Family Dentistry & Regular Dental Checkup

It takes a special kind of dentist to be able to handle the dental care needs of children, teens, adults and seniors, but that is just what family dentists do every day. With all of the hustle and bustle of a busy family’s schedule, having one dentist for the whole family can make life a little easier.

Family Dentistry Services:
Many people use the terms “general dentistry” and “family dentistry” interchangeably. While general and family dentists typically perform the same types of dental procedures, family dentists place more emphasis on helping children, teens, adults and elderly patients feel comfortable and welcome.

Family dentists work to ensure that patients of all ages have healthy teeth and gums. A wide range of services can help to meet this goal, including:

• Check-ups, which encompass teeth cleaning, plaque and tartar removal, examinations to detect dental problems and oral cancer screenings
• Treatment for tooth cavities, incorporating either metal or porcelain fillings
• Treatment and prevention for gum disease, ranging from the early stages (gingivitis) to the more severe form (periodontal disease)
• Root canals to help save infected teeth
• Tooth extractions if the tooth is too infected or decayed to save or other oral surgery care
• Options to replace missing teeth or strengthen decayed or damaged teeth, including dental bridges, crowns and implants
• Dental sealants to help protect teeth from cavity development

Not all family dentists are specially trained to provide the same services. When choosing a family dentist, it is advisable to check the dentist’s credentials, training and expertise to ensure that all, or most, of your family’s dental needs can be met by one individual.

Oral Hygiene and Family Dentists:
It is especially important for parents to be a positive role model for children when it comes to dental hygiene. Family dentists educate parents on the proper ways to brush, floss and maintain a healthy lifestyle so the parents can pass this information on to their children.

Family dentist offices are usually geared toward making dental health information fun for children and teens, and often these offices have entertaining toys, movies or music to make the entire dental visit enjoyable for kids.

Recommended Timeframe for Dental Visits:
It is recommended that people visit the dentist every six months for a dental check-up. This timeframe between visits is usually covered by dental insurance carriers to encourage preventative dental care. The American Dental Association also recommends that parents bring a child in for his or her first dental visit after the first tooth has erupted or by the child’s first birthday. This first visit will help the dentist evaluate the child’s teeth and become familiar with the child early on so the dentist can follow his or her dental progression.

Some family dentists wait until the child has turned 3 years of age before beginning to clean and X-ray the teeth.

Sedation and Family Dentistry:
Regardless of how fun the dentist’s office is, many people, adults and children alike, are simply too afraid to go through with dental visits. In these cases, sedation dentistry is an option that is provided by many family dentists. Sedation in a dentist office setting can take various forms, including:

• Oral taken before the appointment, like Valium
• Inhalation given during the appointment, like nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
• Intravenous administered during the appointment by an anesthesiologist

Source: Family Dentistry

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Reality & Facts About Teeth Whitening Products

Latest Dental News: Why is it safer and important to have your teeth whitened by a dentist instead of hairdresser?

You’ve seen the ads on TV and the internet for tooth-whitening products that promise a brighter, more beautiful smile. But just how effective are tooth whitening products?

How tooth whitening products work:

Tooth whiteners are products that make teeth appear whiter. There are two general classes of tooth whitening products:

• Bleaching products containing chemicals like peroxides that can remove both surface and deep stains and can change a tooth’s natural color.
• Non-bleaching products don’t contain bleach but do contain ingredients that act physically or chemically to remove stains on the surface of teeth.

Carbamide peroxide-containing whiteners:
Tooth-whitening products approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) include those with 10 percent carbamide peroxide. In water, this chemical breaks down to product hydrogen peroxide and urea. It’s the hydrogen peroxide that will bleach your teeth. Products with 10 percent carbamide peroxide may also include other ingredients like glycerin and flavoring agents. Clinical studies indicate that at a neutral pH, products containing 10 percent carbamide peroxide are safe and effective. Some side effects of these products include:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Occasional irritation of the inside cheeks and gums

Hydrogen peroxide-containing whiteners:
Some tooth whitening products are gels containing 15-35 percent hydrogen peroxide. The tooth whitening effects of these products can be enhanced using a light or laser system to obtain more immediate results. The gum tissues should be protected with a neutral gel or shield prior to using these products.

