Dentist good content for PBN’s
Advancement in Laser Dentistry Techniques
Laser dentistry techniques have been around since 1994. It has been successfully used to treat many dental problems. These techniques have been used worldwide by many dentists. They have also received ADA approval. Even though the ADA is a little skeptical about approving Laser dentistry, they still acknowledge its potential. The lasers used in dentistry are very different from the cold lasers used in phototherapy. Phototherapy lasers are tuned to a different frequency and mostly used to treat headache, swelling, and pain.
In the field of dentistry, laser dentistry techniques are often used to effectively treat tooth decay, diseases of the gums, removing lesions, and bleaching teeth. In cases of tooth decay, lasers remove the damaged portion that has formed on the tooth and also to prepares that surrounding area for filling. The second step of the procedure uses lasers to cure the filling.
When treating gum disease with Laser dentistry techniques, the lasers reshape the gums and aid in removing any bacteria that can form when a root canal is being performed. Lasers that are used in lesion removal procedures, assist in removing small pieces of tissues. These are later sent to the lab to be examined for cancer.
Laser dentistry techniques are also used in bleaching of the teeth. During teeth whitening procedures, peroxide solution is used on the teeth. The lasers are then used to activate the solution and speed up the beaching.
There are many advantages for dentist to adapt to laser dentistry procedures. When you compare the use of lasers to the usual drill methods, the lasers are, known to cause very little pain and which means that the need to use anesthesia during a dental procedure is limited. Lasers used in dental procedures are, also known to reduce any anxiety that a patient might undergo during a dental procedure. The one thing that most patients love about in lasers used in dental procedures is that there is minimal bleeding and swelling after the procedure and the health of the tooth is, preserved when a cavity is, removed. Laser dentistry techniques have completely revolutionized the way, both dentists and patients perceive dentistry.
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Teeth Bleaching Dentist, Whitening, Veneers Dentist
Are you unhappy with your current smile? If you have cracked or chipped teeth, stained teeth or an uneven and
crooked smile, then you probably are self-conscious about how your teeth look. You might find yourself
covering your teeth when you smile around other people — or not smiling at all. You might think that it’s
impossible to get your teeth looking the way you want them to. However, a complete smile makeover from a
teeth bleaching and veneers dentist can change all of that.
If you’re ready to experience the ultimate in cosmetic dentistry, a complete smile makeover can transform the
way you look and the way others look at you! We have performed complete smile makeovers for more than ten
years, helping hundreds of patients achieve the smile of their dreams through periodontal and teeth
bleaching dentist work.
Your smile makeover consultation will begin with smile design. We will take measurements of your existing
teeth, facial structure and even the tilt of your eyes. He will carefully listen to your expectations and make notes
of your skin tone and jaw angle. In addition, he will take photos of your existing dentition with intraoral cameras,
and after a little digital magic — voilà! — you can preview the new you on our chair side monitors. Your smile
makeover may require a teeth veneer, whitening, white restorations, cosmetic bonding and contouring
or other procedures.
If a smile makeover using whitening veneers or other treatments is in your future, call us today for a
consultation. Your self-confidence and sophisticated image deserve it! We treat patients throughout the
area making us a great choice if you need a dentist.
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Pediatric Dentist | Baby Teeth
BABY’S FIRST TEETH – TOOTH ERUPTION
The role of a pediatric dentist is very significant in your child’s growth. The very first teeth to emerge in your baby’s mouth are the two on the front side on the bottom section. Usually these teeth will start emerging when the baby is roughly 6 to 8 months old. The next bunch will be the four teeth on the front side of the upper section. Afterwards,
additional pairs of teeth will start emerging on either side of these teeth and this can continue until the baby is two and half years or so. By this age, most babies will have 20 baby teeth visible.
At an age of 5 or 6 years, some of these baby teeth will start to loosen and fall off and will be replaced by permanent
teeth. Not all the baby teeth are going to be replaced by permanent teeth. In some kids, the arrival of teeth can be a little early or delayed and there is nothing to worry about this. Baby teeth are going to be replaced with adult teeth. Still, it is necessary to take good care of them. Even if they are temporarily occupying the space for adult teeth, they play an important part in defining the beauty of the baby as well as affect their eating and speaking abilities. Messy or lost teeth can affect the confidence levels of the baby. As such it is necessary to help your baby to maintain proper dental hygiene from a very young age in order to have perfect teeth and smile. Teaching the baby to consume healthy food, keeping in mind the advice from your pediatric dentist, can be really helpful in the long run.
While The Baby Is Teething Some times, babies may feel pain as a result of teething. Kids in the age group of 4 months-21/2 years may develop tender and sore gums. During this period, the babies might act out their discomfort in different ways. Massaging your kid’s gums smoothly with your clean fingers or with the help of a spoon can relieve
the discomfort. Chewing on a teething ring can be helpful for reducing the discomfort. But teething never causes fever. In the event of fever arising, the baby needs to be checked by a pediatrician to figure out the cause. In case your
massaging is not helping the baby to relax, you need to get the help of your pediatrician.
How Do You Handle Your Child’s Visits To A Pediatric Dentist?
