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A comforting solution today could lead to a greater problem tomorrow.

When babies cry it’s natural to want to comfort them, but giving them a bottle containing a sweet drink, or a pacifier dipped is sugary water is not the way to do it. Babies can develop Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, caused by sugar clinging to their teeth which is used by bacteria in the mouth to attack the teeth.

Even though permanent teeth will eventually replace baby teeth, it is important to be watchful of your baby’s dental health to ensure healthy gums and healthy, properly positioned permanent teeth.

A few simple steps to prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay:

Don’t allow your baby to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice, breast milk or any other sweetened liquid.
After feedings, wipe baby’s gums with a clean damp cloth.
You can even start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears, and it’s best to wean babies by their first birthday and begin offering liquids in a cup.

What to look for…

Dull white spots or lines on the teeth may be the first signs of cavities. If you do suspect that your child may have baby bottle tooth decay, see your dentist right away.

What to expect…

A child will normally have all twenty primary teeth by the age of three. By age five permanent teeth will begin replacing primary teeth. However, if a primary tooth is lost early, whether to tooth decay or to an accident, surrounding teeth may shift position or tip into the vacant space. If this occurs, a permanent tooth may not have enough room to grow in properly, and come in crooked or rotated. However, the space left by a lost tooth can be kept open by a space maintainer fitted and placed by your dentist, pediatric dentist or orthodontist. This will allow the permanent tooth to position itself properly, and will then be removed by your dentist when the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. A space maintainer can be attached to one tooth or to teeth on opposite sides of the vacant space, and can be a
removable appliance as well.

While taking away from a nice smile, crooked teeth are also difficult to clean and are more susceptible to decay. Chewing is more difficult and crooked teeth tend to wear down quicker than straight teeth. Ensuring that baby’s primary teeth remain healthy will result in healthy permanent teeth. If you have questions about your baby’s teeth or
if your child has lost a primary tooth, please call our office.

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What kind of toothbrush should I use?

Everyone, without exception, should use a soft bristled brush. Medium and most especially hard bristles, are just too harsh on the gums. In time, the gums recede (literally worn away) and expose the root surface. Lacking the hard enamel like the top of the tooth, the root wears easily and can become quite sensitive. Deep grooves can eventually be worn.

How about the kind of toothpaste?

Any brand is fine, except the “smoker’s” toothpastes because they are too abrasive for long term use. The fluoride in toothpaste is beneficial so use one that has that in it. however, it is important to remember that the job of removing food and plaque is done by the brush and your “elbow grease” and not by the toothpaste. By the way, the back of the tongue should be brushed too to remove plaque build up there.

OK, so I’ll use a soft bristled brush and be really thorough. And I’ll use a fluoride toothpaste. Will that keep my teeth
and gums healthy?

No, it won’t! That will only do half the job. fully half of cleaning your mouth is using dental floss. The toothbrush can’t get between your teeth, but food and plaque can. As a matter of fact, much of the decay and the majority of gum disease occurs in the flossing areas and not in the brushing areas.

Is “tooth whitening” safe?

Bleaching procedures are safe and approved by the American Dental Association. Bleaching does not wear away any tooth structure or make a tooth more susceptible to staining.

All right – I’m convinced. But what is actually accomplished by all this?

It’s simply A, B, C. Abort decay, Banish gum disease, Create fresh breath.

At what age should my child start brushing?

As soon as your child gets teeth. Obviously you’re going to do the brushing at first. I actually recommend that the parents brush and floss the child’s teeth until about age 8. Brushing should be part of bed time activities. The child can help at other times during the day.

Will mouthwash help keep my teeth and gums healthy

No, it really won’t. It is only helpful as an adjunct for bad breath control after all the food and plaque removed by –you guessed it.

What else can I do to help my child have good teeth and gums?

At home, when the child is old enough, he/she can swish and spit out a fluoride mouth rinse after brushing and flossing. Also, starting at age three the child should begin six-month dental checkups that will include an in-office fluoride treatment.

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Welcome, we are a family-friendly Dental Practice. We offer expert dental care at affordable prices. Despite the importance of regular dental care, many people put off going to the dentist. Usually they cite anxiety or fear as the reason for putting off the visit. We are one dentist that understands how you feel, and do everything in our power to make your visit to our practice as enjoyable as possible.

To achieve that goal, we strive to make your visit pain and stress free. Whether we are cleaning your teeth, whitening your teeth, filling a cavity, or performing cosmetic dentistry, residents deserve the highest quality of care. No matter what your dental needs are, we promise to serve you with respect and kindness. We also recognize many of our patients have busy schedules, and have structured our practice to minimize your wait. All of our staff feel the same way, and promise to put you, our patients, first. To have A Friendly Dentist in a great dental office you must have a great team of individuals. Many of our employees were raised in the area and love the city and its residents. They understand what it means to be local, and what locals want from a dentist. People from our area are known to be friendly, down to earth folks, and that is what they want to find when they visit the dentist. We promise to give you straight answers, fair prices, and treat you like we want to be treated – with the highest quality of dental care. We hope to see you soon.

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Cher’s Celebrity Smile – ‘Turn Back Time’ Singer has completely reversed the age of her teeth
Cher has had one of the longest singing careers in history. She has spent over 49 years creating record-breaking songs such as “I Got You Babe”, “If I Could Turn Back Time”, and “Believe”. She is the only artist to reach #1 on the Billboard chart in each of the past six decades.

Additionally, Cher holds onto the Hot 100 record for the longest hit-making career span. With 33 years between the release of her first and last Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles. She ended her 3-year “Farewell Tour” in 2005 as the most successful tour by a female solo artist at that time.

Cher’s career skyrocketed when she was one half of the comedic duo “Sonny and Cher”. She was a talented, dark-haired, big-eyed, slender beauty. But her teeth clearly did not match her talent and eventually she underwent cosmetic dentistry. Now her teeth are even and straight, as well as white. Our dentists have been specializing in fixing crooked teeth like Cher’s for over a decade. Now, with their help you can be on your way to a healthier, straighter and whiter looking smile. Cher is an innovator in her world and now you can be too with cosmetic dentistry.

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Your Oral Health Could Put You at Risk for Dementia

Inflammation fueled by gum disease is associated with a host of conditions including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Now, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, people with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, have more gum disease-related bacteria in their brains than those without Alzheimer’s.

5,500 elderly people were researched over an 18-year period. Of 78 women who reported brushing their teeth less than once a day in 1992, 21 had dementia by 2010. Among the men, the effect was less prominent, with about one in six irregular brushers developing the disease.

With these new developments it is important that you visit the best dentists, such as our practice. We can completely rejuvenate the health of your teeth and gums with top-rated dental services.

Cosmetic dentistry procedures such as porcelain veneers, dental implants, teeth whitening treatments, and much more can help restore the appearance and function of your smile, bite, and speech. These procedures also work to help prevent further damage to your teeth and promote good oral hygiene.

Of course, these new findings, published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society, cannot prove that poor dental health can cause dementia, but despite the study’s limitations, it is an important step towards understanding how this behavior might be linked to dementia.

Whether the link between dental health and dementia is direct or not, you should always practice good oral hygiene to prevent the build-up of plaque which can cause infection in your gums. By doing so, you reduce your risk for a host of problems like dementia.

No matter your condition, the best dentists are there to help you get the best smile possible.

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A Better Smile with the Best Dentists

As time passes, it becomes more and more vital to maintain appropriate oral health. Your mouth harbors more than 600 types of bacteria, some good and some bad, but a substantial amount of the bad ones can cause real damage to your teeth and gums.

One of the biggest problems with having bad oral hygiene is the modern diet. When you eat, a coating of bacterial film called plaque feeds on the residual sugars left in your mouth. This produces acids that eat away tooth enamel and causes cavities or small holes to form.

Because many of the foods you eat are rich in sugars, there is plenty for bacteria to feed off of, especially when you do not brush regularly. After a while, the plaque film gets harder and more resistant to scraping and brushing, causing inflammation in the gums. This can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

When this happens, it is important to visit the best dentists for a full evaluation and in-depth cleaning. Dentists like the ones at dentistry office, offer the best procedures in cosmetic dentistry to help rid you of your oral ailments and promote good oral hygiene.

These innovative treatments can restore your mouth from a small crack, or completely alter the appearance of an unpleasant set of teeth, while working to promote good oral health and longevity. The procedures within cosmetic dentistry include dental implants, porcelain veneers, whitening treatments, full-mouth reconstruction, and much more.

Cosmetic dentistry is a top performer in the dental industry – every year more and more people find new ways to improve their smiles, while ridding themselves of harmful bacteria. The best dentists understand the need for a gorgeous smile, which is why they work meticulously with their patients to give them the smile they have always wanted.

Proper oral hygiene, fortifying food and routine visits to the best dentists can truly improve your smile and revive your teeth and gums.

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Cosmetic Dentistry for a Brighter Smile – Shave years off of your smile with the best dentists

As you age, your teeth begin to show more signs of wear and tear, such as looking dull and giving you grievance when biting, chewing or speaking. However, cosmetic dentistry with our dental team may be the answer to your worn down teeth.