Side effects can include:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Occasional irritation of the inside of the mouth and gums
• Tooth damage (rarely)

Tray-based bleaching systems versus gels:
Peroxide-containing products are available as tray-based systems or as gels that can be applied using a brush or painted on. In tray-based systems, the tooth whitening gel is placed in a tray that fits over your teeth. While you wear the tray (for example, overnight), your teeth are bleached. Over-the-counter products provide one-sized-fits all trays that can cause non-uniform bleaching and possible irritation. A dentist can provide you with a custom-fitted tray for better results.

Over-the-counter paints and gels also can be applied non-uniformly (particularly when brushed or painted on). There may be more potential for irritation of the gums and inside of the mouth with these products, since over-the-counter tooth whitening products don’t tend to come with shields to protect these sensitive areas.

Whitening strips:
Whitening strips typically contain a thin coating of a peroxide gel. Whitening strips are usually applied for 30 minutes twice a day for about two weeks. Although they can produce visible whitening in a few days, strips whiten the surface of teeth and not the enamel between teeth, which can result in uneven whitening.

Whitening toothpastes:
Whitening toothpastes are not bleaching products. Those that bear the ADA Seal of Acceptance remove surface stains by polishing or by using chemicals to bind to the chemicals that cause staining. Whitening toothpastes don’t tend to be as effective as peroxide-containing products, but can be used as maintenance products after a bleaching procedure.

In-office treatment versus over-the-counter tooth whitening
Tooth whitening can be performed in-office by a cosmetic dentist or can be performed at home with an over-the-counter tooth whitening product.

There are advantages to professional treatment, including:

• More immediate results: A cosmetic dentist has access and the skill to use more concentrated bleaching products.
• Greater safety: A cosmetic dentist will be aware of your dental history and will take steps to protect your gums during the tooth whitening process.
• More uniform results: A cosmetic dentist will have the experience to apply a tooth whitening product uniformly for the best results.

Even if you choose an over-the-counter product, a cosmetic dentist will be able to tell you which product is right for you and advise you as to the safest procedures. If you are using a tray-based whitening system, a cosmetic dentist can provide you with a customized bleaching tray so that you can obtain more uniform whitening results.

Source: How Effective Are Tooth Whitening Products?

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Solve Teeth Problems With Latest & Advanced Porcelain Veneers

Latest Dental News: Piled up plaque may turn out to be harmful for heart

People who have visible dental issues can lack self-confidence and become withdrawn. Large gaps or crowded teeth, as well as chipped, broken, misshaped, crooked and even discolored teeth can make a person want to avoid smiling in social situations.

The solution to cosmetic dental issues does not always have to include traditional orthodontics, such as metal braces, head gear or retainers. Today more and more people are turning to cosmetic dentists for porcelain veneers to mask problems and create a beautiful smile. Best of all, this dental technique is generally quick, easy, pain-free and safe.

How do veneers hide dental problems?

Porcelain veneers, also called dental veneers, are thin “shells” of ceramic that are permanently bonded to the front of a patient’s existing teeth. The shells are custom made to be just the right size, shape and color to complement each patient’s own unique smile and facial structure. An experienced, knowledgeable cosmetic dentist should take visual aesthetics into consideration when designing the patient’s new smile.

What is the process?

During an initial consultation, a cosmetic dentist will examine the patient’s smile to identify the problem areas and learn what type of smile the patient would ultimately like to have. The dentist will then decide if the patient is a candidate for porcelain veneers.

If both the patient and dentist decide that porcelain veneers are a viable option, a “preparation” appointment will be made. During this dental appointment, the dentist will prep the teeth that will receive the veneers by removing a very minute amount of tooth enamel…about the same thickness of the new veneer that will be placed on the tooth. An impression or dental mold will then be made of the teeth and that mold sent to a laboratory so perfectly sized veneers can be crafted.

The dentist may apply temporary veneers on the prepped teeth for the patient to wear during the veneer production waiting period, which is approximately two weeks.

When the permanent veneers have arrived, the patient will return to the dental office so the veneers can be fitted, trimmed and permanently bonded to the teeth using a special light. Once the dentist has determined that the veneers are a perfect fit, the new teeth will be polished and the patient will be able to immediately enjoy an outstanding smile.

What are the benefits of porcelain veneers?

• The entire process is quick – forget about years of orthodontic treatment
• Little to no anesthesia is required, so the process is virtually pain-free
• The veneers are very durable as long as patients do not excessively grind or clench or bite down on hard items
• Patients have instantly white, stain-resistant teeth
• The new teeth look and feel natural
• Veneers can be applied to one tooth or an entire row of teeth

Source: Mask your Problem Teeth with Beautiful Porcelain Veneers

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Get Rid of Jaw Problems & Headaches Through Latest & Advanced Dental Treatments

Latest Dental News: Jaw Problems & Headaches

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a condition in which your bite becomes misaligned causing serious and often very painful problems of the head and face area. Many times you will see the acronyms TMJ and TMD used interchangeably, but you should note that TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint itself, while TMD stands for the painful disorder that results from a problem with the TMJ.

