Cosmetic dentistry. is it for you?
Filed Under Oakland Sleep Dentistry
First impressions are important in all aspects of life and one of the first things people see and judge a person on when they meet them is their smile. In fact, studies conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) have shown that people with attractive smiles get better jobs, are held in higher regard, normally make a better impression and in many instances make more money. This knowledge has led millions of people to seek out that one thing that might make them more confident and sure of themselves: a great smile. Gaining a great smile is generally done through cosmetic dentistry.
Cosmetic dentistry is an ever-growing field and includes procedures such as porcelain veneers and the most requested: tooth whitening. Tooth-colored bonded resin fillings and bonded porcelain fillings and crowns on the back teeth could also fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry. There are many other cosmetic dentistry options available, but these are the most common ones, thus, the ones that we will cover.
Porcelain veneers or laminates are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material which are bonded directly to the front of the teeth. Under the direction of a skilled dentist and staff which includes a ceramist, porcelain veneers can create incredibly beautiful and natural smiles. This procedure can be an ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth by masking discolorations, whitening teeth and/or reshaping a smile. If you suffer from any of these ailments, this type of cosmetic dentistry could be for you.
The advantages to having porcelain veneers bonded to your teeth are that they are beautiful and can make any average smile stand out as spectacular, they also add longevity and strength to your teeth. On the other hand, the disadvantages are cost because veneers can be very expensive, and the process requires that some minimal tooth structure be removed.
The other popular procedure, with similar effects, but much less cost, is tooth whitening or bleaching. Tooth whitening can be approached in a number of different ways. It simply depends on your budget and what type of results you desire.
The most cost effective method to tooth whitening is purchasing over-the-counter products. This method will normally produce acceptable results but can take many applications to get to the point that you want. Another method to tooth whitening is a system using trays made from impressions of your teeth. The trays are created in a dentist’s office and are used with one of several whitening or bleaching agents. More expensive methods that have more immediate results include in-office systems that usually employ a very bright light to enhance the speed and efficacy of the whitening agents.
Keep in mind that if you have dark colored or excessively grey teeth, whitening may not be an effective option for you. In addition, if you’ve had a high number of fillings, crowns or other dental procedures of this type on your teeth, then bleaching may not be the right option for you either. This is something that you will need to discuss with your dentist beforehand.
Lastly, colored resin that matches the color of your teeth is a material that can often be bonded to areas of the front teeth. This resin can be shaped and sculpted to repair fractures of the front teeth, close spaces and reshape teeth. Some advantages to this type of cosmetic dentistry are that it can usually be done in one visit, it’s conservative, it can look very nice, and it’s less expensive than some other options. A few disadvantages are that the life expectancy of this process is somewhat limited (usually five to seven years), and staining and discoloration occurs over time. Additionally, these bonds are much weaker than porcelain and resin bonding has esthetic limitations depending upon the size of the case.
In order to determine if cosmetic dentistry is right for you, the most important thing you can do is consult your dentist. Before having any cosmetic procedure done, it is imperative that you find a dentist that has the skill, experience and aesthetic eye to give you a beautiful smile. You will want to discuss any cosmetic dentistry options with them.
Dr. J.D. Murray, DDS, is a leader in Atlanta cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Murray is highly experienced in Smile Makeovers, Dental Implants and Sedation Dentistry. To get more information on how Dr. Murray can give you a brilliant smile visit the Southwest Atlanta Smile Center or call (404) 349-7889.
5 important tips for great dental health?
Filed Under Oakland Sleep Dentistry
Many of us underestimate the things that our teeth do for us. Sure they allow us to chew our food and everyone likes to have a nice clean smile, but the mouth and provides much more vital services to the rest of our body and to our overall well-being.
It is true that the mouth’s primary function is to break down the foods that we eat into smaller pieces so that the food can be swallowed and more easily processed by the digestive system. But did you know that your mouth can be the first line of defense against harmful diseases and bacterial infections? Many health problems carry with them oral symptoms. For example, mouth sores, bleeding gums, decreased saliva, and even your teeth themselves can be connected to oral cancer, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory ailments and pre-mature low birth-weight babies.
Obviously, dental health goes beyond having a cosmetically appealing smile. Maintaining proper dental health can improve your overall health and even allow for early detection of serious health problems. Below are 5 important tips for great oral health:
Proper brushing and flossing
Your teeth are surprisingly strong. The teeth can exert between 30 to 50 pounds of pressure and the molars can exert more than 200 pounds of force! Your teeth provide you with a way to give your body the nutrients that you need to stay alive. Failure to care for your teeth properly can lead to bacterial infections, sensitivity, pain, and even tooth loss.
Proper brushing and flossing are imperative if you want to hold on to your teeth for the length of your life. You are probably aware of the benefits of brushing your teeth, but did you know that brushing too hard can cause more harm than good? A person who brushes with too much vigor can actually push the gum line down (which is irreversible) and cause the sensitive layers of the tooth to become exposed. Likewise causing damage to the gum line through improper flossing can lead to infections that can travel from the mouth to other parts of the body.