Dental wear and tear is due to a variety of reasons, including erosion, abrasion, abfraction, and attrition. Usually a mixture of these causes is responsible for damage to a person’s smile. When tooth damage has already occurred, your teeth need to be restored to a healthy, functional, and appealing state as soon as possible.

We have more than a decade of experience restoring the teeth and gums of patients. With the many advances to cosmetic dentistry procedures, everyone is opting for the latest trends in dentistry to save their smiles. Now you can have a brighter smile that no longer ages your appearance and has the stability to restore proper eating and speaking.

Disguise stained and missing teeth with popular procedures such as porcelain veneers and dental implants. These treatment options offer a permanent alternative to dentures and tooth removal, and the materials used aid in a faster recovery time and smoother integration.

We pride ourselves on enhancing patients’ lives through better health, appearance and pain-free living. It is that type of thinking and behavior that has earned this practice a spot amongst the best dentists. Their efforts highlight the need for bringing maximally invasive procedures down to minimal.

We know how important having a perfect smile is and will give you top-notch service from diagnosis to after care. With cosmetic dentistry you can shave years off of your smile and restore health to your teeth and gums.

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Lidia had a smile done in Lumineers, and she was very unhappy with it, and comment that she felt that she had “lost her personality,” and that she looked like she was wearing a cheap denture.

What happened was that her dentist showed her cracking in her front teeth and told her she needed to have the Lumineers to strengthen them. The dentist told her that his fee was $1900 per tooth, but that in September he could give her a two-for-one deal.

There are several red flags here. The first is in the diagnosis. What appear sometimes to be “cracks” in front teeth are usually merely craze lines that don’t compromise the structure integrity of the teeth.

The “two-for-one” special is a big red flag. This is a pressure sales tactic to get a person who may not be totally sold on the procedure to act quickly, before they get cold feet. I don’t trust deals like that in dentistry.

And Lumineers, the way they are usually done, add bulk to the teeth, and it is true that they can end up looking like a cheap denture.

Unfortunately for Lydia, the Lumineers procedure she had done isn’t truly reversible the way they promote it, so she would need a new smile makeover. She took out a loan to pay for them, and can’t afford to have it re-done yet, so she’ll have to wait to have this fixed.

The good news is that when she chooses to have it re-done, she will be able to truly have a gorgeous smile that will accentuate her personality. Lumineers cases, at least from what I have seen, tend not to have the artistry of a beautiful smile – they seem to look like the “one size fits all” makeover.

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Answering questions about cosmetic dentistry

Question:

My daughter had her two front teeth knocked out by a softball at 7 yrs. old. We have had root canals and crowns on these teeth, and the root canals were done by a specialist. But she keeps getting these bumps on her gums now that are pieces of metal or infection. We know that she is to the point of needing implants. She is now 23 yrs. old and lives in Alaska. Her dental expenses had been covered by our insurance while she was a minor. She is very self conscious and scared of anything happening to these teeth. Does she need a specialist or a cosmetic dentist to get the best possible care?

Answer:

The bumps on the gum are definitely a sign of a problem. It very well may not be possible to save these teeth, and she’ll need dental implants and crowns. Getting this done, if it’s done right, could make a marvelous difference for your daughter.

I wish I knew someone in Alaska I could recommend to you. You’re smart to look for an expert, and I would focus on someone who is an expert in cosmetic dentistry, because generally when they do dental implants they are very careful about where they are placed so that the result looks natural.

Question:

I have a tooth missing, the fourth tooth from the front. The big tooth behind it has twisted around sideways, I assume because there was no tooth next to it for so long. How would you fix that problem? With a bridge? I would want it to be permanent, not something that I could take out. Please let me know what the procedure would be in doing this.

Answer:

You have two options for replacing that tooth with something not removable–either a dental bridge or a dental implant.

The advantage of doing a dental implant is that you wouldn’t have to do anything to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth–just place the implant and then put a crown on it. And, if you are a candidate for the teeth in an hour procedure, you can even get the new tooth right away.

If the tooth behind, the one that is twisted, is visible from the front, that may make you lean toward the bridge, because a bridge would involve putting a porcelain crown on that tooth, too, and it could be made to look straight and be made to fit into your bite, too. However, the bridge would also mean putting a crown on the tooth in front also, and you may not want that.

Question:

How long is the warranty for an implant crown? I had an implant done a year ago. I’ve had to clean it every single time when eating because food gets caught in the top of the crown. Now the crown is cracked and the food goes deeper inside. What should I do?

Answer:

Dentists don’t give specific warranties because there are too many variables. And some people just don’t take care of their dental work or don’t do recommended follow-up care or maintenance.

But having said that, dentists with integrity will stand behind their work. That is what we do–if there is a problem that comes to light because of a defect in the material, say, we will simply take care of it for no charge. And for a porcelain crown to crack after one year, whether it’s on an implant or on a tooth–it should last considerably longer than that. I would think, ethically, that your dentist should replace it. But I don’t know that you could say he or she has a legal obligation to do so.

But actually, it shouldn’t have been catching food in the first place. I would have gone back to the dentist at that point and asked for that to be corrected. It’s possible that the placement of the dental implant in either position or angle was a problem, or possibly the shape of the crown was a problem, creating a black triangle that catches food. If there was a situation where you had a lot of bone resorption before the implant was done, maybe there was no way to have avoided catching food. But usually that can be avoided. When teeth catch food, that promotes tooth decay and gum disease and it’s an unhealthy situation.

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Arguing Root Canal Vs. Extraction – Raw DentistrySkip to content

A root canal treatment may seem like the sort of thing to avoid at all costs; it definitely doesn’t have the best reputation among dental procedures that are well known. There are many reasons why individuals who have been diagnosed with the need for a root canal procedure might choose not to go with endodontic therapy and opt instead for its one true alternative, the extraction. When it really comes down to the root canal vs. extraction procedures, there is a lack of information available to help patients understand the real value of either option. When considering the root canal vs. extraction, the pros and cons should be carefully weighed against each other. In this interest then, this article will discuss a few of the most salient points around which the argument is based.

First: Restoring Health

The very first argument made for the root canal vs. extraction is that there are really no alternative options that will preserve the natural tooth. The root canal is the only procedure that can be preformed to actually lengthen the life of the natural permanent teeth. This is because the root canal strives to actually treat the infection and exterminate it before it can do permanent and irreversible damage to the tooth.

Many holistic health practitioners say that performing a root canal is not an effective way to actually protect the individual and help healing occur. The only reason it works to relieve pain is because the nerves are literally ripped from the tooth along with the pulp. Holistic health dentists suggest that infections are caused by an imbalance in the body, and the invasive manner of a procedure like endodontic therapy is not healing. If dietary and herbal remedies do not help and the tooth is lost to severe decay, then these dentists would suggest in a root canal vs. extraction debate that extraction is the only appropriate response. Second: Procedural Toll
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Arguing Root Canal Vs. Extraction

First: Restoring Health

Second: Procedural Toll

A root canal is a very simple procedure as far as outlining the steps goes. Anyone can understand the logic behind it. Both a general dentist or root canal specialist can perform the root canal procedure. It begins with the penetration of the tooth’s enamel; a hole is drilled into the tooth so that the pulp tissue inside the root canal can then be carefully extracted through the hole. The extraction occurs with special tools that scrape and scoop the pulp matter from the inside of the root canals. When all the pulp is out, the tooth is then filled with a putty that will provide permanent structural stability and seal the tooth against bacteria. Then a filling is placed in the hole and a crown is often fitted to cap it off.

A tooth extraction, on the other hand, requires that the socket be widened and the ligament actually broken. This means that as the tooth resides inside its socket it is carefully held in place by a ligament. To extract the tooth it must be wiggled from side to side and often a wedge is pushed down into the socket to help elevate the tooth and pop it out.

Third: Complications

In comparing a root canal vs. extractions, complications can arise during or after both procedures that may bring about extended healing or a future problem.

With the root canal, mistakes can be made such as missed or hidden roots that are not sterilized of infection, or instruments breaking through the root or breaking off in the root. These faults might be the cause for a later reinfection of the tooth and they will require that it be necessary to try re-treatment or even serious surgeries, and of course in complete root canal failure, a tooth would need to be extracted.

During extraction, roots might break off in the tooth socket and require that more extensive digging take place to get the pieces out. Occasionally, the jawbone itself might be caused to fracture in the absence of the tooth. Though this kind of fracture can heal, the worst complication that occurs with tooth extraction comes later. The jaw will lose bone matter, the teeth will shift and the face will actually take on a sunken appearance. This can only be avoided with either a dental implant or a bridge placement. Bridges of course require that the two surrounding teeth also be sacrificed for the fixture to be put in place.

Pain and Cost

A root canal can be a very simple procedure and actually is said to hurt about as much as a normal cavity filling might. The pain can normally be handled with over-the-counter medications. Its cost varies from around $300 to $800, depending upon complexity of the procedure and the tooth being fixed.

A tooth extraction is very painful and can require long term healing, especially if there are complications. If an extraction develops into a surgical extraction, then the cost can double. A basic tooth extraction costs $75-$400, a surgical extraction is at least $150-$650.