There are many symptoms associated with this very common and painful disorder:

• Limited jaw movement
• Clicking and popping noises of the jaw
• Locking of the jaw
• Stiff or tight jaw muscles
• Facial pain
• Ringing in the ears
• Pressure in the ears
• Neck, shoulder and back pain
• Numbness and tingling in the fingers
• Difficulty swallowing
• Insomnia

People who suffer with TMD often present this set of symptoms to their general doctor, however and accurate diagnosis of TMD is often missed because physicians often do not have the specialized training this difficult diagnosis requires. A neuromuscular dentist, on the other hand, does have the specialized training to not only diagnose this difficult disorder, but also to treat it. Neuromuscular dentistry is the dental specialty that treats the cause of the painful headaches that accompany a misaligned jaw. A good neuromuscular dentist will work to place your jaw in its optimal position, thereby virtually eliminating all of your symptoms.

Migraine Like Headaches

One of the most painful symptoms of TMD is a headache that sufferers compare to a migraine. TMD causes these powerful headaches because the trigeminal nerve is one of the most complex nerve systems in the body. This nerve is responsible for the function of the TMJ and accounts for approximately forty percent of the brain’s processing. The trigeminal nerve got its name because it has three branches, all affecting various parts of the face, head, arms and shoulders. Because of the vastness of this nerve’s processing, TMD sufferers may also have numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers.

The headaches associated with TMD may be dull and constant or sharp and searing. If you have suffered with headaches for years, even decades, your solution may be found at your neuromuscular dentist’s office.

TMD Treatments

Fortunately for TMD sufferers, there are many treatment options available. Your dentist, after a thorough evaluation, will decide on a treatment plan based on your unique symptoms. Treatment options may include any of the following:

• Occlusal splints (also known as mouth guards or mouth pieces). These are typically worn at night, but in more severe cases daytime wear may also be necessary.
• Pain medication and/or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed
• Moist heat will help to relax your jaws sore muscles by promoting blood flow to the area
• Jaw exercises and/or physical therapy will relax your muscles and increase joint flexibility
• Behavioral changes such as not chewing gum, not biting your nails and avoiding crunchy foods will almost always be recommended.
• In the most extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.

If you live in the Braintree, Massachusetts area and would like to learn more about TMD related headaches, please visit the Aesthetic Dentist.

Source: Jaw Disorder Results in Painful Headaches

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Causes & Facts About Dentophobia, Dental Anxiety

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Dentists have been traditionally feared by many because of their nasty reputation. Reputation rather than anything else is actually responsible why many people fear a trip to the dentist. If you get seriously tensed up at just the thought of visiting a dentist, you are most likely to be suffering from Dental Anxiety or Dentophobia which is the fear of receiving dental care or the dentist himself. People affected with dental anxiety might get filled with a deep sense of insecurity and fear when they visit a dentist.

Quite a majority of the people, around 75% suffer from varying degrees of dental anxiety. Around 20% of these will only visit a dentist if they just have to as in case of extreme pain or emergencies. It is however natural to feel a little anxious before a dentist appointment.

This article discusses the causes of dental anxiety.

1. Embarrassment: Many people are embarrassed at the condition of their mouth and are worried about how the dentist will react after seeing their teeth. They think they have the worst set of teeth in the world. Be assured that dentists see such cases on a daily basis. It’s their job to help you overcome such conditions.

2. Prior Experiences: These can be the most powerful reason for the fear of dentists. A person with a bad past experience might strongly oppose the idea of ever visiting a dentist again. Although bad experience is a valid reason for fearing something, it might be worthwhile to have a check on why you had a bad experience. If your visit has been quite a few years back, be informed that dentistry is a constantly developing field and old methods have been replaced by painless advanced methods.

You might have had a really bad experience while undergoing a procedure and you hate your dentist after that. What you don’t realize that there were 10 other people the same day that got treated by the same dentist with out any problem. You just happened to have a bad day. Just as if you were driving and had a crash, you wouldn't quit driving because you know you just had a bad day and it doesn't happen all the time.

