Visit a Cosmetic Dentist to Improve the Health of Your Gums

As a cosmetic dentist, the vast majority of our time is spent improving the quality of a person's smile. To do this, we have focused most our attention on the aspects of dentistry that can improve your teeth, making them whiter, straighter, and less intrusive. The importance that looks play in today's society has made many of the functions we perform a household name. When you want your teeth to be brighter, you know about teeth whitening. When your child has crooked teeth, you come in and see us for braces. When grandma needs new dentures, a cosmetic dentist is your first call. There are a lot of functions that we perform on a daily basis, and these are what make up the bread and butter of cosmetic dentistry. There are a few other procedures that we do, which are not quite as widely known. The two we have described below are actually relatively common and have been conducted as a way to improve gum health. There is, however, significant crossover and so now these procedures are also conducted by cosmetic dentists as a way to improve the gum line and hence improve your smile.

One procedure, a cosmetic dentist performs is known as a gingivectomy. This procedure is done by cosmetic dentists and periodontists as a way to save your teeth from being lost. Usually, there is a risk that an infection has spread inside the gum, which can threaten the underlying bone. In order to deal with this the affected gums have to be treated. Diseases like periodontitis cause the gums to become separated from the bone. This creates the effect of deep pockets forming under the gum. Not only is this extremely unattractive to look at but these deep pocket provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and infections. Plaque, which is typically easier to brush away, builds up in these hard to clean pockets and will eventually cause long term damage to the gums and teeth. Doing the surgery involves injecting local anesthesia in the gums around the pockets so that the gums are completely numb. Next, using a laser or a scalpel, the dentist will remove the excess matter and loose gum tissue from the site causing the pockets to close. Putty will be placed on the gum so that it has enough time to heal properly. Once this procedure is done successfully your gums will return to their normal healthy appearance.

We perform gingivectomies and provide our patients with the ability to have their gums the right length and contour. Due to a number of dental conditions, or procedures, the gums can become too long or too short. Gum recession, or the shortening of gums, can often leave the teeth looking too long and the root exposed. Too much gum and you have a gummy smile. Done in our offices, under local anesthesia, gum reshaping can give you the right length of gums that not only look great but also provide the right protection for your teeth. As a cosmetic dentist, these are merely two of the ways we can improve your health and appearance at the same time.

Invisalign  >  Dental Implants

What You Should Know About the Science of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is everywhere. More and more people are starting to catch on to this idea that there is nothing quite as amazing as a beautiful white smile. In the fast pace modern world, a smile can make all the difference. Ironically it is the very pace we live at today that is causing some of the major reasons why people need access to effective, inexpensive teeth whitening. With the advent of a speeded up life cycle more and more people are turning to stimulants to keep up. These include things like energy drinks, caffeine based drinks like tea and coffee, and even cola products.

Take coffee for example. There are currently over 53 thousand coffee shops across the continent. 54% of all adults partake in at least one cup per day, and over 63% of people who drink coffee will drink at least one cup within their first hour of being awake in the morning. The challenge with all this energy consumption is that tea, coffee, red wine, energy drinks, and cola are all products that have a very high probability of staining or discoloring your teeth. Coffee is one of the least virulent of these, but with the huge rates of consumption quickly rises to the top of the list of products that can cause you to need teeth whitening.

The process of teeth whitening is a chemical process, which involves the chemical composition of your enamel and how it interacts or reacts with the teeth whitening solution that we put on it. Teeth look white. This is because they, like all objects, reflect light at a certain degree. Each color we see is actually the brain interpreting the reflected natural light differently. For teeth, it is necessary to be more colorless so that there is not a disturbance in the reflection of the light to the brain. Stains and discoloration fundamentally work to distort the reflection of the light. We use a peroxide based solution that can penetrate deep into the core of the enamel. There it will work to release free radicals. These free radicals, once released into the organic chemical composition of the tooth's enamel, make the tooth appear to be more colorless and hence a brighter shade of white to your brain. We use a peroxide because we want to start this oxidization process quickly and safely. There are differences between what you can buy in the store to whiten your teeth, and the formula we use in the clinic based on the strength and peroxide content in the solution.