When comparing a root canal vs. extraction procedure, understanding both sides of the argument can make all the difference.

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Toothbrushes

In this economy searching for a break makes even toothbrush coupons look like a great deal. But toothbrush coupons can’t save you the cost that a good toothbrush can. It’s important that even if you’re looking for a good deal you don’t sacrifice the proper toothbrush qualities for a few cheap cents. Its actually easy to find toothbrush coupons, simply typing in “toothbrush coupons” online can bring up an entire gamut of options. So as you decide on the toothbrush coupons that you will use to save yourself a dime here are some guidelines that you should never sacrifice as they can be the very foundation of good dental health.

What a Cheap Toothbrush Coupon Cannot Replace

A cheap toothbrush tends to be generic, without patented head shapes like the major brands have. They will have equal length bristles and most likely large heads. These are not the features that help to promote the best oral health, as a matter of fact there are very important qualities that a toothbrush needs to have. For example a toothbrush should have a small head with contoured bristles. Many experts have said that the contours are not important, but there have been studies showing certain heads will provide better health care for gums. These are important features that you do not want to give up by giving in to toothbrush coupons. A cheap toothbrush cannot replace a good toothbrush and the benefit to oral health.

When selecting a toothbrush to purchase with a toothbrush coupon it would be advisable to go about it opposite the most common method. Instead of looking for a coupon for toothbrushes, choose a toothbrush that you would like to purchase, one that is the most comfortable for your mouth, one that follows all the suggested guidelines for a good toothbrush. Use a brand that is dentist recommended such as Oral-B. Visit those sites specifically and look for toothbrush coupons for the brush you want to buy. In this way there is no sacrifice of quality for a brush of savings.

Toothbrush Coupons Aside, How To Select a Good Toothbrush

Picking a good toothbrush and then using it properly can actually save you more money in the long run than any coupon can. This is why it is so essential that you don’t settle on your brushes. There are many common mistakes made by people when buying toothbrushes. For example, the brush described in the section above with the cheap large head. When buying a toothbrush it is important that you select a brush with a head that will actually fit comfortably in your mouth. This does not mean a large adult sized head like generic brushes offer. Dentist recommended brushes are actually smaller, they are flexible and fit around the teeth and in the tight corners of the mouth.

A second mistake commonly made has to do with buying toothbrushes that are too hard. If the bristles on the brush aren’t soft enough a person can actually scratch the enamel right off the teeth. This leaves the teeth vulnerable to staining and decay! It can hurt the gums and cause you avoid brushing. Instead it is suggested that everyone should use soft bristles, why they sell medium bristles or hard bristles makes no sense.

You will find with the right sized brush and the proper bristles there is a greater chance for dental health because the brusher will appreciate brushing more. Children and adults alike benefit from the proper brushes, it’s visible in the results at the dental office. So find the toothbrushes that are the best for your family and then find coupons for those brushes in specific.

One Final Thought About Toothbrush Coupons

One of the great and common debates about toothbrushes is whether or not electric toothbrushes are better than manual brushes. Most experts declare that there is not a significant difference between manual and powered brushes. But there are many new powered brushes that are designed to encourage healthier brushing habits, such as brushing long enough and not using too much pressure. These habits and the “fun” of a powered brush can help increase dental health and save hundreds of dollars in dental bills. If you can find toothbrush coupons for some of the best reviewed powered brushes that is a deal you can’t pass up!

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Teeth Whitening

There is no denying that white teeth will improve the way you look. A set of pearly white teeth can give anyone’s face a glow, but aging, unhealthy lifestyles, and certain foods can leave your teeth discolored and in need of whitening. The good thing is that white teeth are possible to get. Teeth whitening treatments are now widely available, and many of them offer great results.

Teeth whitening is a procedure by which your teeth enamel is treated to produce a whiter shade, and restore their fresh, clean look. It’s done without removing your teeth’s natural surface. You can’t always expect your teeth to appear totally white, but with the right treatment you will see considerable whitening changes on your teeth.

Anyone can get whitening treatments to whiten teeth. But there are certain people whose teeth may be more in need of teeth whitening.

People who smoke need these treatments. Smoking can be detrimental to white teeth. Tar from cigarettes make your teeth lose their white color, and can turn your teeth yellow.

Older people may appreciate whitening. Our teeth get weaker and look less white with age. Older teeth can look more stained and discolored due to years of eating and drinking.

Coffee and tea drinkers. These beverages leave unsightly marks over time that make teeth appear less white. Whitening will restore them back to white!

Wine and Alcohol drinkers. Wine and alcohol have ingredients in them that can change the color of your teeth, especially the darker drinks such as red wine. Over time, constant consumption of these types of beverages will stain your teeth.

Junk food lovers. Certain junk foods are very bad for your oral health, and many of these foods have coloring in them that will stain your teeth.

If you are one of these people, then chances are teeth whitening treatments will be the best way to whiten your teeth.

Is Teeth Whitening Effective?

Reviews from people who have undergone teeth whitening vary. Some people say whitening treatments made their teeth look white, while others hardly noticed the change on their teeth. The answer is yes, teeth whitening is effective, as long as the proper procedure is done. If someone says teeth whitening didn’t work for them, maybe they had severely stained teeth and only tried a whitening toothpaste for month.

From the point of view of professional dentists, teeth whitening treatments are always recommended. More and more people say these whitening treatments really work to whiten teeth. It’s all about choosing the best whitening procedure to whiten YOUR teeth.

Consult with your dentist on what the best and most suitable whitening treatment for you to restore the color of your teeth.

How Long Will My Teeth Stay White?

Most whitening treatment providers will tell you that the whitening effects last for 2 to 3 years, but this also depends on the type of person and lifestyle. If you have poor oral care then your white teeth won’t last that long, but for others who practice proper oral care, the whitening may last for years to come.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

Prices for whitening treatment to whiten teeth vary based on your specific case. Laser whitening treatments to whiten are obviously more expensive than the regular bleaching. It also depends on the service provider and region. We highly suggest that you get a quote before getting any whitening treatments to whiten your smile. Aside from professional solutions, there are also over-the-counter products that you can try. If you have slightly stained teeth, then these could do the trick, but if your teeth are very discolored, visit your dentist for the best solution.

Are There Side Effects After A Teeth Whitening Treatment?

Side effects after a whitening treatment vary depending on the procedure and the person. Some may feel some discomfort right after their whitening treatment, or feel their gums become slightly sore. These are natural and temporary symptoms after whitening. It will disappear after some time. If these side effects become unbearable or last longer than a few days, then it is best to consult your dentist and have your teeth checked. But generally, teeth whitening treatments are simple, safe dental procedures.

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Understanding Your Wisdom Teeth

One of the most interesting dental topics out there is that of wisdom teeth. Though they affect a vast majority of the human race, and our dental scientists have sorted out almost all the unknowns about conditions and treatments for them, most of the time, every individual’s experience with them is different. Whether it’s the way your body reacts to the tooth extraction or it’s the way your wisdom teeth came in, your experience will be unique. With this in mind, here are some of the topics that come up, from what wisdom teeth are to wisdom tooth extraction and more.

The Story of Your Wisdom Teeth

The infamous third molar grows into the mouth of a human right at the cusp of adult hood, between 17 and 25. Evolution tells us the third molar may have once been of use to the human predecessors in more primitive times, when the jaw was larger and more protruding. As the human race has evolved, jaws have gotten smaller, and the third molar has become less than necessary since we prepare our foods and use utensils to cut them, meaning that rarely do third molars ever grow into the jaw and fit. Instead, they are often impacted, causing infection or damaging the second molar.

These are the leading reasons for why they have become a commonplace extraction surgery for most young adults. Instead of allowing the wisdom tooth to become a compacted problem in the jaw, dentists can remove wisdom teeth with a simple outpatient surgery. True, not everyone has wisdom teeth, which is another hand evolution has played. Some individuals never have them and some only grow two. But still, the majority of young adults will find they have four.

Why Have The Third Molar Extracted?

Long before wisdom teeth start causing any problems in the mouth, before most can even detect them, they begin to form high up behind the second molar. As they grow in, if left untreated, they will grow stronger and their roots dig deeper, getting closer to the nerves.

They can be detected early enough in life that, with foresight, the severe pain and recovery that might be necessary in a mature adult mouth could be avoided in a younger mouth. The problem is that many people make the mistake of assuming if there is no pain, there is no need to extract the teeth. This is wrong.

The third molar can cause very extreme stresses, as listed above. An impacted tooth is the term used for third molars that are unable to break through the gums because there is not enough room. Impacted teeth then can cause either infections as the gums remain irritated by the trapped tooth, or the second molar can begin to deteriorate from decay caused by substances introduced by the impacted molar. Even worse is when the third molar, to protect itself, creates a layer surrounding it, which forms into a cyst. These can harm the nerves running through the roots of the molars, and this can cause extreme pain. The best choice then is to have the third molars extracted before they have become formed enough to cause this pain.

Fundamentals of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is one of the best options for third molar extraction. Unlike other tooth extractions, removing wisdom teeth that are deeply rooted and possibly impacted against other teeth can carry serious consequences.

