latest Technology

2009-04-29T14:05:00.001-07:00

The CEREC III system is revolutionizing how we serve our cosmetic dentistry patients in our Hannibal, Missouri and Quincy, Illinois offices. Before Dr. Janes invested in this amazing technology, any type of porcelain restorations, like dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and inlays and onlays, took two visits to our office and several weeks to complete.

Now we can complete most restorations in just one visit and without some of the inconveniences of traditional porcelain veneers or crowns. With CEREC, no messy mouth molds are needed and neither are temporary crowns. And perhaps the best part is that you go home the same day with a new filling or tooth. You can skip the inconvenience and cost of a second office visit. That’s pretty amazing!

Dr. Janes will take an optical impression with a digital camera, perfect the design with 3D software and then the CEREC milling unit will create your porcelain crown or veneer is just minutes. All that’s left to do is to make sure it fits correctly, that your bite feels right and then the porcelain is bonded to your tooth. All in about one hour.

It’s important to remember that not all teeth can be restored using CEREC. TO find out if you’re a candidate, please contact our Hannibal office at 573.221.3360 or our Quincy, Illinois office at 217.228.2828 to schedule your personal consultation today!

Porcelain Onlays

2009-03-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

Porcelain onlays, also known as partial crowns, are useful when there is not enough tooth structure left for a regular filling. And like inlays, they can replace old, gray metal fillings to give a more esthetic look since they are color-matched to the rest of your teeth. (Inlays cover only the biting surface of the tooth whereas onlays cover the biting surface plus more of the tooth).

Here at Dr. Janes’ offices, we have a couple of ways to create customized onlays for you. Depending on your personal situation, Dr. Janes will recommend either a traditional porcelain onlay or a CEREC onlay.

Traditional onlays require two visits – one visit to take a mold of your tooth to send to the dental lab and to create a temporary onlay. During the second visit, the new onlay will be fitted and bonded to your tooth.

With CEREC onlays, all of the work and creation of the onlay occur during one office visit. Dr. Janes can take an optical mold, mill the onlay and bond it to your tooth in about an hour. This amazing dental technology can save a lot of time and headache when you need a restoration right away.

Not all patients are candidates for CEREC onlays, so please contact either our Hannibal or Quincy offices today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Janes. Only he can determine the best course of action for you!

Advantages of Porcelain Inlays

2009-02-19T14:17:00.000-08:00

Porcelain inlays are fully customized fillings made of porcelain ceramic materials and just one of several metal-free filling options that cosmetic dentist Dr. Charles Janes offers his patients.

In the past metal amalgam fillings were the standard of care when it came to fillings cavities. Now we know that there are better and more comfortable ways to treat cavities. Better in the sense of being healthier for the body in general and better for the structure of the tooth.

Porcelain inlays do not contain mercury (or any type of metal) and do not contract and expand like metal fillings do. And because they do not conduct heat, patients are less likely to have hot and cold sensitivities when drinking their favorite beverages or eating their favorite foods.

Another advantage to inlays is that more of the tooth is preserved when preparing to address the cavity. Less of the tooth has to be drilled out to make room for the inlays than traditional metal fillings. The inlay is made exactly to the right size and shape and bonded directly to the tooth.

If you suspect you have a cavity or you have old metal fillings that need to be replaced, porcelain inlays may be the perfect solution. To learn more about inlays or other cosmetic dentistry procedures, please contact cosmetic dentist Dr. Charles Janes today by calling 573.221.3360 in the Hannibal, Missouri area or calling 217.228.2828 in the Quincy, Illinois area. We’ll be happy to help you.

Dental Implants

2009-01-30T15:19:00.000-08:00

Do you have one or more missing teeth? Do you refrain from smiling because you’re embarrassed or ashamed of what other will think? Well, here at the Hannibal and Quincy offices of cosmetic dentist Dr. Charles Janes, we have many possible solutions to help you restore your smile.

One of our most popular solutions is dental implants because they look and feel just like your natural teeth. And they are just a durable as your natural teeth are. You can eat all of your favorite foods with the risk of a bridge or other type of false tooth breaking.

The implant itself is a titanium screw that is surgically placed in the jaw bone. It’s left there for 3 to 6 months to integrate into the bone (a process called osseointegration.) Afterwards a permanent porcelain crown is placed on the implant and you have a new tooth!

Implants can be used for one or more missing teeth and can even be used to permanently hold dentures so there’s no more discomfort or worry about slipping.