3. Immediate surroundings: If you fear the dentist, it is very likely that you passed this on to your children as well. This is because children learn by what they see. If they see you fearing the dentist, obviously they would too. Not just parents, children can imbibe such a fear from any one close to them such as relatives, friends.

4. Others experience: We often tend to relate to emotions of others. If your best friend had a terrible encounter with a particular dentist and cried in front of you for the same, you will be definitely affected by such an incident. Or simply if someone close to had a painful ordeal while undergoing a RCT and told you and your dentist informed you in your next appointment that you should get an RCT done, its highly likely you would want to run away from your dentist.

5. Dentist’s fault: Some dentists remain insensitive towards the patients and this can immensely affect a patients opinion especially kids. Dentists ought to know that not the treatment itself is part of their profession but also caring and making the patient comfortable. Mocking at the patient or making insensitive comments directed at the patients is also responsible for people developing hate for the dentist.

6. The Instruments: Some people are driven nuts just at the site of "The drill". Although, it does appear intimidating the drill is not actually painful. In many cases, you are given an anesthetic which makes you insensitive to any possible pain. Besides this, there is an advanced alternative to the drill which is known as laser dentistry. A few dentists trained in laser dentistry offer this.

The best advice to people suffering from dental anxiety is to visit a dentist who expertises in treating such patients.

Dentistry is not about giving pain to you but preventing any pain to you.

Source: The 6 Main Causes of Dental Anxiety (Dentophobia)

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Many people feel very self conscious about their smile due to their discolored teeth. We all start out with pearly whites, but as we age, our teeth may start to become dull and discolored. There are certain things which can increase the amount of discoloration your teeth may have, such as:

• Tobacco use from smoking and chewing tobacco. This is typically the most common reason for stained teeth.

• Drinking coffee, tee, red wine and soda. Some fruit juices can also cause staining of teeth.

• Certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline can cause tooth discoloration.

• Amalgam or silver fillings can sometimes stain the surrounding tooth area.

Sensitivity After Whitening

Tooth whitening is becoming more and more popular as people find that they can have a bright smile they will be proud of. There are several options for tooth whitening, from over-the-counter products, to professional teeth whitening procedures. While these treatments are all typically pain free, some patients will suffer from tooth sensitivity following a whitening procedure.

Tooth sensitivity can develop due to the bleaching agents that are used in all tooth whitening products and procedures. These agents are caustic and can be irritating to the mouth. It is important for your dentist to use something called a dental dam in your mouth before the bleaching procedure. This is a safety precaution to ensure that the bleach only touches your teeth and doesn’t soak into the soft tissue in your mouth.

Even with these protective measures, you may still experience some sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages. This is called thermal sensitivity and it will typically go away within a few days of your procedure. If you experience severe pain or the pain lasts for more than a week, you should contact your dentist immediately.

Sensitivity Remedies

There are some remedies known to help tooth sensitivity. One remedy is for your dentist to place a fluoride application onto the sensitive teeth. This fluoride barrier can cut down on the amount of sensitivity you may have from the whitening procedure.

Another remedy is to use toothpaste that is formulated for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes contain a product called potassium nitrate, which when used over the course of several weeks will help reduce the sensitivity you may feel.

If you are considering a tooth whitening procedure, contact the office of Drs. Dennis and Deric Ikuta serving cosmetic dentistry patients in Reedley, Fresno and surrounding areas of California for a complimentary consultation.

Source: Tooth Whitening and Sensitivity

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Teeth Whitening Treatment Guide

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Teeth Whitening is one of the easiest ways to improve the overall look of your smile. Once the preserve of movie stars, it is now both affordable and readily available, and there are quite a few options to choose from.

Modern teeth whitening methods are so effective, that almost anyone can get their teeth whitened to a significant degree of brightness, and many treatments can be completed in one visit to the dentist.

What is Tooth Whitening?

Tooth Whitening is the process used to improve the brightness of the teeth, which is achieved by removing as much staining as possible. The techniques used range from natural home remedies to chemical and laser teeth whitening methods performed by cosmetic dentists.

The constant build up of organic pigments on the teeth can cause them to discolour over a period of time. These protein pigments derive from the different kinds of food, drink, tobacco and even antibiotics people consume over the years, and cause the natural whiteness of their teeth to be gradually diminished.

The yellowing of the teeth is also a part of the ageing process, and is determined to some extent by genetic and dietary factors. Some people just have naturally brighter enamel than others.

What different types exist?

There are quite a few options available to choose from. Most artificial methods rely on some form of peroxide to remove stains and bleach your teeth white.