If the parents look at and explain visits to a dentist in a positive spirit, then the kids will start to look at it the same way as well. It is not a smart move to threaten the kid to take to the dentist for misbehaving. Never offer them any incentives for going to the dentist’s office as well. Do not share any scary anecdotes regarding dental visits with your kids. Even if you are scared of going to the dentist yourself, never let your kid know about it. Let the baby see you going to the dentist routinely. Also brush and floss your teeth regularly in front of the baby so that he will learn to follow this habit. If you always describe visits to the dentist’s office in a calm manner that would keep the fear away from your kid. Talk as if it is just another occasion in your life, like going for grocery shopping or going to the church, and this would make the experience a lot easier for your kid. The dentist will take X-rays to make sure the teeth are growing as they are supposed to be and also check for signs of possible gum damage or tooth decay. In some cases the baby will be given an appointment to get his teeth cleaned. Some tips may be offered so as to maintain dental hygiene.
Just going to the dentist’s office and familiarizing the kid with the surroundings and the staff members can be helpful to reduce any anxiety. Most dentists’ offices will do their level best to make life easier for your baby while they are there. If you make dentist’s visits a regular practice by the age of 3, your baby is going to have a great smile all through his
lifetime.
Sealants
Sealants are one of the great dental treatment methods of recent times. If you want to prevent your baby from getting cavities on their teeth, then the most efficient treatment is Sealants. They form a defensive wall between bacteria and the enamel. In this, plastic fluids are painted on the surface of the adult teeth as soon as they start emerging. These are very safe, very quick to dry in a few seconds and can last as long as 5 years. As Sealants cannot protect the area between the teeth, regular brushing, flossing and visits to dentist’s office are necessary. If you are using non-fluoridated water, Sealants can reduce the chances of occurrence of cavities in half.
THUMB-SUCKING
This is quite natural for any baby to do just like them trying to grab things. Thumb sucking actually makes the child relaxed and this is exactly why pacifiers help to make them relaxed and happy. But if they do not get over this habit even when they are older, that could be a cause of some problems. Most infants suck on their fingers and give up this habit when they are 4 years or so. If they don’t get over this habit when the adult teeth start to grow, this can cause the
formation of uneven teeth or uneven palate. The pressure exerted on the teeth and the roof of the mouth by the finger is the reason for this. The level of malformation can change based on factors like the frequency of thumb sucking,
duration, location of the finger in the mouth etc. In certain cases, the proportion of the baby’s jaws may be affected and this needs to be handled under the supervision of a pediatric dentist. Crooked teeth can be the cause of speech
defects as well.
Treatment
A pacifier can be good remedy for thumb sucking. Long-term use of a pacifier can also cause some of the problems associated with thumb sucking. But, a pacifier can be removed, as it is not accessible to the kid all the time. It would be a good idea to stop this habit before the kid starts school. Otherwise they may face ridicule from other kids. When you try to stop this habit is really important. The kid has to agree to stop this habit. In case, he is not wiling to do so, you may ask your dentist to try therapy for this purpose. Kids can be stubborn and some times would do the exact opposite of what you ask them to do. You have to persist with your attempts. Be patient and try to stop this habit.
Applying a band-aid on the thumb can act as a warning. Complement them when they are behaving properly. Small gifts can also be used as encouragement. Try to keep them from sucking for small durations of time during
some routine activities. And later you can increase the number sucking-free activities and this will eventually lead to total stoppage of daytime sucking.
How To Handle Sleep Time Sucking?
Assist your baby to get rid of this habit even during sleep. Putting on a glove or sock on the finger can help you in achieving your goal. If your attempts don’t succeed in gaining results, you may get the help of your pediatric
dentist. Make sure you let them know of this problem around age 6 as the adult teeth start to erupt at this time. Your dentist can place a reminder bar in the kid’s mouth. Try to not make a big fuss when the kid is sucking. And make sure
you complement them when they are not sucking. As sucking is supposed to make them more relaxed, check to see the reasons of their nervousness, if any. Your dentist may have some tips for you as well.
Space Maintenance
Occasionally, kids lose their teeth before it is supposed to due to reasons like poor oral hygiene or accidents. As the permanent tooth is not ready to take its place yet, the neighboring teeth on either sides or on the opposite jaw may move in to that vacant space. Then, when the actual permanent tooth shows up, it will not have sufficient space and this may cause it to come out crooked or not come out at all. The adverse results of this can be:
Added difficulty in brushing the teeth properly and associated problems like tooth decay.
Added difficulty in chewing properly and this can cause the teeth to over work.
Without proper treatment, this could turn out to be serious dental problems. It is not uncommon for kids to gain their adult teeth late in their teenage years. Any pediatric dentist will be able to fit a custom sized space maintainer
in this empty space. This small metal piece can be removed once the adult tooth emerges. Space maintainer is kept in its place by attaching a band or a wire loop on to the nearby teeth. This will help the neighboring teeth to stay in its
regular place.
How To Take Care Of Space Maintainers?
Sticky items like chewing gum and chocolates need to be avoided. Do not exert pressure on the space maintainer either with your tongue or fingers. Routinely brush and floss it and leave it clean. Do proper dental check ups once in every 6 months.
Brushing The Baby’s Teeth – Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Necessary To Clean My Kid’s Teeth?It is a must do to clean the baby’s gums even before the emergence of baby
teeth. A soft piece of cloth can be used for wiping after feeding each time. After the teeth come out, brush the baby’s teeth using a soft bristled toothbrush. As kids are prone to swallow toothpaste, use only very small quantities of it. Swallowing toothpaste with fluoride in large quantities can cause discoloration of the teeth due to dental fluorosis.