If you feel you may be a candidate for dental implants, please contact Dr. Charles Janes and schedule a dental implants consultation at our Hannibal, Missouri or Quincy, Illinois offices. The number for Hannibal is 573.221.3360 and for Quincy is 217.228.2828.

Make a Better First Impression with a Smile Makeover

2008-12-11T11:28:00.000-08:00

We all know that having a good smile is important to making a positive first impression. But just how important is it? A cosmetic dentistry research group wanted to find out how much effect a Smile Makeover would have on people's first impressions, so it collected a number of before and after pictures from Smile Makeovers. To avoid skewing the data, none of the subjects had visible missing teeth that were replaced with dental implants or seriously crooked teeth. Instead, the subjects underwent relatively minor cosmetic improvement with tooth whitening, dental crowns, and/or porcelain veneers.

Subjects were shown a selection of the pictures, which included either a before or after for every individual, and asked to rate the person in the picture in terms of a number of characteristics, including how attractive, popular with the opposite sex, how wealthy, and how intelligent they thought the person was. Then the average ratings for the person before and after the Smile Makeover were compared.

Some of the results were as expected. People were given substantially higher ratings for attractiveness, wealth, and popularity with the opposite sex following their Smile Makeover. People were also rated higher in terms of being friendly, interesting, and intelligent. People were even rated more kind, sensitive to other people, and happier. Even a minor procedure had a surprisingly large impact, and in every category the change was statistically significant. Another interesting finding was that women seemed to receive a bigger boost in nearly every category than men.

If you think your smile isn't all you'd like it to be, and you find that it is having a negative impact on your first impressions, perhaps cosmetic dentistry can help. Schedule a Smile Makeover consultation with Dr. Charles Janes in Hannibal, Missouri, today.

Introduction to Porcelain Veneers

2008-11-30T12:36:00.001-08:00

Porcelain veneers can make a huge difference in the appearance of your smile. They are one of the most dramatic cosmetic dentistry procedures available. Veneers are thin surfaces of porcelain that are cemented to your teeth. They give your smile a new look, a look that can be brighter, whiter, straighter, and more shapely. Porcelain veneers can be used to correct:

Discolored teeth
Chipped teeth
Cracked teeth
Misshapen teeth
Crooked teeth

They can be used on one tooth, a few teeth, or all front teeth. Sixteen veneers is usually considered a "complete set." When veneers are used to correct crooked teeth, they are often called "Instant Orthodontics" because they straighten teeth in a few weeks instead of the year or more necessary for traditional orthodontics.

Porcelain veneers are a better solution for many people than other options. Although tooth whitening can dramatically lighten teeth, the effects are temporary, whereas porcelain veneers, properly cared for, will never stain. As a solution for cracked or chipped teeth, porcelain veneers are also a good solution because they can add strength as well as a good-looking surface. And for people wanting to correct minor crookedness in their teeth, porcelain veneers have the benefit of not only being "instant," but because they do not move the tooth root, they are not subject to drifting out of place again and therefore a retainer is not necessary.

If you would like to learn more about the potential of this cosmetic dentistry procedure, schedule a porcelain veneers consultation with Dr. Charles Janes in Hannibal, Missouri today.

Improve your Smile with Zoom!™

2008-10-31T15:37:00.000-07:00

In recent years, tooth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures across the country. The ease and quickness of tooth whitening make it very appealing to many people looking to recapture a dazzling white smile.

Dr. Janes is proud to offer the Zoom!™ tooth whitening system at his office. This method allows Dr. Janes to lighten your teeth by up to 12 shades. The procedure is simple and painless. The entire whitening process will be completed in one 90-minute appointment at our office.

Zoom! uses a gel comprised primarily out of hydrogen peroxide to bleach your teeth. After covering your gums and lips to prevent irritation, this gel will be spread across your teeth. Dr. Janes will use a special laser light to activate the bleaching agent in the gel.

You will require three applications of this gel. Each application will last about 15 minutes. You can listen to music or watch TV to pass the time. The process will be finished off with a fluoride treatment and you will be on your way.

Please remember that while tooth whitening will provide you with a vastly improved, pearly white smile, it is not a permanent fix to your stained teeth. The effects of the procedure will generally last several years, but ultimately, your teeth will once again become stained. Many commonly-consumed beverages, including coffee, tea, soda, and red wine, will continue to stain your teeth. If after a few years you feel you need to once again revitalize your smile, Dr. Janes can perform another whitening procedure for you.

Please contact Dr. Janes if you are interested in tooth whitening in the Hannibal, Missouri area.

2008-09-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the blog of Dr. Charles Janes, DDS.

Our first blog entry is coming soon. Please check back, and thanks for visiting.