When peroxide compounds are used, oxygen is released and bleaches the pigmented substances present in the enamel the teeth. This method restores the natural colour of the teeth without corroding the surface enamel.

Teeth whitening procedures can be performed at a dentist's office, or in the comfort of your own home. Here are some of the popular techniques.

Whitening Toothpastes Whitening toothpastes contain certain mildly abrasive components which help scrub away the surface stains, and leave teeth looking cleaner and whiter. They don't however have a bleaching action. Whitening toothpastes are generally not as effective as other methods of teeth whitening.

Whitening Strips Teeth whitening strips come in the form of a sticky tape that may be directly applied across the front the teeth. They contain a bleaching solution that incorporates a peroxide compound, and are usually used twice a day for about half an hour each time. Teeth whitening strips may be bought over-the-counter as well as from your dentist.

Whitening Gels Teeth whitening gels are also peroxide based, and they are applied over the teeth with a small brush. Self application gel kits are available that can be used at home. The kit usually comes with a peroxide gel-filled mouth tray that is fitted to your teeth. They are simple to use, reasonably affordable, and effective.

Whitening procedures at the Dentist's Office

A cosmetic dentist can perform this procedure, which involves the direct application of a gel to the teeth under controlled heating, or with the help of a special light or laser, or even a combination of the three.

The procedure will typically last 30 to 60 minutes, and sometimes requires more than one sitting to be properly effective. This procedure will give you quick results, and will be correspondingly more expensive when compared with the home whitening kit.

Gel Treatment under Dental Supervision

This is one of the more popular methods of teeth whitening, and can be slightly more affordable when compared to the procedure performed by a cosmetic dentist.

A custom-made tooth tray containing carbamide peroxide gel is be provided. This is considered to be more effective than treatment using hydrogen peroxide, and reaches virtually every contour of teeth, rendering them as white as possible.

The method of usage is similar to that of a teeth whitening gel kit, and the tray supplied can be reused later as and when required.

How safe are Tooth whitening methods?

A vast body of research has been done on the efficacy and safety aspects of the teeth whitening methods that are in use today, and they have been reported to be quite safe. Modern techniques rarely give rise to sensitive gums or other side effects, and qualified dentists are quite emphatic that tooth whitening is one of the safest cosmetic dental procedures available.

The effects of tooth whitening typically last for one to two years, and sometimes longer depending on your dental hygiene and dietary habits

How much does teeth whitening cost?

The costs can vary depending upon location and the type of whitening treatment selected.

Teeth whitening toothpastes are priced at £4.50 to £14.50 for a tube of 4.2oz. They contain a protein pellicle to which plaque, stains and bacteria adhere and get eliminated while rinsing.

A tooth whitening gel kit is usually priced at around £100.

Teeth whitening and teeth bleaching procedures cost around about £250 on average.

When having the whitening treatment performed by a cosmetic dentist, the cost depends upon the number of sittings required to get the teeth whitened to a significant degree. Most often, dental insurance will not cover the cost of a teeth whitening procedure.

Source: Teeth Whitening - A Consumer's Guide

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Beautiful Smile with Perfect White Teeth

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A beautiful smile with perfect white teeth. A dream of many came into reach with the latest achievements in cosmetic dentistry. Now with new materials and techniques a bad tooth can be fixed almost instantly and with much less pain.

Whiten stained teeth

Bleaching has become very popular. Almost any cosmetic dentist is offering whitening solutions today. Within one day you can have perfectly white teeth by applying a bleaching gel together with high-intensive light. There are also home bleaching sets for stained teeth but they are not as effective as the in-office tooth whitening at your cosmetic dentist.

Straighten crooked teeth

By applying ultra-thin porcelain veneers to your teeth you can get rid of crooked teeth after just two visits at your dentist. Often just minimal invasion is required. If veneers are not sufficient, then braces are used to straighten teeth. Now there are almost invisible braces which are fixed behind your teeth. The comfort is much bigger and they also can be removed.

Repair chipped or cracked teeth

Bonding is the fix for chipped teeth. A tooth colored material is used to repair your tooth. The enamel like material is shaped, hardened and then polished and gives your new tooth a natural look. More expensive is the use of porcelain veneers, very thin layers which are applied to your teeth with minimal invasion.

Replace rotten teeth

If the tooth has suffered too much damage it's often better to remove it completely and replace it by an implant. This also prevents a bacterial infection which may be caused by a rotten tooth. The implant carries a new crown and you have a new, perfect looking tooth again.

