Showing posts with label orthodontics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label orthodontics. Show all posts

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Modern Technology Instant Orthodontics


In this age of fast food, drive-thru wedding chapels and microwave meals in 90 seconds, it’s no surprise that people want that speed in other areas of their lives. Why not in their orthodontia?

And, thanks to the progressive dental community, you can get a perfect, white smile now! It’s called Instant Orthodontics or a smile makeover and, compared to other treatments such as braces, it is fast.

With braces, you’d have to wait as long as two years while the metal wires on your teeth slowly correct a twisted tooth here, a small gap there. With instant orthodontics, you can have not only a set of straight teeth, but a beautiful white smile, in about two weeks.

It’s really simple, too. A wafer-thin shell known as a porcelain veneer is bonded, using dental adhesive, to the front of the each tooth. When finished, you have a smile that is full of straight, shiny white teeth.

Porcelain veneers can be used to cover up a lot that is wrong with your current smile, such as:
  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Stained or discolored teeth
  • Fillings that are stained or washed out
  • Uneven teeth
  • Teeth that are inconsistent in size
Once your dentist determines that porcelain veneers are right for you, an impression of your bite will be taken so the veneers can be made in the correct size and shape for you. Temporary veneers are placed while the permanent set is created. Once they are ready, the dentist will use the dental bonding adhesive to permanently attach the veneers to your existing teeth.

The next step is the big reveal. You get to see yourself, and your beautiful smile, for the first time. There you have it – a perfect, white smile now!

You also get a renewed sense of self-confidence and will find yourself smiling more often. Not a bad side effect, right? See – you’re smiling!

Source: I Want a Perfect, White Smile and I Want it Now!

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Friday, March 5, 2010

Dental Implants in Just One Hour


Dental implants may be a better alternative for denture wearers. The problem is that implants take a very long time to complete and can be very expensive. Since most insurance plans do not cover the expense, most individuals in the past have turned to dentures and bridges to replace lost teeth.


Implants start at around $500 and can go up to $6,000 per tooth. Most implants will cost between $1,200 and $2,000. There are reasons why the cost could go up, so you will want to choose a dentist familiar with many restorative options.

Usually, anyone that can undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for an implant. Patients will need healthy gums and enough bone to hold the abutment that attaches to the crown. Patients with diabetes, heart disease or other chronic disorders need to be evaluated on an individual basis.

There are several types of dental implants and some procedures can take up to nine months with two surgeries. Recent advances have made the process much quicker.

Source: Dental Implants Procedures in One Hour

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Friday, February 5, 2010

Get Perfect Smile For Adult Orthodontics


Orthodontics was once reserved for teens and preteens, but today over one third of orthodontic patients are adults. Today there are many options available to adults if they want to improve their smile, and the appearance of their teeth. The options available for adults include: invisible braces, porcelain veneers, and crowns. These options address specific issues, but all have adult lifestyle and needs in mind.


When the straightening of the teeth is the main concern then braces, invisible braces, or porcelain veneers may be suitable for adults. Making a determination on which of these approaches will be the best choice depends on the severity of the problem. For slight misalignment invisible braces or porcelain veneers may be the best choice.

If the misalignment of teeth is severe, then fixed braces, including invisible or porcelain types, may be more effective to address the correction of misaligned teeth. If fixed braces are needed they will have to be worn anywhere from one to three years to straighten teeth properly. These braces will need to be in place every day for the first year, and then a retainer can be used at night for the remaining amount of time.

Teeth that are only slightly misaligned can be corrected using invisible braces that are either tooth colored, or clear and removable. This helps to avoid situations where adults may be embarrassed by a mouth full of braces, and somewhat hides the fixtures. The degree of misalignment for teeth that can be effective treated with these braces is slight to moderate.

Adults that did not have an opportunity to straighten their teeth when they were young now have the opportunity as an adult. There are many options for the adult wishing to straighten out their teeth, and improve their smile. Their choice of treatment will depend on their personal needs, and the severity of the misalignment. A good first step is to schedule a visit with an orthodontist for an examination and recommendation of treatment.