Is There An Easy Way To Brush The Baby’s Teeth?
The best position to brush is when the baby is lying on the floor or in your lap. You can also brush with the kid standing and the back of his head is supporting by your body. If you stand in front of a mirror and do the brushing,
the kid will be happy to see what is happening. Your dentist can explain and demonstrate this for you and clear your doubts.
Things To Remember While Brushing Your Baby
Plaque is constantly being created on all sides of the teeth surface and also on the gums. Regular tooth brushing is the best remedy to get rid of this. A toothbrush with round shaped soft bristles is the appropriate one for a baby.
They come in smaller sizes for kids. And never expect the kids to brush themselves well. As they are not flexible enough, you will have to help them in brushing until they are 10 years or so. Change the brush when the bristles start
to lose their shape.
Ten Tips To Make Babies Enjoy Brushing
Get the help of a pediatric dentist and he will use his experience and training and will teach your kid how to brush properly..As long as the toothbrush is soft and rounded, let your kid choose his/her toothbrush as well as the type of toothpaste he likes. There a lot of kid friendly items available now.Use only a very small amount of toothpaste, as kids are known to swallow it. In case the kid does not like toothpaste, do not force him/her to use it as it might lead to the start of many unpleasant brushing sessions.Leave a toothpaste and toothbrush in each of your bathrooms so that it will be easier for your baby. Make interesting notes as reminders for your baby to brush at appropriate intervals. These can be left on his bed for sleep time or on his lunch box for lunchtime.You can get the help of your baby while you brush your pets and this will imprint the importance of brushing in his mind forever. Say good things about their brushing attempts and about its results. They will keep that in their mind and this will act as an encouragement for brushing their teeth regularly.There are great children’s books available at the local libraries. Get some of
these books those are written so as to spread the importance of teeth brushing. Create some songs about the virtues of teeth brushing and sing it with your kid. These songs can be based on the tunes of familiar nursery rhymes.And lead the kid by example. If you brush and floss your teeth routinely, your kid is going to follow suit and make this a daily habit.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
The dental problem, which may lead to the quick decay of baby teeth, is called Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Baby Bottle Syndrome or Nursing Bottle Mouth. Front teeth on the baby’s upper jaw are the ones most vulnerable for this problem. As they are among the very first teeth to emerge, they are exposed to the sugar content present in milk and juices. Front teeth are saved as the baby’s tongue is protecting it while he is sucking from a baby bottle or from the mother’s breast. As sugar is getting stuck to the teeth at frequent intervals, this may lead to this dental condition. As many babies fall asleep while drinking milk, there will be some milk left on the teeth and the bacteria present in the mouth would be more than happy to convert this milk in to harmful acids which can mess up his teeth.
Extreme Cases Of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Many a times, it would be too late when the parents notice the teeth damage. Parents should routinely check the teeth of their kids so as to find any problems early. You should be looking for brown markings near the gum line, as
it is the sign of dental problems.In case your kid shows discomfort while eating hard, sweet or cold food items
and prefers soft items, it is time to make sure they don’t have tooth decay. In many situations, it will be too late when you have noticed your kid’s tooth problems and you may be forced to go for drastic steps like tooth extraction. This can cause problems like speech disorders, uneven teeth, emotional problems etc. If you learn how to keep your kid’s teeth healthy and follow up on this, you can prevent such problems. Make sure you brush and floss the kid’s teeth
regularly. Try to keep the baby awake while feeding any food from a bottle. Avoid using the baby bottle as a pacifier. In between feeding, let your kid drink water too. Use fluoride toothpaste so as to provide sufficient protection
for his teeth from tooth decay. Never falter on making dentist appointments at the specified intervals.
TIP Slowly change your baby’s drinks from sugary kind to more watery kind by increasing the water content in them. Babies always start their life with beautiful and strong teeth. You must help your baby to retain those teeth for a
lifetime. And the baby is not able to this on his own. And the kid’s future dental health will be totally based on your choices.
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Smile Makeover | Perfect Smile
Every one would love to have a killer smile. But mamma nature gives that gift to some of her favorite kids only. For those who are not in her good books, you can always go for a smile makeover. You may never have to use braces or any other dental procedures in your life. But then wear and tear from habits like smoking, drinking coffee etc. can affect the beauty of your teeth. All you were able to do about this was to get it cleaned once in a while. But the recent developments in cosmetic dentistry has made it possible for every one to have teeth pretty much the same quality and color as that of your original teeth. If you wished to get your teeth perfected and thus improve your smile, there is
no need for any more wait. Do it now. You can totally change the brightness of your smile with the help of Aesthetic
or Cosmetic Dentistry. Of late, a lot of people are getting help from their dentist in their quest to achieve better looks and personality. Uneven teeth or stained teeth are no more considered to be a burden for a lifetime.There are a bunch of procedures that are part of Cosmetic Dentistry. Most of these procedures are aimed at improving the look and smile of the patient. Some procedures like Orthodontics, porcelain crowns, bridges etc have been in use for a while. We can help you to get the best cosmetic dental procedure to brighten up your smile.