What you can buy in the store is a much weaker version of the teeth whitening we use. First it is hydrogen peroxide based. This is because hydrogen peroxide has a better, longer shelf life. Second the content of hydrogen peroxide is between 3% and 20%. The formula we use in the clinic is carbamide peroxide based. Carbamide peroxide has a 35% hydrogen peroxide content. Additionally we use a much more potent mix, which is between 15% and 43% carbamide based for quicker, more effective results.

Dental Implants  >  Teeth Whitening

Why Your Child Should See a Pediatric Dentist

A pediatric dentist is dedicated to looking after and preserving the oral health of children from the time they are infants through the various stages of childhood, all the way to their teen years. Over and above the usual four years of dental school, we have received additional training, thus are eminently qualified to focus on prevention, early detection, and treating dental diseases in infants, children, and adolescents. We also have an understanding of child psychology, behavior control, growth, and development and offer the latest techniques in dental and orthodontic care.

Why Is It Important For My Child To See A Pediatric Dentist?

 It is important to get your children an early start in dental care and instill a good oral hygiene routine in them. Your child's initial visit to our office should take place right after their first tooth comes in, but no later than their first birthday. Helping children plan visits to our office from the time they are very little will help establish his, or her, trust in the dentist and will set them on the path to taking good care of their teeth as they get older. Additionally, the earlier your child begins regular visits to the dentist, the earlier,  we will be able to detect, and treat, any budding problems, thus avoiding unnecessary cavities or extensive dental treatment. Cavities that are neglected often times lead to problems which affect permanent teeth that are developing. Without proper dental care, children face possible tooth decay and disease that can cause a lifetime of pain and complications.

Dental caries is now more common among young children that asthma or hay fever. Approximately 4 million preschoolers suffer from tooth decay, a number that has grown by more than 600,000 children in the last ten years, which is a significant increase. More alarmingly, studies have shown that children with poor oral health suffer in school, do not do well socially, and are less successful later in their lives.  Therefore, the importance of early and often visits to a pediatric dentist is critically important.

Prevention Is Key

In addition to seeing a pediatric dentist every six months, there are many basic things you can do at home to prevent your child from developing cavities. If you have an infant, use a clean, damp washcloth or a wet gauze to gently clean the plaque from their teeth and gums at least two or three times a day. If your children are older, brush their teeth at least twice a day. Maintain a healthy diet by avoiding sugary foods and drinks and introduce healthy snacks. Just as the rest of the body needs a well-balanced diet, so does the teeth, gums, soft tissue and bones in a child's mouth.

As a pediatric dentist, we may also recommend protective sealants which can be applied to your child's molars to prevent decay on hard to clean surfaces or fluoride treatments for your child. As pediatric dentists, we have been specially trained to work with young patients, and know how to make a child's visit to our office is, at the very least, a positive experience.

Your Facial Structure Can Improve With Dental Implants

Dental implants can go a very long way to improving a person’s life if they have been influenced by tooth loss. We know that tooth loss is often almost inevitable, even as we make every effort to minimize the chances of our patients losing a tooth. The challenge with tooth loss is that it comes with its own unique set of challenges that can cause a person to have a serious loss to their quality of life. For example, when you lose a tooth you may not be able to eat all the foods you like which can then impact your diet. For some people, it is the ability to have a full and beautiful smile because they are conscious of their missing teeth. It is for these reasons, which are just a small sampling, that replacing teeth has been one of the major goals of dentistry since its inception centuries ago. Today dental implants are the most innovative and effective tooth replacement option available.

Having dental implants comes with another inherent benefit that is rarely spoken about, because very few people realize its importance. Through a process known as osseointegration, the dental implants you have will literally become part of your mouth in every way. Titanium, from which the dental implants are made, can completely biosynthesize with the organic tissue in your mouth. What this means is that the tiny metal screw, the implant in your jawbone, tricks your mouth into believing that it is actually organic matter and must have the same level of support offered to other parts of the body. This bodes well for the implant and also helps maintain the basic functions of the jawbone itself. From a stability standpoint, having a prosthetic device that is completely integrated with the organics of your body is a complete win, and when the device actually helps sustain the organic matter it is an amazing feat.