Avoid tobacco use
If you are looking for a fast way to cause serious harm to your dental health, start smoking or chewing tobacco. Those who use tobacco are going to have problems with their teeth, gums, breath and overall health. Tobacco use leads to periodontal disease (a severe bacterial infection that if left untreated can travel to other areas of your body and causes thousands of deaths a year), gum recession, bone loss, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, pus between the teeth, and gums and tooth loss. Loose or separating teeth and teeth that don’t fit together the way they used to are also indicators of smoking and periodontal disease. Even smoking less than half a pack a day will make you three times more susceptible to serious dental health related problems.
Good breath maintenance
Brush and scrape your tongue regularly. Rinse your mouth out with water after eating if you are unable to brush. Avoid using sugary minds or alcohol laden mouth washes as they can provide more harm than good to your teeth and gums. Sugarless gum triggers saliva production which is nature’s way of keeping your mouth healthy. Snacking on celery, carrots or apples can clean away other food left from the previous meal.
Regular dental check-ups
Perhaps the most important great dental health tip is to make and keep regular dental check-up appointments. Your dentist can provide preventative care and specialized instructions for you.
Healthy diet
Eating a balanced diet contributes to better gum health and better breath. Nutrients such as calcium can strengthen teeth and improve their longevity. Avoiding foods that are too hard, acidic, or sugary will prevent the acceleration of tooth damage and bacteria production.
Dr. Ronald Barganier, is a popular Montgomery, AL dentist specializing in Smile Makeovers, Montgomery Dental Implants and Sedation Dentistry. To learn more about how Dr. Barganier and the Montgomery Dental Center can help to restore your brilliant smile, visit the Montgomery Dental Center or call (334) 271-9916.
Cosmetic dentistry - is it for you?
Filed Under Oakland Sleep Dentistry
There are plenty of types of cosmetic dentistry that can help you have a brighter, more beautiful smile. So, how do you know if cosmetic dentistry is for you?
Do you have misshapen or crooked teeth?
If your teeth are misshapen cosmetic dentistry could really do a lot for you. Veneers are a great choice for misshapen or crooked teeth. They are thin porcelain sheets that are bonded to the front of the tooth. Once on, they greatly transform the appearance of the teeth. Most often, veneers are used to correct small imperfections on the teeth. If you have slightly crooked teeth, a veneer can make them appear straighte, and in some cases can be used in place of braces. However, very crooked teeth and missing teeth are not candidates for veneers.
Are your teeth discolored?
If your teeth are not as white as you would like them to be, then cosmetic dentistry in the form of in office whitening is for you. Tooth whitening is perhaps the most common and most popular form of cosmetic dentistry. Thousands of people get their teeth whitened professionally by a dentist each year. So, while you can purchase whitening products at your local drugstore, cosmetic whitening from a dentist is more effective, better, faster, and safer. Not to mention, it will whiten up to 8 shades, as opposed to the 2 or 3 shades over the counter products whiten.
When it comes to ridding your teeth of discoloration, the type of whitening you get will depend on how deep your stains are. The most common types of whitening are bleaching trays, and laser whitening. Bleach trays are for slightly discolored teeth, yellow hues, not browns. Bleach trays are custom-fit trays made by the dentist then filled with a bleaching gel by you at home and worn for a specified period of time.
Laser whitening is best if you want faster results, or if you have deeper, more serious stains. Laser whitening takes about an hour. Your teeth are painted with a special gel, and then the dentist will shine a laser on them to whiten them. Some people opt to get veneers for permanent whitening, since they are resistant to staining, although that is an expensive option.
Do you have broken or missing teeth?
If you have broken or missing teeth cosmetic dentistry is for you. Dental implants are one option, and are enjoyed by many as they act, feel, and can be used just like a real tooth. Another option if your tooth is not missing completely, but is simply broken, or if it has been drilled out and filled, is a crown. A dental crown is made of resin or porcelain and is used to replace a tooth that is cracked, worn, or broken. A crown covers the entire visible area of the tooth. It helps restore functionality as well as looks.
Do you have large spaces or gaps in your teeth?
If you have large spaces or gaps, any number of the previously mentioned cosmetic dentistry techniques could help correct the problem. The point is, if you are embarrassed by your teeth, or find yourself smiling less because you are worried about your mouth, then cosmetic dentistry may be right for you. Talk to your dentist about your options and how cosmetic dentistry can help you have a happier life, brighter smile, and more confidence
Dr. Joseph Marcius, DDS, is a leading dentist in Akron, Ohio. Dr. Marcius specializes in Akron Smile Makeovers, Dental Implants and Sedation Dentistry. Visit us for more information on Dr. Marcius and the Akron, Ohio Smile Center, or call (330) 633-7141. « go back — keep looking »