The patient is thoroughly examined so as to find out all his dental needs. As a first step, his/her teeth will be cleaned before deciding about any or all cosmetic needs. Any existing dental problems can be treated along with the cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic dentists are always working to improve your smile. They can achieve this by rearranging, reshaping, finishing your teeth, gums etc. in a number of ways. But they are unable to any thing when it comes to your facial shape, mouth shape, skin tone etc. If the cosmetic dental procedures suit your features, then only positive results are gained. Cosmetic dentists can enhance your look, not change it completely. As per individual needs, there are a lot of different cosmetic procedures available for you to get a brand new smile. Some of these are:
Stained or discolored teeth. The enamel covering your teeth can absorb colors and thus become stained. These stains can change the color of dentin under the enamel also. If your teeth are healthy this condition can be fixed with the use
of bleaching agents.
Chips or rough spots. The dentist can fill these areas with composite. Composites come in a variety of shades and can be chosen to match the color of your teeth. When the composite is polished and perfected, it will be perfectly
camouflaged with the surrounding teeth.
Cavities or cracks. Amalgam fillings have been the norm in fixing these and they still would work okay for teeth in the back. But it won’t be a pretty sight if you do the same in the front region as the metal teeth are going to be visible
any time you smile. A better idea would be to use fillings like those used to fix chips and rough spots in matching color. One type of these is direct composites and are inserted in to the desired place and then set in position using a special ultraviolet light. The other type is indirect composites are prepared and applied on to the teeth. Even if the cost of these fillings is higher than that of amalgam fillings, your smile will be much brighter this way!
Uneven Teeth. Some teeth are found to be of a different size or shape than nearby teeth. These teeth can be improved so as to provide an even look through a procedure known as re-contouring.
Gaps between the teeth. Smaller gaps can be covered by the use of composite material. But certain bigger gaps need the use of veneers. This procedure is really an expensive one. Veneers are made from very thin layer of porcelain and
are prepared to suit the exact color of your teeth. They are fixed on to the teeth surface permanently and can totally change your smile.
Broken or crooked teeth. A crown can be used to fix these problems. Crowns were usually made with metals. But now they are made with porcelain materials with matching color of any person’s teeth.All these dental procedures have together made life much easier for cosmetic dentists and their patients in their attempts to gain the best smile.
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Dental Bridges | Perfect Smile
Dental bridges or crowns are a major cosmetic dentistry procedure. This procedure involves capping or covering of the tooth so as to bring it back to its original shape, strength, appearance and size.These crowns can be made from metal, porcelain attached on metal, tooth colored materials etc. Prosthetic crowns are useful when the tooth is damaged and can’t be restored by filling alone. A crown can hold the damaged or broken teeth in its place so that further damage is prevented. Some other situations where dental bridges can help are large fillings without sufficient tooth to hold it in place, prevention of further fracture of already weakened teeth, reconstruction of damaged teeth, camouflaging of crooked/stained teeth, protection of brittle teeth filled with root canal etc.
How Does The Dentist Set A Dental Bridge In Place?
The tooth and surrounding area is numbed by the use of a local anesthetic and then the tooth is cleaned up of brittle or decayed areas. The remainder of the teeth will be prepared so that the crown will fit comfortably on it. Some times
a “build up” is undertaken so as to create a proper foundation for the crown. This is achieved by the use of a composite material on the tooth. Later an impression of the reshaped teeth and surrounding gums is taken and sent to the lab where the crown will be created. In your next dentist appointment, this newly created crown will be attached to the tooth. Small adjustments are necessary to achieve the proper fit of the crown so that the teeth will be
aligned perfectly for a sound bite. Once the crown is fitting perfectly, it will be permanently attached on to the tooth.
Are The Bridges Going To Look Natural?
Your dentist will be trying his level best to provide you with bridges that look the closest to your natural teeth. Your dentists gets the impression of your teeth as well as other related properties like its color, shape, length, bite etc. and get the best possible bridges for you. You can convey any specific requirements you wish to have to your dentist and he can design the bridges so as to satisfy you with great looking and strong teeth.
What Is The Difference Between A Dental Cap And A Dental Crown?
A dental cap and a dental crown are both different names for the same thing.
How Long Can Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns are known to last from five to eight years. If you stick to a rigorous oral cleanup regimen, they are going to last many more years. Bad habits like teeth grinding, fingernail biting, chewing ice etc can adversely affect the durability of the crowns.
How Do I Take Good Care Of Dental Crowns?
Avoid biting or chewing hard food products, ice etc so as to safeguard your crowns from damages. Try to avoid teeth grinding as much as possible. Brushing and flossing properly along with timely dentist appointments can help you in
having long lasting crowns. Any plaque build up on the crown should be removed with the use of inter-dental cleaners or flossing. Plaque build up can cause gum problems or teeth decay. In case you avoid dentist appointments or do not stick to dental hygiene practices, teeth problems may become worse and cause the crown to break up.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are used to fill up the space left at any missing tooth. These are set in place in to the empty space supported by the neighboring teeth. Only the dentist can set this in place and the patient cannot remove it temporarily
like partial dentures. A typical dental bridge has three parts consisting of a false tooth and two crowns. The crowns are glued on to the neighboring teeth so as to hold it in
space.
What Type Of Patients Can Get A Bridge?