Source: Adult Orthodontics: It Is Never Too Late To Achieve A Straight Smile

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Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Dental Crowns & Materials Used For Crowns


Latest Dental News: How to replace missing teeth – crowns & bridges, dentures and implants?

Has extensive wear and tear damaged your tooth to the point that its functionality is compromised? Than you need to consider a dental crown. A dental crown is essentially a cap placed over your tooth to:
  • Prevent further damage
  • Serve as a shell for a cracked tooth
  • Replace a crown
  • Allow a damaged tooth to regain functionality
Do I Need A Dental Crown?
While options such as porcelain veneers are another route you can take to prevent further tooth decay or repair a damaged tooth, if excessive damage has compromised your oral health, dental crowns are your only course of action. This is because unlike other smile restoration procedures, dental crowns provide a more fortified foundation for your teeth. Instances when this is required are:
  • You’re the victim of periodontal disease, which would automatically disqualify you for porcelain veneers
  • Grinding or clenching your teeth
  • Major decay has eroded the foundation of your teeth
  • Significant shape change is required to meet your goals
What’s The Procedure Like?
If you experience dental anxiety, many dental offices now practice sedation dentistry to alleviate any stress you may experience. However, compared to other smile restoration options, the dental crown procedure is rather simple and non-invasive:
  • First, Dr. Jamie Sands and Dr. Jason Sands will prepare the tooth for receiving the crown. During this visit, an impression is made of your teeth and sent to the laboratory
  • While the crown is being created, we will provide you with a temporary crown to protect your tooth
  • Once the crown is finished, you return to the dental office to have the cap bonded to your damaged tooth
What Are My Options For A Crown?
There are three kinds of commonly used dental crowns:
  • Porcelain
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal
  • Gold
Depending on your cosmetic goals, financial restrictions, and oral health needs, you can discuss with your dentist the most appropriate route for you.

Porcelain
Porcelain dental crowns (also known as all-ceramic) are the most aesthetically pleasing and natural looking dental crown, as it is completely metal-free. However, there are drawbacks, such as it is not as strong or durable as its counterparts and thus should not be used in heavily used areas of the mouth.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are the most commonly used dental crowns today. They are more durable than pure porcelain and remain a very natural looking option. However, as time peels back your gum line, more of the metal collar will show.

Gold
While not as popular as porcelain dental crowns, gold crowns are still used today under specific circumstances. For instance, if a patient grinds or clenches their teeth, gold crowns are the best route as they are more durable than porcelain options. Additionally, they provide more longevity than their porcelain counterparts.

Source: Dental Crowns: All You Need To Know

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Thursday, January 14, 2010

Reasons & Causes of Tooth Discoloration


Latest Dental News: Dental Resorption


It is almost impossible to maintain your teeth well enough to have a naturally dazzling white smile throughout your lifetime. There are many reasons why this is unattainable, and many of the factors involved are not related to the kinds of food you eat on a daily basis.

“Many of my patients don’t realize that stained or discolored teeth is not just a result of drinking coffee too much or smoking,” says Dr. Dennis Ikuta, a cosmetic dentist in Reedley, California. “There are many causes of stained or discolored teeth, including genetics, medications, and diseases in addition to foods, drinks, and tobacco use.”

Genetics, Aging and Tooth Enamel
For some people, genetics have a major role in why their teeth are not as naturally bright or white as other people. Just as your DNA determines your eye and hair color, it also determines the color of your enamel. If your parents have naturally bright white or yellow teeth, chances are that you will have a similar shade.

Aside from the natural shade of your enamel, there are other genetically predisposed factors that can contribute to the discoloration of your teeth. Enamel defects like microscopic pits, fissures. and other surface abnormalities can make the teeth susceptible to the accumulation of staining foods, drinks, or tobacco. When your enamel naturally wears down with age, the yellow-colored tooth structure underneath will also begin to show through.

A genetic salivary dysfunction can also contribute to staining because saliva is a key component in naturally removing plaque and food debris from your tooth surfaces. If you do not produce as much saliva as you should, your first line of defense against staining is greatly weakened, and you will need to greatly accelerate your dental hygiene routine to avoid staining.