How to correct overbite/underbite

If your upper and lower teeth are overlapping each other then you have overbite (or underbite). Often there is no fast solution because you will need aligners or braces.

Fix a gummy smile quickly

Too much gum make your teeth looking short. Maybe you just have an uneven gum line. Either way the laser is the fix. Within one day your gum line is corrected without pain.

Replace missing Teeth

Implants can replace missing teeth. An anchor is implanted into your jaw and carry a new crown after the healing period. If you miss more than one tooth then bridges are the solution.

Close the space between gapped teeth

Porcelain or composite resin veneers close the gap between your teeth instantly.

Source: Bad Teeth - Dental Treatments for a Perfect Smile

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Natural Smile with Teeth Whitening

With the myriad of teeth whitening options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which product is right for you. For the quickest and most dramatic results, dentists specializing in cosmetic dentistry still offer the best solution with laser teeth whitening.

There are many other options available to people looking for a quick way to brighten their smile, but few methods produce the results seen in laser whitening. Over the counter teeth whitening kits are generally considered safe, although they can cause sensitivity. While in-office teeth whitening produces instant results, products you buy over the counter generally take longer and don’t produce the same level of whitening.

Why is My Smile Fading?

There are several factors that lead to yellowing or staining, including diet, medications and smoking. Coffee, soda, tea and red wine are major offenders. However, even if these items were cut out of your diet, aging is a natural process that unfortunately leads to dull, stained teeth.

The surface of the tooth is porous, so even with vigilant brushing, your teeth will stain over time. Thankfully, this damage is reversible with the teeth whitening technology now available. A brighter, whiter smile instills confidence and improves your entire physical appearance.

What Are My Teeth Whitening Options?

Before using any product, consult with your dentist. The degree of staining and your desired results are deciding factors in which method you should choose to brighten your smile. While commercially available treatments may whiten your teeth three or four shades, cosmetic dentists can produce amazing results – up to 14 shades whiter.

Occasionally, teeth are too damaged and stained for even laser whitening to produce desirable results. In that case, your dentist may recommend porcelain veneers. A veneer may be applied on a few specific teeth, while the others undergo a whitening treatment. If most of your teeth are affected, you might opt for several veneers.

In-office Treatment is by far the quickest and most effective teeth whitening method. In 45 minutes, you can expect your teeth to become 8 to 10 shades whiter. The cosmetic dentist begins by gently cleaning your teeth and removing plaque along the gum line. Because the peroxide compound whitening solution is so much stronger than the type used in home treatments, the dentist uses a rubber gum guard or barrier to protect your soft tissues from damage. They will apply the whitening gel 3 times, 15 minutes apart, and activate its stain-removing power with a special lamp or laser.

Rembrandt®, BrightSmile® and Zoom!® are popular types of in-office treatments that produce similar results. This is a great option for people with highly sensitive teeth or those who expect instant results. While it is more expensive than home treatments, the cost varies depending on the dentist performing the treatment, what type of gel they use and whether or not your insurance company is footing a part of the bill (most insurance providers do not include cosmetic dentistry in their coverage).

At-home Treatments should still be supervised by your cosmetic dentist. These treatments come in the form of a professional grade whitening gel with teeth trays, usually custom fit to your mouth. Your cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth before providing the whitening gel, to ensure that your mouth is free of cavities and decay. At-home whitening gel can actually cause damage to decayed teeth. They will also remove any excess plaque that could hinder the whitening process.

The gel-filled trays and worn overnight for two to three weeks, the time in which it takes to see maximum results.

Over the Counter Whitening Treatments are not as effective as teeth whitening treatments provided by or performed by your cosmetic dentist. Companies such as Colgate® and Crest® offer a wide variety of gels, strips, paint-on liquids and other solutions that are used for several weeks at a time. Many people find that the solutions cause excessive temperature sensitivity and prefer to use the stronger dentist’s office treatments for a shorter period.

These over the counter treatments do not produce the dramatic results that the in-office and at-home dentist’s solutions can and are therefore suitable for people looking to brighten their smile just a few shades.

Whitening Toothpastes work by removing surface stains from the tooth enamel. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dentist visits should produce the same results. Those with resistant tooth damage and staining from medications such as tetracycline will find that whitening toothpastes and over the counter treatments are ineffective.

How Long Will My Teeth Stay Whiter?

With proper care and regular touch-ups, your new bright smile should last for years. However, coffee, tea, red wine, blueberries and other foods can take their toll on your pearly whites. Avoid these foods and cigarettes to keep your smile looking its best.