Dental bridges are suitable for people with missing teeth and willingness to follow a good oral hygiene regimen. Bridge is the best remedy for people to cover up the space left out due to tooth loss. If this space is left empty, the neighboring teeth are prone to move in to that spot. This can eventually cause worsening of teeth decay or gum problems in this region. The varied positive benefits of dental bridges include aligning the proper bite, improve speech,
improve chewing ability, provide better facial appearance, delay signs of aging(like wrinkles) etc.
What Are The Different Types Of Bridges Available?
Resin bonded bridges (also known as Mary land bridges) are used mostly for front teeth. These bridges work the best when the neighboring teeth are comparatively healthier without much filling. The false teeth is fixed on to metal bands and are set on to the neighboring teeth with the help of resin cement and
camouflaged from view. In this method, the neighboring teeth need not be scraped and finished much to make it ready for the procedure. In cases where there are no teeth on one side of the missing tooth, a cantilever bridge can be used so as to set it in space on to one or more of the existing neighboring teeth. If there are no neighboring teeth at all, a metal post can be embedded surgically on to the bone and then a crown can be set on to it. In certain situations, if the span is longer, a removable partial denture or an implant-based prosthesis can be used.
What Are The Steps Involved In A Dental Bridge Fabrication?
In case of a standard fixed bridge, the dentist is going to resize the neighboring teeth so that it can anchor the false tooth in place. From the tooth impressions measured, he will create the false tooth and its support framework.
The finished bridge will be set in place during the second appointment. Usually the procedure takes around a week’s time based on the nature of the bridge chosen. This estimated time frame can be delayed in certain people due to the
difficulty in matching the exact tooth shade.
How Do I Take Good Care Of Dental Bridges?
A good oral hygiene routine involving regular brushing, flossing and dentist appointments is very important for safekeeping of bridges. If food particles are left on the teeth, they may cause bacterial activity that can lead to tooth
decay, gum problems or even damage under the dental bridge. Floss threaders are the best tool to get rid of bacteria hiding around the teeth, gum and crown. The metallic or porcelain part of the crown is not going to be affected by tooth
decay. But the natural tooth on the bottom can be affected. If you stick to a strict dental care regimen, your dental bridge is going to last for a lot of years.
Additional Suggestions And Preventive Measures Adjustment period:
You may feel a bit awkward about the bridge during the initial few days. This will only last until the bridge and teeth familiarize about each other and the change in surroundings.
Preventive Methods:
If you stick to the following instructions, you can assure that the bridge is going to last a long time without any tooth decay or similar problems. Make sure that you regularly brush your teeth after every meal and before hitting bed. Use a soft toothbrush or an electric toothbrush and clean the area where the bridge meets the gum. As this area is the favorite of germs to hide. it would be better to use an electric brush to clean the area properly. Make a habit of flossing at least once and preferably twice a day. Remove any plaque build up around the bridge using a floss threader or a proxy brush or an automatic flosser. It is really important to clean the bottom of the bridge and the sides too. If you do not keep the food particle accumulation or plaque build up, you may face problems like tooth-decay or gum problems. Always fluoride rinse before you sleep. Thoroughly rinse your mouth for at least a minute of time. Spit the rinse out and do not consume any food for the next half an hour. Clean thoroughly between the teeth with the help of an inter-dental brush.
Chewing: Avoid biting on to hard food products for the first 24 hours after getting the bridge set in place. This is the time the cement needs to set properly. Reduce junk food. If you consume sugary drinks, brush thoroughly and rinse away properly.
Sensitivity: You may feel overly sensitive to hot or cold food items for a few weeks. Except for a few people who may take up more than six weeks for this to go away, the rest will lose this sensitivity in a few weeks time.
Aftercare: Lack of proper follow up care and examination is the most common reason for the failure of dental bridges. Make sure your dentist examines you once in every six months. An expert dentist will be able to notice any or all new infections breeding on or near the bridges and take corrective measures in time and for a much reduced cost. In case you notice the problem too late, you may be forced to redo the whole exercise at a much higher cost.
Problems: You may face these problems. The restored teeth may be hitting first whenever you bite. This needs realignment by your dentist. You may feel overly sensitive to sweet items or application of pressure, your may feel that the bridge is moving a little bit, you may find a different taste at the bridge area and a part of the bridge can fall off. If any of these conditions arise, check immediately with your dentist for clarifications.
Preventive Dentistry is one of the best forms of oral and dental hygiene. It helps you to get that all important smile back on your face through cosmetic dentistry.
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Dental Braces | Cosmetic Dentistry
How To Take Good Care Of Your Braces?
Food particles and plaque can accumulate on braces in no time at all. Lack of proper oral hygiene while wearing braces can result in tooth decay or other periodontal diseases.You must follow a routine plaque control program similar to what is explained below:
A special orthodontic toothbrush or a soft toothbrush can be used.
As flossing with braces is harder to do and time consuming, use of super-floss, floss threaders etc can be beneficial. In order to remove hard to reach plaque and food particles between tooth and braces, an inter-dental brush can be really helpful.
Oral irrigators can be added help in cleaning up your teeth faster.
Risk of cavities can be reduced by the regular use of a mouthwash with fluoride in it.
Do not eat hard to bite food items as they can loosen or bend braces.
Consume fruits and vegetables only in small pieces and always chew them using the back teeth.
Chewing gum, candy items etc. should not be used as they can loosen, break or bend the braces.
Reduce you sugar consumption as sugar is known to raise the risk of tooth decay.