Diseases and Medications that Affect Your Teeth
Many diseases and daily medications for common ailments can have an affect on the color of your teeth over time. There are diseases that can directly cause tooth discoloration (like enamel diseases) and there are diseases that can indirectly cause discoloration through their affect on your dental health or the medications you must take to control their symptoms.

For example, the onset of diabetes can cause your periodontal (gum) health to deteriorate more rapidly than for those without the disease. When your periodontal health is compromised, the bacteria, plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth increases, eventually leading to stains.

Many medications also increase tooth discoloration. Common anti-psychotic, anti-depressants, and acne medications such as tetracycline cause discoloration of the teeth. In addition, medications that dry out your mouth can lead to discoloration because they affect the amount of saliva helping to naturally wash away food particles from your mouth.

The Solution: Professionally Whitening Your Teeth
If your teeth are stained due to any of the reasons mentioned above, you may be a good candidate for professional tooth whitening. Depending on the cause of your stained teeth, your cosmetic dentist may recommend professionally whitening your teeth in an office environment or using an at-home whitening kit. You will need to tell your cosmetic dentist if you suffer from a disease or take a medication that has impacted your dental health. This information is critical in determining the best long-term tooth whitening strategy for you.

Contact an experienced cosmetic dentist near you today if you would like to gain or restore a dazzling white smile. No matter what the cause of your stained or discolored teeth, a cosmetic dentist will help you find a tooth whitening solution for you.

Source: The Different Causes of Tooth Discoloration

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Invisalign Teeth Braces: Invisible Way for Teeth Straightening

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Invisalign Teeth Braces: Invisible Way for Teeth Straightening


Latest Dental News: Align Technology introduces new features for Invisalign(R) Products


Crooked, uneven teeth have been a source of embarrassment for decades. However, the cure was often worse than the condition itself, as large metal braces made treatment obvious and just plain unattractive.

What’s more, braces have always been an expensive dental treatment. Many families could not afford to have their children fitted with metal braces. Once into adulthood, the stigma of wearing braces kept people from seeking treatment for their dental problems.

Thankfully, cosmetic dentistry now offers innovative, discreet treatment options for those suffering from uneven, poorly spaced, overlapping and crooked teeth. One of the shining stars in teeth straightening is Invisalign®, a clear alternative to braces that over half a million people have already used to improve their smile.

How Does Invisalign® Work?

Invisalign is an alternative to braces that uses clear, comfortable aligners to gradually move the teeth into position. The aligners are custom molded to fit your teeth and are replaced throughout treatment to accommodate the new positioning.

Introduced in 1999, Invisalign® has become hugely popular because it is easy to use and discreet. The aligners are perfectly clear and fit the teeth closely. They can be removed during eating, brushing and sports. The clear aligners also negate the need for bulky metal braces, with wires and bands that often irritate the gums, tongue and cheeks.

The success of Invisalign® treatment rests on the patient. Traditional metal braces are always doing their job; they are constantly pulling the teeth into their new position. Invisalign®, however, is removable. Users must take it out only when necessary and remember to put it back in as soon as possible to allow it to go back to work. Those who forget or leave the aligners out for long periods might be disappointed with the results.

How Can I Get Invisalign®?

If teeth straightening is on your list of things to do this year to improve your smile, head to your cosmetic dentist’s office for a consultation. They will begin by taking x-rays, photographs and dental impressions, which are shipped to Align Technology, the creators of Invisalign®.

Align Technology employs specialized technicians who scan your images and create a 3-D model of your teeth. These technicians then map out the positioning of your teeth as they should look once the treatment is completed. Align’s custom software simulates the movements your teeth must make to get from where they are now to where they should be after treatment.

Your cosmetic dentist reviews the plan set out by the Align technicians and approves the course of treatment. Align then manufactures a clear plastic resin aligner for each stage of your treatment and ships it to your cosmetic dentist.

How Long Does Invisalign® Take?

Treatment time can be as little as six months and usually wraps up in under a year. However, this is influenced by the level of straightening required and the amount of time each day that the patient wears the aligner. Treatment time will increase if the aligner is not worn often enough.