A wisdom tooth, depending upon the stage of development, can be still buried deep within the jawbone, buried beneath the gums. This means that the first steps for removal are to create a slit in the gums and remove bone from the jawbone to access the developing tooth. To keep the hole in the bone as small as possible, it is often the practice of a surgeon to remove the third molar in pieces.

The horror stories one hears about third molar removal are normally not attached to the procedure, but to recovering from the procedure. It can be a very unique experience since they use anesthesia and sedation medications to do the job. The mouth does bleed after the extraction and brushing should be done very gently. The worst complication that can occur in healing is dry socket, but if you follow the directions of your dentist, you should recover with only a short recovery time.

The Wisdom

The most important thing a person can know about wisdom teeth is that thinking about it before it becomes an issue is the best way to avoid serious complications or oral decay and periodontal disease.third molar, why wisdom teeth, wisdom teeth.

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UV Teeth Whitening

It’s true that teeth whitening can be quite costly, but UV Teeth Whitening is one procedure that has a reduced rate. UV whitening can be much cheaper in comparison to some other practices performed to improve the teeth’s color.

UV Teeth Whitening – The Procedure

UV Teeth Whitening uses the ingredients and solutions that many other procedures use to achieve white teeth. The only difference with this technique is the Ultraviolet device that they additionally use after the whitening solutions are removed.

To begin the Ultraviolet teeth whitening procedure, your dentist applies a special gel to whiten your teeth, the solution stays on your teeth for about 20 minutes and begins to whiten your teeth. Next, the solution is removed from your teeth and a special ultraviolet light is directed at your teeth, which further whitens your teeth. After the teeth whitening procedure is complete, you will notice a vast difference in the color of your teeth.

Who Can Perform Ultraviolet Teeth Whitening?

Ultraviolet Teeth Whitening is a dental procedure that requires training and knowledge regarding the effects of UV light on tooth enamel. Only a certified dental practitioner can perform this operation to whiten the teeth. Due to the use of specialized equipment, UV whitening can only be done as an in-office whitening procedure.
How Long Do The Effects Last From Ultraviolet Teeth Whitening?

The UV technique provides a long lasting white smile for up to six months. The UV procedure uses practically the same method as any other whitening practice. The only difference is that the procedure is done with the aid of a whitening device.

The effects of UV Whitening (or any teeth whitening procedure) can be short-lived without proper care and maintenance of the enamel itself. Therefore, after getting UV whitening for your teeth, you must avoid foods and beverages that can severely degrade the whiten enamel’s color. Smoking cigarettes, drinking pop and alcohol can also turn your teeth back to a yellow or brown color.

Regular touch-ups of teeth whitening regimens must be practiced in order to maintain the white radiance of your teeth after having UV whitening done. By making use of over-the-counter whitening products such as toothpastes, dental strips and gels, mouthwashes, etc., you can maintain the color of your teeth after undergoing

Ultraviolet teeth whitening.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Ultraviolet Teeth Whitening

Through the years of using the device that produces UV light, there are many documented cases of harmful side effects brought about by its use for white teeth. It isn’t a generally accepted knowledge that the UV light poses harmful threats. All people know is that it can whiten tooth enamel, but the FDA has mandated and regulated the use of such whitening devices. The same Ultraviolet light that comes from the sun which causes sunburn to the skin is the same light that is being used to whiten the teeth. Imagine how the skin blanches and burns due to sunburn. What do you think are the effects of the intense, focused UV light on the whitening of teeth and gums?

UV whitening can cause damage to the teeth, gums and lips. Even with the most experienced hands of a dentist, the use of the equipment used in the Ultraviolet whitening procedure may pose much greater risks than helpful effects to whiten the teeth, When you dream to have white teeth, be adamant BUT be careful. White teeth can be very attractive to look at, however, damaged lips and gums as a result of UV teeth whitening can be very unsightly as well, so it is important to find a dentist that is very experienced performing the UV whitening procedure.

When done properly, Ultraviolet teeth whitening can give you a very white smile after a single treatment. The color of your teeth will be much whiter, and the color of your will last much longer with Ultraviolet teeth whitening than with many other teeth whitening procedures.

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What is a root canal?

Most people find themselves asking the question, “what is a root canal?” when their dentist diagnoses them with the symptoms that call for the procedure. The root canal is a canal treatment that is used to treat an infection or decay of the pulp that exists in the interior of the pulp chamber and the associated root canal in the tooth.

For a person’s oral health and to relieve tooth pains that come from decay around the nerves of a tooth, a dentist or endodontist will perform a root canal. This article will answer the question “what is a root canal?” by explaining the purpose for the procedure and the root canal procedure itself.

Why Is a Root Canal Performed?

Many people wonder what is a root canal, as far as its purpose as a dental treatment. When a tooth is formed it is the pulp in the center that connects to the surrounding tissue and carries the nutrients needed through the tooth. Interestingly enough the tooth pulp becomes unnecessary once the tooth has fully formed and can actually gather nutrients on its own.

Through the life of the tooth, due to a crack in the tooth, cavities, or pulp injury, the pulp may become infected or inflamed. Whatever the reason, if such decay or disease goes untreated the situation can compound and lead to worse symptoms, namely an abscess beneath the tooth. A person can tell that they might be in need of a root canal procedure when they find that a tooth is extremely sensitive or perhaps is dark and discolored. When pain is discovered, the best thing to do is go to a dentist for further diagnosis.

How Does One Perform a Root Canal?

For a person who has never had a root canal, it can be daunting to imagine what is a root canal procedure? The good news is root canals are pretty straightforward.

The dentist or endodontist recommended by the dentist will perform preliminary x-rays upon the tooth. These are essential so that it can be determined how badly the infection or decay has gotten and if the condition is still contained in the root canal or if it has spread to the jaw. If the infection of the pulp has spread or abscessed in the jaw, the root canal procedure can be much more extensive.

A rubber dam is placed around the crown of the tooth; this thin piece of rubber keeps debris and saliva from interfering with the canal procedure. The tooth and surrounding area are numbed with local anesthesia and then a hole is bored in the crown of the tooth. Through this hole the infected pulp and nerves are removed. This is the simplest definition of a root canal procedure, removing the dental pulp. Special dental instruments are used to literally scoop out and then carefully sand away all the pulp that is contained in the pulp chamber and root canal.

When the pulp is removed entirely, the endodontist might decide to treat the infection if it has spread down through the teeth and into the jaw and surrounding connective tissues. A medication will be applied and a temporary filling will be placed to close the hole in the crown of the tooth. If there is no need to treat with antiseptic medications, the tooth will be prepped for the proper sealants and cosmetic treatments.

A paste that fills the tooth, providing durability and sealing it up against infection, is then put in. Occasionally a small metal post is also placed within the root canal to provide structural soundness. Then the hole is closed with a dental filling and, depending upon the tooth and dentist, a crown or other cosmetic covering can be used to give the tooth a pleasant appearance.

What is a Root Canal Like? Is there pain?

One of the longest perpetuated myths about a root canal is that the procedure causes pain. The point of a root canal is to relieve the pain that abscess or infection has been causing an individual. Decaying pulp does not support nerve ends and can cause increased sensitivity. Infection and abscess can damage nerves and spread to surrounding tissues. The root canal literally removes any nerves in the tooth, and without nerves, a person cannot feel the pain that might be caused.

In short, the answer to “what is a root canal?” goes something like this: A root canal is a treatment that removes infection and decay from teeth and restores health and wellbeing.

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Sedation Dentistry

If you have ever wondered “what is sedation dentistry?” keep reading. Sedation dentistry is a specialized field of dentistry designed to treat patients that have suffered from a history of dental traumas, dental phobias or a fear of sharp needles and instruments.

Sedation dentistry will involve different methods and drugs that are designed to relax a patient and alleviate anxiety while allowing the dentist to accomplish dental work. The dentist can now work without the fear of a patient having a panic attack or any other type of reaction stemmed from their anxiety.

Methods

There are a few different methods of sedation dentistry, the first being oral sedation. Oral sedation will involve the use of medications prescribed for anxiety called benzodiazepines, or Benzos. The commonly used Benzodiazepines are medications such as Valium, Xanax and Ativan. These drugs can be given to the patient at the dental office prior to a procedure or they can be prescribed to a patient to be used as a sleep aid the night before a dental appointment.
IV sedation is another method of sedation dentistry. This involves a needle being inserted into a patient’s vein as a way to deliver Benzodiazepines into a patient’s body in a faster and consistent way. During this type of sedation the dentist must have another dental professional present in order to monitor the patient’s vitals and also due to some side effects of this type of method such as sexual fantasies. It has been documented that sexual fantasies can be a common side effect of this and other types of sedation methods. Because of this, by law, another individual will need to be present during the entirety of the procedure in order to prevent allegations against a dental professional as a result of these side effects. Painkillers can also be distributed in this way, requiring the dental assistant to monitor a patient’s oxygen levels during the procedure; in the even the airways begin to close.

Inhalation sedation is commonly used in sedation dentistry, typically with the drug nitrous oxide, also referred to as laughing gas. During this type of sedation a dental assistant will also need to be present to monitor a patient’s vitals during the procedure.