Never miss out on any of your follow up dental appointments.
It is not an easy task to take proper care of your teeth with braces, but the hope of attaining a killer smile should act as a motivation for you in doing so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I Get Braces?
A great smile can change your face totally. Braces can help you to attain a much brighter smile. Adjusting the teeth and thus making changes in the way your face is seen can help in achieving this. This will in turn add to your
self-confidence and over all good feeling.
Your digestion will improve as you chew better. Uneven teeth can be a problem in chewing properly. If food goes to the stomach without getting chewed properly, that can cause indigestion or malnutrition.
Reduced risk of future dental problems. If you do not use braces and get your teeth fixed, you may be facing multiple dental problems for years. You may find it difficult to clean uneven teeth. Your teeth and gums may be facing
unnecessary wear and tear.
After suffering through such problems for years, many adults are opting for braces these days.You can reduce the risk of breathing problems. As people get older, the roof of their mouth may cause some blockage in their nose and cause breathing trouble. This may cause snoring or sleep apnea. Braces from an orthodontist can reduce
these risks.
Uneven teeth are prone to get damaged faster and this problem can be significantly reduced.Take care of harmful habits.
Why Do We Need Braces?
Orthodontic problems are part of human genetic system. People have been growing steadily in size over the last few millennia. The proportion of size increase for human teeth was at a considerably faster level than the rest of his face.
This resulted in having bigger teeth than what can fit properly in people’s mouth. So an orthodontist takes charge of the situation so as to rearrange your teeth and resize your mouth as much as possible.
Are There Any Other Reasons For People To Get Braces?
Babies using pacifiers for a very long time, sucking fingers even after they turn two years old, habit of biting finger nails, habit of biting lips, injuries to the mouth etc. can result in orthodontic problems. Sudden stoppage of breastfeeding can also cause similar problems. But the main reason for most people is the faster pace of teeth growth compared to growth of their mouth. As it is a standard feature of human growth, you don’t have any choice other than
facing it.
How Does Orthodontics Work?
Braces bring each of the teeth in to the desired positions by the application of gentle and consistent pressure. When you look at your braces, they may look like they are sitting idle. But all through the orthodontic procedure, there are some small helpful changes happening in your mouth. The major parts of braces are the brackets placed on each teeth and arch wire, which joins the arches together. Brackets are made of metal or ceramic and are designed to fit on to each tooth. Now the orthodontist will stretch the arch so as to bring the desired look after the treatment is over. The arch wire will be constantly applying pressure on the brackets and will bring the teeth in to the right positions.The orthodontist is able to stretch your jaw so a to make space for all your teeth to fit in comfortably. As a next step, the teeth will be pushed in to the appropriate spaces. He can use a “palatal expander” so as to stretch your upper jaw. Again, a “facebow” can be used to push back any teeth sticking outwards. With all these gadgets at his disposal, your orthodontist can move your teeth and jaw so as to get the perfect smile you always dreamed about.
At What Age Can You Start Orthodontic Treatment?
There is no age limitation for orthodontic procedures and these are recommended for kids as young as 4 years old. Older people up to 60 years are known to undergo this procedure to gain perfect teeth. But the right age for the best
results and least pain is between 8 and 14 and we recommend you to start the procedure around this time.Human jaw is known to grow at the fastest pace when you are 8 or 9 years old. This is the appropriate time for “interceptive orthodontics” where your jaw can be expanded so as to obtain the best results. After this, you will have to wait
until your permanent teeth are in place before you start your full orthodontic procedure. This is usually done at ages 13 or 14 after the permanent teeth are in place.
Is There Any Difference In Orthodontic Treatment Done Once You Are Older?
There is no age limitation for this treatment and can be delayed for a few years. But it will take much more time and can be a lot more painful once you are older. In order to gain the expansion gained easily at age 8, the orthodontist will have to exert much more pressure at age 14 and this would be much more painful. After you turn 20 years or so, only surgery can provide the desired jaw expansion.
How Does It Feel To Put Braces On?
Except for the initial sore feeling in mouth, teenagers never find any big problem with braces. They may feel the soreness for a week or so every time after the braces are tightened. The newer braces are so user friendly that you
won’t even notice their existence in your mouth. The only exceptions would be if you get smashed in your face or when the braces are tightened.It won’t be such an easy feeling if you get braces past 18 years of age or so. You may feel like your teeth are loose. Even then the resultant killer smile gained can be worth all this trouble.
Do Braces Hurt? I
t depends on the type of braces you get. Older braces were really painful for the most part. New generation braces are painful only when they are set in place or tightened.
Is It Okay To Talk With Braces On?
Absolutely. Normal braces do not affect your voice or talking ability. Every thing normal teenagers do like singing, shouting, talking, yelling etc. is possible. Braces are not going to hinder you from any of these activities. Only
exception would be if you get hit on your face. That can be a painful experience! Some times the orthodontist has to place an instrument that can restrict your tongue movement. This may cause difficulty for you to talk clearly for a couple of days or so. Later, you can talk properly.
Are There Any Activities Those Need To Be Avoided While Having The Braces On?
Avoid fighting and chances of getting hit on your face. As such avoid sporting activities that involve close body contact like boxing, karate, wrestling etc.
Can I Eat Normally After Getting Braces?