Ask your cosmetic dentist to explain how to properly use your aligners. It is important that you floss and brush your teeth for at least two minutes, three times a day throughout your treatment. Keep your teeth healthy and strong so your smile looks its best once the treatment is finished.

Once your teeth are in the final position, your cosmetic dentist may create a metal or plastic retainer for you to wear at night. This supports the new position and prevents your teeth from moving back into their old, crooked ways.

Wow, Who Wouldn’t Use Invisalign®? It’s Perfect!

Some patients might find Invisalign® treatment hard on their budget, although this depends on the cosmetic dentist supervising the treatment. The minimum price (in American dollars) is $2000, but treatment can range all the way up to $9000. This is slightly to substantially more than traditional metal braces. If the price quoted by your cosmetic dentist sends you into sticker shock, get quotes from others. However, remember to screen each cosmetic dentist carefully to ensure that you get the best care possible.

Patients heavily involved in sports or contact activities might find it difficult to adhere to the 20-hrs per day of recommended wear. Between eating, brushing and other activities, make sure you have this time to dedicate to your treatment.

Invisalign® works well on the front teeth, but crooked or turned back teeth can be hard to correct using this method and may respond better to traditional metal braces. This treatment works best with minor crowding, usually less than 3mm. Cosmetic dentists with extensive experience in teeth straightening may be able to use Invisalign® alternated with traditional braces to get the best results.

For Best Results

The right cosmetic dentistry expert is the key to your treatment success. Choose one with several years experience, plenty of references and a large portfolio of teeth straightening success stories. Your cosmetic dentist must be able to formulate a treatment plan, but also to knowledgably reevaluate that plan each time you use a new aligner to ensure that it is working properly.

If you get to the final stage of treatment and the results are not what you had expected (your teeth are not in the right position), Align Technologies will provide the additional trays required to get your teeth into the desired position. They do this free of charge as long as you have used the trays correctly and your teeth still do not match the result they had promised.

Take great care of your teeth! Look at teeth whitening and dental contouring as the final steps in your complete smile makeover. Wear your retainer every night to keep your teeth properly aligned in the correct position. Then floss, brush and visit your dentist regularly to preserve your new and improved smile for years to come!

Source: Invisalign® - Effective, Discreet Teeth Straightening

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Thursday, December 3, 2009

All About Endodontics & Tooth Discoloration


Latest Dental News: What is Endodontics?


Have you brushed and flossed after every meal since you were tall enough to reach the toothpaste, but still find yourself with a yellow smile? Trust me, the likelihood is that it’s not bad genetics causing you to hide and feel self-conscious about your smile.

How Did My Teeth Turn Yellow?

Even those who maintained perfect oral hygiene find themselves dissatisfied with the yellow smile age has forced them to bear. It’s a simple fact that the porcelain-like enamel that protects our teeth withers away over time. Eventually, all that’s left is the yellow dentin that lurks below.

Factors that stain your teeth are:

• Smoking – Nicotine seeps into and gnaws away at tooth enamel
• Drinking dark colored beverages, such as coffee, tea, soda pop and red wine stain teeth
• Grinding and clenching teeth causes miniscule cracks to appear, paving the way for staining agents to infiltrate enamel
• Aging naturally causes tooth enamel to decay

Kinds Of Stains

The stains that cause tooth discoloration fall into two categories: surface, or extrinsic stains, and intrinsic stains.

Surface stains gather on the surface of your teeth. Frequent exposure to dark beverages, tobacco and sugary foods cause these stains to accumulate.

Intrinsic stains gather inside your teeth and are the result of aging and trauma.

Eliminating Tooth Discoloration

Luckily, advancements in modern dentistry provide countless tooth whitening options to those wishing to brighten their smile.

If you’re looking to just remove surface stains, any tooth whitening procedure will work. However, intrinsic stains are more difficult to remove and require an extensive time commitment. The most common method to remove intrinsic stains is a take home bleaching kit.