These different types of sedation can be used alone or in conjunction with other sedation medications.

After a dentist has completed a procedure it may take the patient ten to thirty minutes to come out of their sedation and will also require someone to drive them home from the dentist’s office. The effects from these medications can last from four to six hours, with such side effects as increase sleepiness, headache, nausea and vomiting. In order to prevent vomiting a dentist may also prescribe the medication Phenergan, prior to the procedure and after the procedure has been completed.

Cost

The cost of sedation dentistry will depend on the individual dentist, the type of dental procedure and your dental insurance company. Some insurance companies will not cover the cost of sedation while others will cover the cost with documented proof of your dental phobia or general anxiety from your dentist, primary care physician or a dental health professional.

If you need to pay out of pocket for these medications and sedation methods, the cost of oral sedation will range from $20 to $100, inhalation sedation can cost $200 to $300 and IV sedation will cost an average of $100 to $200.

Is Your Dentist Certified?

In order for your dentist to specialize in sedation dentistry they will need to take certification courses for each different type of sedation method, while also earning continuing education credits each year in order to remain certified in this specialty field.

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Clean Toothbrush, Toothbrush Sanitization

A toothbrush sanitizer can be any one of many various options. There are rinses, UV ray boxes, steam cleaners and dry heat cleaners. Toothbrush sanitizers serve to keep a balance between the importance of a toothbrush and the cross-contamination that naturally occurs. Most people don’t think much about the proper care of a toothbrush, but understanding the value of keeping a toothbrush clean is important. Let me tell you why.

Why Would a Toothbrush Need Any Kind of Toothbrush Sanitizer?

A stick with bristles, or a battery pack with a brush at the end, whatever kind of implement you choose to use it is bound to serve one purpose. The mouth is a rather disgusting feature of the body if you think about it. It is a wet orifice inside of which any number of microorganisms and bacteria reside. With every bite of food, drink or object put into the mouth more bacteria is introduced.

The bacteria will collect on the teeth and form a film known as plaque. When plaque is left on the teeth long enough without being treated it will harden into what is known as tartar. Tartar is the cause of many periodontal diseases including decay and gingivitis. You do not want this!

There are so many different reasons that your mouth is the breeding place for some awful organisms. It only makes sense that your toothbrush will be the same. The toothbrush is an object regularly introduced into the environment. After use it may not get rinsed off well enough, or perhaps it is dropped into a cup or container and the brush never quite dries. This means that it is harboring bacteria breeding grounds. And with all the bacteria available to the brush, it can have quite the store of filth.

Without the proper care and appropriate measure of sanitization a toothbrush is not a clean or health promoting implement. It does do the job of cleaning the teeth well, but there is much speculation that toothbrushes are the culprits for other issues. This is why the production of a good toothbrush sanitizer has become important for many people.

Sanitizing a toothbrush could be a very important thing. Of course the ADA also says there is not specific proof that brush sanitizers actually make a significant difference. Still, toothbrush sanitizers are desirable and there are various options available.

So Do You Need a Toothbrush Sanitizer or What?

There is no clinical research that can explicitly say that sanitizers have any positive or negative effect on an individual’s health. However, there has long been proof that germs can cross contaminate and cause infection or flu and illness to spread.

Most dentists can offer advice for the best way to care for your toothbrush. There are some commonsense guidelines like, “never share your toothbrush”. Sharing a toothbrush is an obvious way to spread germs via bodily fluids. It is important after brushing to make sure the bristles are rinsed off completely to remove any left over debris or plaque.

The brush is a very welcoming environment for bacteria so keeping it as clean as possible and making sure it dries completely between brushes is the only way to prevent contamination from spreading. And if brushes are to be contained in the same area or container their brushes shouldn’t touch or there might be cross-contamination. Finally replace the brush regularly at least every 3-4 months.

These are the common guidelines promoted by dental healthcare professionals. Beyond this an extra amount of cleanliness is a personal opinion, but one that can go a long way. Sonicare created their UV toothbrush sanitizer and it received positive reviews, other companies like Violight or even an antibacterial wash can provide a certain amount of sanitization.

It is interesting to note that there are many versions available, and for clarification one should know that those claiming to sanitize and kill 99.9% of the bacteria present do not completely sanitize a brush. Where as those that commit to sterilizing the brush will obliterate any microorganism present.

It is wise to make sure that the toothbrush sterilizer chosen is researched and selected critically and carefully. There is nothing wrong with having a cleaner and safer toothbrush, it can promote health and other healthy habits. So should you get a sanitizer, why not! It can’t hurt that’s for sure!

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What Are Dentures

As common as dentures are, there are a lot of people that still don’t know what dentures are. With so many new dental procedures and options out there, dentures just seem so ancient and old school, but they actually do a good job. To help you understand what dentures are, here are answers to a few frequently asked questions.

Dentures are basically teeth replacements designed to either replace a whole set of upper or lower teeth. They are made of a nylon-resin material that is colored to match the gum. The tooth part of the dentures are normally made or porcelain, plastic or a type of ceramic.

The denture basically sits inside the gum of your mouth, and it can be removed at any time. Dentures are usually held in place with some type of adhesive. There are many types of dentures, each serving a different purpose. You have the complete denture, the partial denture, the tooth supported denture as well as the implant supported denture.

Why Would I Need Dentures?

There are many advantages when it comes to dentures, mainly they fill in the missing teeth and give the patient a better smile. They also help support the jaw, the bone and the face because they fill in the gaps that the missing teeth have created.

The biggest advantage of dentures though is that they restore the confidence and self esteem of the patient. Having missing teeth can affect your appearance, and this is what worries patients the most about missing teeth. This makes patients very insecure and very worried that people might make fun of them for their appearance. But thanks to dentures, they can smile, talk and eat all without the worry of being ridiculed and laughed at.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Dentures?

The biggest disadvantage when it comes to dentures is that there are many food restrictions. That means no gum, or hard food for the patient. Also, apples and corn are not advised, unless they are taken off the core.

Dentures can slide around a bit inside your gum, which will cause redness and irritation. This, if left untreated, can lead to more serious oral health complications. Adhesive will keep them in place, but the adhesive is not permanent, and will eventually let go of the denture.

Also, cleaning them can be quite a hassle especially for those who are lazy. The fact that you have to take them out and clean them after every meal means quite a lot of effort and can be bothersome for some people.

How Do I Get Dentures?

Getting dentures is very easy and will only take a couple of weeks, depending on your dentist. All you need to do is talk to your dentist whether you’re a candidate for dentures or not and then once they decide you are, all you have to do is get impressions of your mouth. Once the impressions are done, they are then sent to the dental laboratory and the dentures are specifically made to fit your mouth. After a couple of weeks, you will need to go back to have them reattached and voila, you’re dentures are done!

These are basically the questions a lot of patients ask, but if you’re still not contented and still want to know more about dentures, then we suggest talking to a dentist or specialist. You can also talk to them about other procedures that are great alternative to dentures too, that way, you have a clear view of what it is and if you really need them or not.

For us, dentures are one of the fastest and cheapest solutions to teeth replacements. They have been in the dental industry for a very long time, and have a good track record of making patients happy. If you’re considering all the options to replace your missing teeth, you should speak to your dentist about dentures.

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What causes toothache?

Bacteria responsible for producing acid in the mouth leads to dental decay. The bacteria do this by breaking down fermentable sugars (eg. fructose, glucose, lactose). The result is that the tooth enamel is corroded by the acids. And the pain occurs because of the exposed tooth nerve endings.

It is necessary to visit the dentist when the toothache is caused by a cavity as the tooth will not repair itself. The pain may diminish but this is only because the nerve ending has possibly died. The tooth decay will still continue unless a dentist intervenes. Also the pain may increase in the event that there is an infection in the tissue around the tooth.

How can you prevent toothache?

Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent toothaches. And tooth decay can be prevented with the use of fluoride. Fluoride can be found in most toothpastes and in the water supply. Though it is worth noting that fluoride is not contained in the water supply everywhere.

Dental floss can also assist by helping to reduce tooth decay. This is done by removing food and plaque from the spaces between teeth. There is also mouthwashes (antiseptics). Mouthwashes, however, only offer short-term protection by temporarily lowering the number of bacteria in the saliva.

What is the role of saliva in tooth decay?

While maintaining good dental health is important, factors regarding hereditary and lack of saliva can also cause tooth decay. Saliva works to keep tooth decay at bay by neutralizing the acids made by the breaking down of carbohydrates. Its enzymes also assist to clear bacteria and carbohydrates from the mouth.

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What does it mean to have ‘sensitive teeth’?

This is a term used to refer to teeth that experiences pain when confronted with extremes of temperature. A reason for this occurrence is unknown. People dealing with sensitive teeth often have differing responses to toothpastes and have to experiment with a variety of products before they identify which is suitable for them.

How can you relieve toothache?

Paracetamol or paracetamol with codeine can be used while waiting to see the dentist, but this will only provide temporary pain relief. You may experience constipation using products containing codeine. People prone to constipation should use these codeine products cautiously. In particular, the elderly.