It is okay to eat most of the food items you eat now. As your mouth is going to be sore for a week after the braces are put on, try to eat only softer food items for that period of time. After this period of time, you can go back to your regular menu.
Is There Any Other Food Product To Be Avoided?
Eating sticky food items like chewing gum, caramel, candy etc. can cause the braces to slide away from their position. Crunchy food items like carrots, apples, hard rolls etc. need to be reduced so as to avoid the risk of your braces
get knocked out.
What To Do If The Braces Come Off?
It is not a serious problem and can be easily reattached by your orthodontist. If it occurs quite frequently, you may need to spend some extra time to get the results.
Why doesn’t the Orthodontist set the Braces In Place Real Strongly So That The Braces Do Not Come Off Even During Eating?
The braces are to be removed after the treatment program. In case, they are set in place too strong, they cannot be removed easily at the end of the procedure.
How Is The Very First Visit To My Orthodontist Going To Be?
Your orthodontist will start the treatment only after a few appointments. The very first appointment will be dedicated to study your medical history. He will thoroughly examine your mouth and decide whether you need any orthodontic
procedures.Your orthodontist is going to go through your mouth and verify the finish of each section. He will check to see if your mouth is large enough for all your teeth to fit in. He will check the alignment of your top teeth and bottom teeth. He will look for any uneven, missing or crooked teeth. He will see if there is any breathing problems or joint problems in your jaw. The orthodontist is going to make his final decision as to whether you need braces or not based on all these factors.
Learn more about Baby teeth and how to help your child.
Dental veneers are the latest techniques in cosmetic dentistry.
Find a cosmetic dentist near you.
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Dental Implants
Question:
I have a few questions. I am missing two teeth. They are my two laterals. Right now I have a Maryland Bridge but am very dissatisfied because of the discoloration of my teeth due to the metal behind my teeth. At first, I wanted to get implants, but realized that it would take about 6-9 months. Is there any way of quickening the implant process? I am also looking into other suggestions.
Exactly what is the Encore Bridge and how long is the process? And lastly, what is a porcelain veneer bridge?
Answer:
Yes, there is a way of speeding up the dental implant process, and that is with ultra-precise dental implant placement, using computers to help design and place the implants. The more snugly the implant fits in the hole that is made for it, the more quickly it heals. We are known for teeth-in-an-hour technology, where the tooth is restored with a crown in the same appointment that the implant is placed.
Where you are missing your two laterals, I would recommend the dental implant. Otherwise, you have to prepare the teeth on either side in order to place a bridge. And no matter what type of bridge you choose, it won’t last forever, and you’re likely to have some type of trouble with those teeth on either side sometime in your life.
An Encore Bridge involves preparing a slot on the back and the side of each adjacent tooth. It’s like a Maryland Bridge, but there is no metal. Everything is tooth-colored.
A porcelain veneer bridge isn’t very common, and there are only certain cases where it is a good idea. But it involves placing porcelain veneers on the two adjacent teeth and then suspending the false tooth between the veneers. This can be done with the new ultra-tough Zeno porcelain that we are using in our office. This could be your best choice if you otherwise need or want porcelain veneers.
But a dental implant would be my first recommendation.
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Question:
My front tooth was knocked out when I was 11-yrs-old. I had a crown until 2005. it was replaced, and when trying to remove (to send off to make whiter) after a temp glueing, the dentist rapped on it hard. A month later I had an abscess and was told the root had cracked. I knew I had gone there with no crack, and when I asked for the X-ray, he said there was none. So I went to a surgeon and had a bone graft and a dental implant, which took fine. I waited about 6 months and the surgeon insisted that I go back to the first dentist. But this dentist, when he did the crown, pushed the temp cap on so hard, I was practically lifted out of my seat. My implant area hurt for about a month. It is now 4 months later, I went to another dentist because the tooth is loose and his x-ray shows the implant is crooked and the bone is gone around it. It is the whole implant that is loose. I have spent about $4000, my gum is horribly receded and scarred, and my tooth is about to fall out. now what do I do? Please help me.
Answer:
This could be difficult to fix, but it can be done. You may need to have more bone grafted and a new implant. But I would recommend finding a dentist who knows more about dental implants.
Implant dentistry isn’t part of the regular curriculum of most dental schools, and dentists have to be very dedicated to continuing education to become very expert in this. I would suggest going to the web site of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists where you can search for member dentists. Find a general dentist near you, and go there. Membership in the ICOI doesn’t guarantee you that there is expertise there, but it’s better than going to the phone book.
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Question:
I knocked my front tooth out at age 10 and jammed the other front tooth up in my gums. I had braces and then a bridge placed. I have had this bridge replaced once (20 years) ago. I am having pain with the remaining tooth, and it was recommended by my endodontist that I have the tooth removed for the next bridge. I have had a root canal and also oral surgery on this tooth in efforts to keep it. I am worried about having both front teeth on a bridge, as I have heard this can make the bridge unstable and I would never be able to do some things like bite into an apple-for fear the bridge would break loose. I would be mortified. I do have a low lipline so that has helped some, but my gums have receded and I have the black line that I have read about on this website. Any suggestions you have would be great!!!
Answer:
You have other options besides a dental bridge to replace the two front teeth. But let me answer your question fully.