The Quickest and Safest Tooth Whitening Technique

One of the most efficient tooth whitening techniques on the market is Zoom! Tooth Whitening. In just forty-five minutes, your teeth will be whitened up to eight shades. Additional benefits to Zoom! Tooth Whitening as opposed to other tooth whitening procedures are:

• Whitens teeth to a greater degree and in a quicker amount of time
• Leaves your teeth less sensitive than other tooth whitening procedures
• Has follow-up gels you can apply to guarantee the best results

Ensuring A Successful Tooth Whitening Procedure

The first step in addressing your tooth discoloration is a consultation with your cosmetic dentist. The goals of this meeting will be to determine if your oral health is satisfactory for having your teeth whitened.

In the twenty-four hour window after having your teeth whitened, it’s essential that you avoid dark colored beverages, acidic and sugary foods and nicotine products. Otherwise you’ll be compromising the success of your procedure.

Source: Causes of Tooth Discoloration

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Monday, July 6, 2009

Cosmetic Dentistry: Transform the Shape of Your Smile

Latest Dental News:What is Endodontics?

A smile makeover - another term for cosmetic dentistry - involves one or more of a range of dental procedures, such as teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, white fillings, orthodontics, gum reshaping, and dental bridges. In fact, many cosmetic dentists also offer facial rejuvenation such as Botox. Together, these treatments can transform the shape of your smile, bringing huge psychological and relationship benefits.

The British are known for having "bad teeth", but it is a stereotype we're fast outgrowing. Famous Brits who've undergone cosmetic dentistry include Anne Robinson, David Bowie, Noel Gallagher, and the Prime Minister Gordon Brown. But these days, cosmetic dentistry is not limited just to the rich and famous. More and more people are turning to cosmetic dentistry to improve their looks and help their self-esteem.

Below is a list of popular cosmetic dentistry treatments and a brief outline of what they involve.

Bonding involves coating the teeth in a special composite agent to restore shape and colour.

Botox injections help recreate a more youthful appearance on the face, reducing expression lines around the eyes, forehead, lips, and cheeks, as well as correcting facial scars. The results last up to four months.

Bridges are used to replace missing teeth. Under a local anaesthetic, the two surrounding teeth are trimmed away at the top, and a mould is made of the gaps. A bridge - made up of one whole tooth and caps for the two supporting teeth - is cemented in place and will last for up to ten years.

CEREC is a hi-tech alternative to dental putty (which is used to make impressions of your teeth). A sophisticated camera sends a 3D image to an onsite milling machine, which produces a new crown or veneer from a ceramic block. CEREC is fast and eliminates the need for dental moulds and temporary fittings.

Crowns strengthen damaged or broken teeth to preserve their function. They are also known as caps because they sit over the existing tooth.

Dental implants are artificial replacements for the root part of a tooth that has succumbed to trauma or decay. An implant is anchored into a pre-drilled socket in the jaw bone to support a crown, bridge, or denture. They are made from titanium for strong support.

Dentures are removable teeth for people that have lost some, or all, of their natural teeth. These days they look very realistic and are comfortable to wear. Held in place by the natural suction of your gums, a fixative may also be used if you prefer.

Gum reshaping is a treatment offered by a cosmetic dentist for people who worry they show too much gum when they smile. The treatment involves trimming away excess gum tissue with a laser, giving an immediate and permanent result.

Invisalign braces are clear plastic braces used to straighten teeth. This revolutionary alignment system is moulded for an exact fit, and worn for at least 22 hours a day, for 6-18 months.

Lumineers are ultra-thin veneers which cover gaps between teeth and improve the appearance of worn or discoloured teeth.

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that covers straightening and alignment of teeth. Treatments require patients to wear braces or retainers over many months to gradually bring teeth into the desired position.

Teeth whitening is a process used by a cosmetic dentist to remove stains from the teeth and bleaching them to further enhance the colour. The best results come from a combination of in-surgery treatments and home whitening kits.

Veneers are a popular choice to transform crooked, stained, and damaged teeth into perfect pearly whites. It involves cementing a wafer thin shell (made from porcelain, ceramic or a composite bonding agent) over the top of the tooth.

Source: Cosmetic Dental Treatments

 

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