It is recommended that aspirin is not used due to the risk of bleeding during your visit to the dentist. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug may be appropriate (e.g. ibuprofen). This is because there is less risk of bleeding than aspirin. Although, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided in the event you have asthma or are prone to stomach trouble as they will inflame these issues.

Should you use topical analgesics?

Topical analgesics with benzocaine can be applied to the affected cavity using a cotton wool swab but should not be applied to large areas of damaged gum tissue.

When should you seek immediate advice from a dentist?

You should see a dentist if you are experiencing any of the following:

abscess, fever, or inflammation; general unwellness; a swollen face or jaw; or injury related trauma (e.g. blow to the mouth).

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Dry Mouth Syndrome

Dry mouth syndrome (xerostomia) is an issue for 1 in 4 adults. In particular, the elderly.

The main cause of dry mouth syndrome include the natural processes of aging and medication such as diuretics, antidepressants, and antihypertensives.

Addressing the lack of saliva is key to ensuring a better standard of dental health for the elderly according to the American Dental Association.

Saliva clears bacteria that causes decay and food debris from the mouth. Saliva also has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties. It is for these reasons that saliva is essential in preventing tooth decay.

The pattern of decay in people with a dry mouth is different to that which occurs in young people. Decay may often happen at the gum line and in severe cases even the lower front teeth will show signs of decay.

Dental Hints & Tips

Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking a solid object can stimulate saliva flow. It is worth noting that people should avoid sucking on food items that are high in sugar and that contain citric acid.

When the mouth is dry it is susceptible to attack from bacteria. You should refrain from sugar and food acid at this point.

It is recommended that you avoid foods and drinks that dry the mouth. These include coffee, tea, cola, sugary drinks, sports drinks and high-caffeine energy drinks. Drinking water is the best treatment.

If you do eat or drink those types of foods, have a drink of water immediately afterwards, and rinse water around your mouth.

The flow of saliva slows as people get older. Most people are unaware of this problem. As a result, the severe effects of dry mouth syndrome tend to take people by surprise.

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Top Things To Look For To See If Your Child Needs Orthodontic Treatment.

As a parent, you are always going to be concerned about the health of your children. You are always going to wonder about their health and wonder if you are doing all that you can to help take good care of them as well as instill in them good habits so that years down the road, they will still be as healthy and happy as they were when they were in your care. Part of this process is paying close attention to the oral and dental health of your children. While this may seem like a secondary part of the treatment that your children need, it really is one of the most vital aspects of his or her health. Without this good oral hygiene, your child will end up with orthodontic and other health problems down the road simply because he or she was not taught from the start to value the quality and health of his or her teeth.

Something that you can do as a parent to help instill good dental hygiene in your children from a young age is to be thoughtful about the way you talk about dental hygiene and to pay close attention to their dental issues from an early age on. If you take preventative action with your kids, their orthodontic health will be better in the long run and they will value their teeth more than if you ignore them. Here are some things to keep an eye out for in the early years of your child’s dental development in order to ensure that their teeth are in the best shape possible once they get older:

1. Early or late baby teeth loss: If your child’s baby teeth stay in a bit too long or come out a bit too early, that might be indicative of an orthodontic issue in later years. For example, if their adult teeth grow in behind their baby teeth, perhaps there are some other issues that are present. Maybe they lack the adult teeth to replace the baby teeth. Regardless, visiting an orthodontist to determine the issue is important.

2. Bad habits: If your child has acquired some bad habits in their early years, these issues can either be compensating for an orthodontic issue or causing one. For example, if your child sucks his or her thumb, you should visit the orthodontist to see if this has cause jaw line damage that can still be reversed. If your child constantly pops his or her jaw or the jaw makes sounds when opening and closing, this is also cause for concern and orthodontic action.

3. Crowded teeth: If you the teeth in your child’s mouth look crowded, as if there is not enough room in their mouth for all of their teeth, then you likely have an orthodontic problem on your hands. Additionally, if their teeth are placed in strange ways or are blackened or dead, then you should visit an orthodontist to determine how best to approach your child’s orthodontic needs. By taking action early on, you can help take care of your child’s oral health for the long term!

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Pick Your Orthodontist Wisely

The decision to get braces, be them the old brackets and wires model or Invisalign braces, is a big one. The result is going to be a few years of maintenance, a pretty serious dental-medical procedure, and a substantial expense. For all of these reasons, it is important to choose wisely the orthodontist with whom you want to work.

There are a lot of factors to take into account other than the ones just mentioned, such as driving proximity to your home. You are going to need to see this orthodontist somewhat regularly. Because of this, you may want to stay close to home if you can.

Of course, you want to factor in all of the orthodontist’s professional qualifications. Is he or she qualified in all of the ways that he or she is supposed to be? If not, that makes your decision on that orthodontist easy. But the first three reasons mentioned are probably the most salient.

First, the orthodontics experience is going to be one that takes a lot of time. Is this an orthodontist that you will want to work with for a few years? This could refer to the orthodontist’s temperament. Does he or she have a personality that you think that you would be able to work with professionally and personally? They are working with your children, and you want to feel good about that. But you also have to navigate lots of professional issues, too. Sometimes, working professionally with someone that you admire personally can be more challenging than some people realize at first. Because you or your children are going to have braces for a number of years, you also want an orthodontist that is reliable and consistent. You needed sustained quality service over the course of those years. You do not want an orthodontist that is going to have good days and bad days.

The next point is that this is a major dental procedure, and this reinforces the need to hire a quality orthodontist. As alluded to, you do want to check the reputation of the doctor. Make sure that this orthodontist is known for giving quality and knowledgeable service. You or your children are going to endure a lot of discomfort in this process, and you are going to spend more than a little money getting these braces put on. For all of these reasons you want to make sure that the orthodontist has a reputation as a professional in the field.

And this touches on the last point: the money Different orthodontics offices have different pay structures, and different insurance companies cover different procedures. But no matter how the payment comes down, someone is paying a lot of money for these braces. As in any transaction, you want to get what you pay for, and hopefully that thing that you pay for is something quality. Wisely choose an orthodontist that is going to guide you through the payment process and make it simple for you.

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Invisalign Braces Won’t Hurt Your Mouth

I am sold on the value of orthodontics. I really am. I believe that it is more than just a way of making your teeth look straight and beautiful, although they do that. I think that it is important for children to get braces early so that they are able to correct any problems that they might have before the problem gets out of control. But with all of that said, I hated my braces. I hated them so much. In fact, I hated them with such a fiery passion that I wore my rubber bands every single day and most of the day. These are the rubber bands that most people wore only at night. They were painful and uncomfortable and no one could understand me. I didn’t care. I knew that this was righteous suffering that had to be endured in order to get these braces off in a shorter amount of time.

For me, it was not about not liking the way I looked. I frankly did not care about the way that I looked. It was not that I spoke funny. I have been a bit of a mush-mouth all of my life anyway. What I hated so much was the discomfort that this caused me and my mouth. I was in pain daily. It was the pain of the roots that was caused by the tension on the teeth, but this is normal and just the way that orthodontics goes. What really go me about my braces was the way that the brackets on the braces poked my cheeks and the inside of my mouth. I am prone to canker sores as it is. So when there were all of these little pointy brackets in my mouth causing little cuts and sores, I was particularly annoyed by all of these canker sores. I wish that I had worn Invisalign braces.

Invisalign braces are transparent braces that can hardly be seen by others. Teens and adults alike love them for this reason. The embarrassment associated with having a mouth full of braces goes away when you have invisible braces. This is particularly advantageous for working adults who go to an office. Should someone care about the way that they look? No. But they probably do and that is just the realities of life. Invisalign braces help.

But I think that the greatest benefit is the fact that they do not hurt your mouth because there are not brackets. Instead, they look a bit like thin mouth guards. They will never poke your cheeks in the way that my kinds of braces did. They are gentle to the mouth and easy on the eyes. Furthermore, you do not have to abide by any dietary restrictions when you wear these braces, like you might when you are wearing the regular kinds. Invisalign braces offer a ton of benefits to teens and adults, and I think that chief among these is the fact that they do not hurt your mouth in the way that the brackets do.

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Orthodontics Combines Health and Good Looks

When I was younger, I used to think that braces were only about looks. I thought that braces were tools used to make your teeth straight and neat-looking. But as I got older, I began to realize that it is far more complicated than that. Braces are also about health. And there are ways that bad teeth can harm you, more than just your image. You want your teeth to fit together neatly. Your teeth are like little gears that fit together neatly. When they do, you are able to chew effectively but you are also able to speak more clearly. People sometimes forget that speech has more to do with the tongue than other parts of the mouth. If the tongue is crowded by misplaced teeth, then you child could develop speech patterns indicative of a speech impediment.

Problems can be even more severe. Some people end up needed surgery on their jaws. There can be deeper problems related to the jawbone that needs adjustment. Left untreated, these can produce agonizing migraines and other problems. If you are having migraines, you first guess might not be that it has to do with your jaw. The first person you see would probably not be an orthodontist. And yet these are the far reaching problems that a lack of orthodontic care can produce.