You can have a stable, long-lasting bridge replacing your two front teeth. You’ll need a complete exam, including x-rays, to determine the condition of the tooth on either side. The bridge can be attached to the two adjacent teeth, or to four teeth, depending on how strong the adjacent teeth are. And this can be made to look natural, with no black line. But you need an artist-dentist to do this. We use new Zirconium materials (the Zeno crown and bridge system), which can be used to make a bridge with no metal in it. Don’t ask your family dentist to try this – get an expert cosmetic dentist.
Or, you could have dental implants. If you go to someone who really knows what they are doing, these can look and feel perfectly natural, and I would think this would be the ideal solution for your problem, because a bridge will just put more strain on the adjacent teeth and could provoke further problems with those teeth. Any bone missing from the trauma you had can be grafted in.
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Cosmetic Dentist
Becoming a cosmetic dentist is becoming more and more fashionable, especially with the current and other new technological advancements that are coming up in the cosmetic dentistry. It is thus quite imperative with so many cosmetic dentists that are coming up that you know exactly how to choose the right cosmetic dentist.
The saying, a smile increases your face value, is really true. A good smile can enhance the beauty of the face. But not all are lucky to be blessed with a gorgeous smile. Cosmetic dentistry has proved to be a boon for people who want to enhance their smile and beautify their teeth. Here we offer some information on the options available for you.
Before undergoing any cosmetic dentistry treatment, find a cosmetic dentist who is a member of AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry). This ensures you are treated by a cosmetic dentist who has thoroughly mastered all the areas of his subject. Go through his portfolio before undergoing treatment. This gives you an idea of the quality of service you will get from the cosmetic dentist. Ask him to refer his patients and talk to them. This should give you the patients’ opinions on his work. Check out if the cosmetic dentist has been upgrading his knowledge and skills. He should be in touch with the latest developments in his field.
Before visiting a cosmetic dentist you should know the exact meaning of some of the terms, which are widely used:
Braces: Braces are the most prevalent type of dentistry. An orthodontist puts them on teens from the age of 12. It straightens and realigns the teeth, makes your smile beautiful and prevents any jaw problems likely to occur in the future.
Beautification techniques: Teeth whitening, placing veneers and bonding on the teeth are the common procedures meant for beautification. There are no health benefits associated with these processes but increase your confidence.
Teeth whitening: Teeth whitening make your teeth whiter and brighter. You can do this either at home or at your dentist’s clinic. The cosmetic dentist bleaches your teeth and the process takes about an hour each time you undergo the treatment. Before using any commercial product at home, it is advisable to consult a cosmetic dentist. Our teeth react to different bleaches in different ways. Getting the right advice from your cosmetic dentist will give you the right product meeting your budget.
Bonding: The process of repairing our damaged tooth, hiding the exposed root or looking beautiful is known as bonding. First the tooth or teeth to be treated is cleaned and then the etching solution is applied to allow the resin composite to stick to the tooth. Then the resin matching the color of your tooth is used. This resin is shaped to resemble the structure of the normal tooth. Once the resin hardens, it is polished to the degree that it gels with the remaining teeth.
Veneering: Veneering is the process used to hide the fillings, broken or stained teeth or spaces in teeth. A thin layer of porcelain is fitted just above the tooth and is fixed at the spot. Veneering is also used to straighten the teeth immediately. A cosmetic dentist would be able to advice on the treatment time and rates.
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Grinding teeth could be considered more dangerous than the nation’s number one cause of tooth loss, gum disease. At least gum disease is generally preventable; with a strong oral hygiene routine, gum disease should never arise. However teeth grinding, or bruxism, is most often an unconscious act. Many people grind their teeth at night, or when they’re at work, thinking seriously about something.
How Do I Know If I Grind My Teeth?
The most sure-fire way to ascertain bruxism is through the eyes of a sleeping partner. If someone sleeps with you, ask them if they’ve ever noticed your teeth grinding. You may also ask your dentist if your teeth look like they’ve suffered bruxism. Your dentist clinic can tell you if your teeth, particularly the canines, appear shorter than they should be. Additionally, if you experience frequent ear pain, jaw pain, toothaches and headaches, even to the intensity of migraines, these may be symptoms of bruxism. Bruxism even tricks some people into thinking they have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
Why Is Teeth Grinding So Bad?
Besides the disruptive symptoms listed above, grinding your teeth can lead to extreme dental emergencies. For example, over the course of a few years, teeth grinding can cause a molar to break or a dental crown to crack. Ultimately, this could mean the loss of a tooth. It may also simply make teeth more sensitive, making oral hygiene and procedures difficult.
How Can I Stop Grinding My Teeth?
A variety of options exist to diminish the effects of teeth grinding. However, none can guarantee you’ll stop grinding completely. Grinding generally associates with stress, so you may go years without grinding your teeth and the simply start again one night, and continue for years to come. To keep your teeth grinding under control, consider investing in a night guard. Night guards are generally around $800 – unfortunately, not falling under the category of affordable dentistry – but they last indefinitely, until your teeth shift. Similar to Invisalign®, night guards involve your dentist clinic making a mold of your teeth. From that mold, qualified lab technicians build a night guard specific to your teeth. Though this night guard does not prevent you from clenching teeth, it does prevent the bruxism from doing much, if any, damage.
For more information about bruxism and its effects on your teeth, call our office immediately. We will help you determine the best solution to your particular teeth grinding issue.
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