After a professional in-office treatment, over the counter products can be used every few months to remove new surface stains.

How Much Will It Cost to Have My Teeth Whitened?

The cost varies according to which treatment you choose and your desired results. In-office laser whitening ranges from a couple of hundred to over a thousand pounds, while over the counter treatments are as low as £10. Porcelain veneers start around £350 per tooth and go up depending on the work needed to prepare the tooth and the cosmetic dentist applying it.

At-home or over the counter whitening is a good choice for those on a limited budget who don’t mind performing the whitening themselves each night. Visit your dentist for a thorough cleaning to remove excess plaque and check for tooth decay before applying any home treatment.

For those seeking instant results, those with sensitive teeth and those who are not concerned with the budget, in-office laser whitening is a quick, simple and painless way to a brighter smile. See your cosmetic dentist for a consultation.

Wirral Dentist | Cheshire Tooth whitening | North Wales Teeth Whitening

Source: Teeth Whitening - The Shortcut to Your Whitest, Brightest Smile

Cosmetic Dentistry: Great Way to Improve Face Look

Discolored, chipped or missing teeth can affect self-confidence. A person may be reluctant to smile with parted lips if they feel their teeth are unattractive.

Cosmetic dentistry can make substantial improvements to every kind of smile. There are techniques to deal with discolored, chipped, gapped, crooked or missing teeth.

In severe cases, orthodontic treatment may be needed. This is a specialized branch of dentistry that corrects jaw and teeth misalignments with devices such as braces. You can simply ask your cosmetic dentist, or specialist for further information and advice on improving the look of your smile.

Many people ask me what exactly Cosmetic Dentistry is and what is consists of... Below is a little description:

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

This style of dentistry is any treatment which:

" Improves the look (or aesthetic aspect) of the teeth.

" The services available are bleaching for the front teeth.

" Reconstruction of the teeth with crowns or veneers

" Orthodontic treatment to change the position of the teeth.

" All of this is considered to be cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic Dentistry is a great way to improve the look of your entire face, your mouth is the focal point when you smile for photos, or simply when chatting to people.

Your smile is the first impression you make on others, so make it stand out. Many people are unaware that simple inexpensive procedures can be done that will dramatically effect your smile. the way you look also effects the way you feel. So truly this can be said that investing in a new smile could be one of the wisest investment you could make.

Source: Dental Treatment And Cosmetic Dental Work

Dental Problems May Affect Overall Health

For many people, the relation between oral health and systemic body conditions is abstract at best. Few of us know that dental problems have consequences that extend far beyond the mouth.

Most of us think that dental problems would result at worst in a few fallen teeth or some painful hours in the dentists’ chair. Yet, bad oral health can result in long-term health issues such as heart disease and stroke that can be potentially fatal. This article reviews the possible effect of oral health on general body health.

Dental problems arise as a result of poor oral hygiene. The accumulation of harmful bacteria in the dental cavities can result in formation of plaque and tartar. Tartar provides a very conducive environment for the development of bacterial populations, which as a consequence rise dramatically.

An infection arises, leading to conditions such as root decay and gum disease. If the bacterial growth is not checked, the infection can reach the bloodstream. This is when the real complications occur.

Dental Problems and Heart Disease

Harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream attach to fatty plaques already present in the arteries of the body. This hastens the formation of arterial blockages (blood clots) that result in thrombosis. The bacteria can also reach the chambers of the heart where they get lodged and start an infection. The result is infective endocarditis. After some time, this infection produces growths that break off into the bloodstream and attach to other critical organs, resulting in a generalized infection.

Dental Problems and Diabetes

Diabetes and dental problems are mutually reinforcing diseases. Dental problems result in the production of cytokines, which increase the body’s resistance to insulin and make blood sugar difficult to control. Diabetes, on the other hand, reduces the capacity of the body to heal itself and therefore increases the likelihood of dental infections and abscesses.

Dental Problems and Low Birth Weight

Internal infections in pregnant women, originating from the mouth, have been known to cause low birth weights and premature birth. Cytokines produced during infections cause the production of the hormone prostaglandin. This hormone acts as a trigger for labor and thus results in premature birth. Pregnant women with oral infections have up to seven times greater risk of giving birth to a premature baby than those with normal oral health.

Other conditions that have been linked to oral hygiene include Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis. So be very cautious with your dental health.