On the other hand, who are we kidding? It is also very much about aesthetics, as well. We want straight looking teeth that are neat and beautiful. We could say that straight teeth are the epiphenomenon of dental care. Like a lack of bad breath from using mouthwash is just the indirect consequence of killing all of the germs, we could also say that straight beautiful teeth is just the after-effect of straight, properly functioning teeth. But I think that this would be somewhat disingenuous. Good looking teeth is a lot of people’s primary goal, which is fine. As long as they have proper dental health, what does it matter? And there are ways that you can have a great smile while you still have your braces on. Invisalign braces are all the rage right now.

They are transparent braces. No one will even know that you are wearing them. Invisalign braces are great for adults that do not feel comfortable donning the trappings of a junior high student. They will feel great, look great, and you will be well on your way to a beautiful smile and good dental health. Orthodontics combines both of those in one swift motion. Because of this, you do not have to choose. It is not always the case, but braces are an instance in which the thing that makes you look good is also the best thing for you. This point can be overstated in other fields, like exercise. You can certainly over-do it with exercise. But with braces, a beautiful smile is an indication of a healthy smile. So go take your kid down to the orthodontist’s office and get an inspection today.

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Like Invisalign, Orthodontics Technology Is Changing

What must it have been like to be an orthodontics patient in the late 19th century or the early 20th century? Sometimes, I have the tendency to idealize the past as rustic and idyllic, but I am less inclined to do so when I think about early American orthodontists. We have certainly come a long way in terms of our orthodontics technology. Not only does this make the process more comfortable and less prone to injury or medical mistakes, I have to imagine that it makes the entire process more effective. So there is no reason not to harness the advantages of our modern era. While there may be some virtue in adhering to tried and true methods, there is also virtue in not fearing technology and novelty.

Consider Invisalign braces. These are transparent braces. They are hard to see, and they save teens and adults alike from the embarrassment of those big, gaudy metal braces crammed into our mouth. Furthermore, you do not have to adhere to any dietary restrictions. That means that you can eat popcorn, caramel, gum, and all of the other things that are normally prohibited by the normal braces of brackets and wires. The best part of Invisalign braces, in my humble opinion, is that they do not scratch your mouth. These braces look like small mouth guards. They set right over the faces of your teeth. There are no pointy edges of brackets. When I had my braces, the worst part was the scratches to the inside of my cheeks or my gums. These scratches would sometimes turn into canker sores. Then the brackets would continue to exacerbate the sore. It was as bad as it sounded. Invisalign braces completely sidestep this feature of orthodontics. So these braces do not hurt your mouth, let you eat whatever you want, and they are invisible so that you do not have to declare to the world at large that you are wearing braces.

It must be too good to be true. They must not work properly. They must take considerably longer than brackets and wire braces, right? Nope. They work just as well. It is not a trick. It is just a technological advancement. I notice in older generations the tendency to think that a certain level of discomfort or effort is necessary for something to be good. This can preclude them from taking advantage of the tools at their disposal. Orthodontics is just the same. We have just come a long way. Can you imagine if we transported an orthodontist from the year 1890 to the present day and showed him our brackets and wire braces? He might also think that it were just a trick or a charlatan sham. We would also think that he is naïve. It is exciting to think of the possibilities for medical technology in the future. And this extends beyond just orthodontics. Orthodontics, however, will also be on the receiving end of these innovations. Invisalign is just one example of how technology innovation has made dental health easier to achieve.

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How To Build Your Self Confidence

Has your self-confidence taken a plunge due to a comment regarding your teeth? Your own observation regarding a less than perfect smile, or suggestions by an orthodontist to fix your teeth? If so, don’t worry. This situation is temporary and can be fixed in no time – and without anyone even knowing!

By the time you’re done straightening your teeth, you’re likely to get comments asking what exactly has been done.

Here’s how Invisalign works:

It’s an invisible plastic braces that is naked to the any onlookers’ eye – unless it’s a dentist of course. In addition, the braces are usually tailored to the customer’s mouth structure, as the orthodontist will usually form these from an x-ray or the patient taking a bite into a mold. There are several formations done over a series of one and a half to every two years. In addition, the orthodontist will typically check in with the patient to determine if any discomfort is being experienced, or if there need to be any changes made.

The cost of Invisalign can vary from one provider to a next, but this can usually be found out easily online. In addition, some dental insurance may cover all or part of the procedure – so check in with the insurance company to see.

Invisalign braces are also very portable, which means it’s not affixed to the actual teeth in a permanent sense. It acts as a cover over regular teeth – which means you can wash your own teeth properly as well as the Invisalign braces each and every day.

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Invisalign and contact lenses can help teenagers who worry about their appearances

Being a teenager is a difficult period in everyone’s life. Hormones are raging and social cliques are forming and everyone just wants to fit in. Being different as a teenager is torturous for many, and most teens report just striving to fit in and be like their peers. This includes the activities they do, their appearances, and anything else that makes them more like their classmates. Having glasses, braces, or being overweight can add to a teen’s discomfort during an already uncomfortable period in their life.

Luckily, technology has come quite a long ways since the old days of mouths full of metal, which is what most adults picture when they envision their child getting braces. They might recall their own years as children or teenagers with painful metal braces that needed regular, painful tightening. They undoubtedly look back on childhood pictures and see the braces in school pictures and scrapbooks. Today’s kids have more options, however. Contact lens technology has evolved to the point of it being easy and affordable for almost anyone to wear contacts instead of glasses. Orthodontics have evolved to the point of invisible braces now in existence, a viable option for any teenager that needs braces or any adult who never made a cosmetic correction to their teeth for not wanting to wear the ugly metal versions.

Technology has also made it easier and sneakier for teenagers to bully one another, using social media and the internet to torment classmates and hide behind a facade while very publicly humiliating whoever the victim is. Being the parent of a teenager is just as difficult, because you have to navigate all these new ways in which teenagers can express themselves that never existed when you were growing up. While certain things like contact lenses or nearly invisible braces can make certain aspects of being a teenager less awkward, there is still the inevitable fact that some students are better at school than others. Some are better at sports than others. Everyone looks and dresses differently, and somewhere along the line, teenagers will grow into adults who also look and dress differently.

By then, it is a good thing to be unique. It is just a very trying time for teenagers in middle and high school. The pressure can be intense to fit in, perform well academically and athletically, and be a social butterfly. Many do not fit into this norm, and many are happy to not fit in. Still others struggle, however, and are among the many students who look to minimize awkwardness about their appearance such as glasses or braces. Parents can only do so much, as it is peers who have the most influence on teenagers at this point in their lives. Parents need to be the adults, set the boundaries, and be there for their children when things are tough. If they can also afford to get them contact lenses or braces, then all the better. Their kids might not recognize the significance of it in the moment, but they will surely remember when they look through school pictures later in life!

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I didn’t have Invisalign but my kids sure will.

I never had the chance to get my teeth straightened when I was a kid. If you look at my mouth, it is a disaster area of crooked teeth, some of them so slanted that they almost appear to be horizontal. It isn’t that my parents did not want me to have good teeth – far from it, my mother often lamented that she was not able to provide me with good care from a pediatric dentist. The simple fact is that she could not afford to have braces put on my teeth, and because of that I am left with a mouth that has a lot of issues.

For starters, I have a lot of trouble with keeping my teeth healthy. Because my teeth are at such funny angles, it gets really hard to clean them. Bits of food get stuck all of the time, and flossing is a thing of nightmares for me. I have had to have a lot of fillings because I just can’t get my teeth as clean as they need to be to prevent tooth decay. As it stands now, I have gotten too old to fix many of my oral issues without resorting to pretty major surgery. That is something that I am not prepared to do from a financial standpoint, so I just have to suffer through it. Even still, I am probably going to have to have a bridge installed soon just so I can keep what teeth I do have that chew correctly.

When I have children, though, they will not have to live through the same suffering that I have. Dental offices that specialize in children’s care are easy to find now, and – let’s be honest – I am in a much better position than my mother was when I was young. If my children have any dental issues – and I really hope that they do not – I am going to make sure that they get straightened out as soon as possible. Hopefully it won’t take much convincing; after all, all I’ll need to do is show them how messed up my own teeth are to encourage them to brush! I never thought I would be one of those dads that says, “Do it or you will end up like this!” But I guess that is exactly what is going to happen.

Anyway, it is a lot easier to get a kid to accept wearing the new Invisalign style braces than the old metal grin kind. Heck, I think it is really cool that technology finally caught up to dentistry – generations of kids went through the awful decision of “messed up teeth or three years looking like a freak.” I’m happy that my kids won’t have to do that, that there is an option that can fix their teeth without making them feel ostracized. But I can assure you, they won’t have a choice as to whether or not they get the braces: dental health is not an option in my family now!

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Getting Your Teen to Wear Braces

Parents find it difficult to convince their teenage children to wear braces. These devices are usually recommended by an orthodontist to straighten and align a person’s teeth thus correcting the bite and improving the person’s overall dental hygiene.

One main problem of braces is its use of wires and ligatures. These are used to put pressure on the teeth to correct any problem and are very effective. They also do not require that much in terms of maintenance. Patients, however, have been found out to develop mouth sores due to the brackets and in the first few days of being attached, braces are often very uncomfortable.