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Dental Problems Affect Overall Health

Latest Tooth Jewellery comes in Dental Crowns

Computers have altered many professions; now it's dentistry's turn. Yes, frightened patients will still face the drill. But when it comes to designing and manufacturing a crown, implant,

bridge or dentures, computers are beginning to replace painstaking manual methods. The basic design of the typical crown - metal bonded with porcelain - dates from the 18th century. This is a sector ripe for reinvention.

Most patients probably have no idea how much individual labour goes into restoring even a single tooth: each piece is bespoke. Take a crown. Traditionally, once the tooth has been repared, the dentist pours gunk into two jaw-shaped trays into which the patient bites down to create impressions. These are sent off to a lab along with the dentist's instructions.

The die is cast

On arrival, dental stone is poured into the impressions and left to harden. A pin is placed at the tooth being worked on (the "die") and others in the underside of the stone model, and a base is then poured on to it. Once set, the model is cut with a split saw or fine diamond disc so that the die can be removed for working. The pins mean it can be put back in precisely the same place. The technician then uses the die to build up a wax pattern 0.4mm to 1mm thick, in the shape that will ultimately be cast in metal. "The first thing I had to do as an

apprentice," says Chris Everingham, the retiring founder of Creative Dental lab in London, "is wax tooth-carving, so I learned the anatomy."

The finished pattern, embellished with a prong, or "sprue", is placed into a metal casting ring, which is filled with material called "investment". Once that's hardened, heating the ring to 850C burns off the wax, leaving the pattern's empty shape behind. The ring is mounted in a spinning machine, and centrifugal force pushes molten metal into the empty space, recreating the wax pattern in metal. Knock away the investment, remove the sprue, and there's the basis, or "coping", for your crown.

From there, the crown is hand-painted with porcelain, first with an opaque layer to blot out the darkness of the metal, and then with successive layers of shades chosen to match the patient's own teeth. The finished crown is fired at 930C and sent back to the dentist for installation.

You hope. Anything destined for a patient's mouth must be precisely made to within 20 microns. Gaps attract saliva, which can wash out the cement holding the crown in place, turning the gap into a haven for bacteria and decay.

But even a lab that can afford lengthy finishing times - Everingham estimates his maximum output at 60 crowns a month - can't be perfect; impressions may have tiny bubbles or smears.

It is these imperfections that computer technology is beginning to address.

About 18 months ago, labs such as Creative and nearby Ken Poland, which supplies cosmetic dentistry to the Channel 4 TV show 10 Years Younger, began buying 3M's Lava system.

Poland's Steve Pope makes the traditional stone model, but then scans the model and creates the coping digitally using a virtual "wax knife" and automated software. When Pope, a former aircraft engineer, builds a bridge on screen, it looks as hard as working in wax; this profession is being reskilled, not deskilled.

The data file is sent to a milling centre, in this case, Poland's own. There, the Lava software takes the file and assigns it to a barcoded block of zirconia. Cured at 1,500C, it becomes a hard, strong material that can be tinted by soaking and to which porcelain will bond. Pope says it's better than metal: zirconia is bio-compatible and used in hip and knee replacements.

The block is placed in the milling machine, and the computer translates the data file into cuts to produce the actual coping. Then the coping is cured for more than 11 hours. From there, the porcelain is applied by hand. Pope is particularly impressed by the software's ability to calculate precisely how much extra to allow to compensate for shrinkage in the curing process - between 23% and 26%.

Magic wand

The next stage is eliminating the impressions. At the New York offices of Dr Steven Alper, an oral scanner reads the movements of a wand inside the patient's mouth. The wand captures 3D video of the patient's upper and lower jaw, as well as the outside bite pattern. "I can see if I need to fix something," says Alper. "For example, for a crown prep you have a margin around the tooth, and it's hard to see on the patient. You only have one or two views, and they're all white and small. On the screen you can look really close."

Turning the image to various angles on his touchscreen, Alper found a hole. He rescanned that section, filled out an onscreen prescription, and sent the file to the lab electronically.

Simultaneously, the data goes to a facility that uses it to generate the physical model in resin. The die is sectioned in manufacturing, eliminating the imprecision of saw cuts.

All of this eliminates time waiting for materials to harden, cure or cool. More importantly, everyone agrees the software does a better job of getting as tight a fit as possible. "It won't cure

everything," says David Coppen, chairman of the Harley Technician Study Club, which saw the scanner demonstrated in London last week, "but this is the future."

Resource: A new jewel in dentistry's crowns | Glasgow dental implants