The good news is that there are now a lot of alternative products that your teenager can use. Some orthodontists suggest the use of Invisalign. Unlike other products out in the market, this device uses aligners that slowly move your teeth to the correct position. The aligners are easy to remove and very much comfortable to wear. The most interesting thing about it is that it is clear or near invisible.

Their newest product is the Invisalign Teen. Compared to other product available, this one takes into account the fact that teenagers still have to get all their adult teeth. Depending on the age of the person, there are stages of teeth development as well.

It uses the same technology as with the original but with some nifty additional features. This new product has a color compliance indicator. What this simply means is that the device gives you an idea if it is time to replace it. When the color starts to fade, then it may be time go back to your orthodontist and have it replaced.

The Invisalign has already been known for being customized. This product takes it a step further. It now includes special features that are designed to correct different types of teeth be it canine, or second and third molars. The product does not only suit the lifestyle that your teenager has but the customized way of treating dental problems make it more effective.

How good is the product? One example often cited is about a patient that not only had a cross bite on one side of the mouth but also had a gap in between the front teeth. The patient’s option included possible jaw surgery. Through the use of this product, not only was the cross bite fixed but the gap between the teeth was closed. The patient therefore was able to avoid spending too much through surgery. Not yet convinced? There was also the case of a patient that had crowded teeth. Through this product, the problem was solved and with the addition of a whitening gel, the teeth became whiter.

Some parents though may find the Invisalign a bit pricier compared to other methods but the results and comfort of using one outweighs the cost. To be able to make a better decision for your teenager as to what method to use, consult with your family orthodontist.

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Dentists Advocate Brushing and Flossing for Good Reasons.

From the time you are a child, everyone tells you to always brush and floss your teeth. Like washing your hands and looking both ways before crossing the street, it is something that should be utterly ingrained in your mind by the time you are an adult. Unfortunately, a lot of adults still do not practice good oral hygiene. Not taking good care of your teeth and gums has a negative effect on your mouth, but also on your overall health. Bad hygiene habits have been linked to higher rates of a bunch of common chronic conditions. Dentists advocate brushing and flossing for good reasons. If you are not brushing at least twice a day, you could be increasing your risk for various health problems, in addition to cavities and gingivitis.

The other half of maintaining good oral hygiene is seeing a dentist regularly. If you have at least two dentist appointments per year, you will be less likely to develop gingivitis or a serious cavity. Both of these conditions can be treated if you catch them before they get out of hand. If you are not keeping up with your dentist appointments, though, you may be allowing these conditions to develop or progress. Having a dentist that you go to regularly is often the best way to go about things.

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Braces Make a Beautiful and Healthy Smile

A beautiful smile can be a game-changer. When you seek out an orthodontist, you are making an investment in a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. And this seems to be the primary association with braces. Most people seem to think about braces being a means to a beautiful smile, and they are. Braces allow you to correct mistakes (like unconsciously pushing your teeth with your tongue, as I did as a child) or straightening up the teeth that just came in as they did.

As much as people associate orthodontics with beauty and aesthetics, the health benefits are just as pronounced. There is a tight relationship between the beauty of your teeth and the health of them, and the relationship tends to be a positive one. I do not mean that it is a good relationship but that that as one variable (beauty) increases, the other variable (healthiness) increases by the same margin. So the healthier your teeth are, the better they are going to look. Straight teeth have healthy gums. Your teeth fit together in nice, neat little rows, and the roots are doing the same thing underneath the surface. Your baby teeth do not sink in deep roots, but the teeth that you have as an adult depend greatly upon the health of those gums. If you catch crookedness early, you will be able to correct gums gone awry and fix them more easily.

Beyond the straightness of the gums, braces also help you chewing motion. For people with relatively straight teeth, it may seem like a silly thing, but consider how important chewing is for your health. I think that someone that has ever had mouth surgery, such as getting their wisdom teeth removed, can appreciate the importance of being able to fully chew your food. Your teeth are supposed to fit together like the cogs of a gear. When they are not straight, this chewing motion is not properly done. Braces improve your ability to fully chew your food, thus, digesting it fully and extracting the maximum nutrients out of it.

The last reason that it is good for your overall health to have straight teeth also has to do with straight teeth. You teeth are easier to clean when you have straight teeth. Flossing and brushing is done more easily when you have a straight path between teeth. But the most interesting thing (to me, at least) with the relationship between beautiful teeth and healthy teeth is that one is an epiphenomenon of the other. I find it interesting to reflect upon the idea that where you find one, you are bound to encounter the other. This increases the urgency that one might have to take care of their teeth. You want to make sure that you teeth are healthy so that they yield an attractive smile. In this case, the immediate benefit and the long-term benefit are inextricable. Braces help you achieve both with one and the same route.

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Smiling is the universal sign of happiness. It is a language we are able to speak no matter where we are in the world and being able to flash those pearly whites at others should be a fun way to communicate. Psychologists are saying that smiling can even boost your mood and improve your attitude. Unfortunately for some, smiling isn’t always easy because they feel self conscious about their teeth. In a modern world where flawless features are highly valued, a crooked smile can often lead to issues with poor self esteem. As a result, the world of orthodontics is a constantly growing and changing field offering convenient solutions for many to feel empowered to make choices about their teeth in order to change their smiles. Orthodontists from all over are helping thousands of people better their self esteem with varying orthodontic solutions.

In this day and age, it is more normal than not for kids to have braces put on their teeth once they reach middle school or high school. But what about adults? Thanks to new dental technology, more and more people today are having their smiles adjusted with orthodontics and can do so without other people even noticing. Invisalign is a fairly recent development in cosmetic dentistry that aligns the teeth and bite similarly to dental braces. This method has become extremely popular because clear, plastic retainers are used instead of metal brackets that are adhered to the teeth. The Invisalign treatment is often utilized by adults working in the professional world who do not necessarily want to change their image with traditional dental braces. Even though Invisalign orthodontics tend to be a slightly more expensive solution for tooth alignment, there are many more perks that come with using Invisalign.

1. This method is far less painful than dental braces because the smooth retainers used to re-adjust and align will not rub against the cheeks or gums. Also, the step by step process of switching out retainers every two weeks moves the teeth slower and more comfortably.

2. We are all too familiar with insults such as “Brace Face” and “Metal Mouth” and no one should be subject to those kinds of insults. Invisalign comes with a much less negative connotation than traditional metal braces. The clear plastic is able to shift the teeth without anyone being able to notice along the way.

3. The Invisalign retainer can be removed at will allowing those in the process of correcting their teeth to go about brushing and flossing the same way they would normally do so. Orthodontists recommend leaving the retainers in for 22 hours everyday so that proper movement can occur, yet still allowing for some flexibility to remove and clean after meals.

4. Playing sports and other physical activities come with less risks when you have Invisalign versus metal brackets that can scrape your mouth or break off upon impact.

When considering alternative options for straightening your smile, a proper consultation is always recommended. Many service providers can be researched online and contacted in order to answer all the questions you may have.

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A Dentist Office Should Be Comfortable

Some people just dread the dentist’s office. They think that it is this terrible place. Personally, I do not know what they are talking about. I mean, it is not the same thing as going out for a steak dinner or winning the lottery. I do not get particularly excited about seeing the dentist, but I do not have this same kind of intense dread that some people seem to have picked up from who knows where. And yet, this perception of the dentist as this malicious wielder of implements of destruction that is some kind of morbid tooth fairy that is after your teeth persists. If I were a dentist, I would go to great lengths to dismiss this somewhat absurd notion of the dentist as a villain. I would try to undo these misperceptions that the dentist’s office is a place to avoid.

The first thing that I would do is to make my office as comfortable as possible for the patients. At some dentist’s offices that you go to, they have a few chairs lining the walls and some outdated magazines of idiosyncratic tastes. But I have been to other dentist’s office in which the waiting room is a seriously relaxing and comfortable place. The place where I used to get my braces adjusted had video games for the kids, but they also have coffee and TV for the adults. I routinely heard kids protesting when their names were called to see the dentist, not because they dreaded this dentist boogeyman, but because they were too busy having fun in the waiting room. They were having fun in the waiting room? That’s right. And I can imagine that the parents probably protested a bit when they had to leave their nice, comfortable chairs with the TV and coffee to get back to the humdrum of life.

The other thing that I would want to ensure in order to make my dentist’s office a comfortable place for the patients would be to hire friendly, approachable people. The staff can make the difference between a cold, distant experience and one that resembles the bar from “Cheers!” This was like the dentist’s office that I went to as a kid. I liked the dentists, but I also felt very positively about the staff that worked at the dentist’s office. They always knew me personally and would ask me questions about what was going on in my life. It was a great environment for me to end up fostering positive feeling about the dentist’s office. I like to believe that this has somehow altered my attitudes and dispositions about the dentist, thus making me more inclined to practice good dental health practices now.

But this dentist’s office is not just a made up thought experiment. This is not me just imagining an ideal place. Note that I have also made many mentions of place that I had personally visited. Be diligent in your hunt for a dentist that can offer you all of things that can make your experience at the dentist comfortable.

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