The jawbone has two basic functions. The first is to support the teeth, and, in essence, support the first step in the digestive process. As long as the teeth are in place they continue to provide stimulation to the jawbone, which in turn gets the minerals it needs from the body to stay healthy. Once you start losing teeth, however, the stimulus wanes and the body gets the signal that the jawbone may have outlived its functionality. As a direct result of this the body will start the process of resorption, or absorbing back the jawbone. To do this, it will start to leach important minerals like calcium from the bone and reallocate it to other bones, which the body considers more mission critical. For you this can be devastating.

The second function of the jaw bone is to maintain the integrity of the facial structure. As long as the bone is not deteriorating or being resorbed, it holds the face in place. Once it starts to deteriorate, however, the jawbone is no longer able to provide the support your face needs which can lead to things like your posterior bite collapsing. The good news is that a dental implant creates the stimulation the body needs to continue supplying the jawbone with its vital nutrients and minerals. For this reason, dental implants are a superior tooth replacement option to that of dentures or a dental bridge. 

Here is Why You Need a Pediatric Dentist for Your Child

As a pediatric dentist office, we understand that pediatric dentistry is vital to the overall health and well-being of all infants, children, and young adults. We are dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy, through the toddler, pre-teens, and teenage years. Pediatric dentists have to go through an extra two to three years of specialized training after they finish dental school, which makes them highly qualified to address all your child's oral health care needs.

Unfortunately, tooth decay is the most common disease found in children and adolescents nationwide, and most go untreated due a lack of awareness or financial reasons. Many parents aren't aware that dental problems usually begin very early in life. For instance, dental caries is a serious condition caused by a child breastfeeding, thumb sucking, using a bottle or a sippy cup for too long. Unfortunately, many parents are unaware that their child is even suffering from any form of dental decay because in the early stages, the decay, is often times not visible without dental x-rays. Another problem that goes unnoticed is about  40% of children that are two to three years old have inflammation of their gum tissues. Instead of regular visits to a pediatric dentist, most children see a dentist only when they are forced to by a toothache, at which point they require more extensive treatment or even the removal of one or more teeth.

Preventative Dentistry For Infants, Children, And Adolescents
The earlier your child visits a pediatric dentist, the better the chances of preventing short and long term problems that can affect things like chewing, biting, speech and appearance. Dental issues identified early on and treated in childhood and adolescence can make a substantial difference in a lifetime of good dental health. Dentists believe that infants, children, and adolescents need more of a focus on preventative care, more so than adults do. Pediatric dentists recommend that, in addition to regular dental checkups, parents should use a wide range of preventative oral care measures at home in order to avoid tooth decay. Monitoring your child's diet, for instance, is one those preventative measures. Most cavities in children are caused by a lack of consistent brushing & flossing and a diet usually high in sugary foods.

Additionally, diets high in carbohydrates and sugars cause children to have thicker saliva, which in turn produces an acid that creates bacteria, causing cavities.  Thinner saliva can wash away food quickly. You should discourage your child from eating sugary foods like candy and fruit roll-ups that are low in nutritional value and avoid sugary juices or sports drinks as well.  It is important that you initiate a well-balanced diet for your child that consists of meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruit, dairy products and cereals low in sugar, so that their teeth develop appropriately. This will also positively affect the healthy gum tissue surrounding the teeth.

Preventative care is only one part of maintaining your child's overall oral health care. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends parents have their children visit a pediatric dentist every six months, beginning with their first birthday. Routine visits will start your child on a lifetime of good dental health habits.

Family Dentist  >  Dentist

Learn How Invisalign® Aligners Are Created

The Invisalign process starts with an examination at our offices. There are very few circumstances where this product is not recommended to straighten teeth, but we want to make sure you are not one of those few individuals. Typically this is a very short visit, during which we will also make sure that you have no underlying issues that could delay or hamper the straightening process. Once we determine that you are a good fit for moving forward, the next step we will take is to get all the records we need to make the Invisalign aligners. One important point to note is that Invisalign® does not work with children since their teeth are still growing and developing. This product is for teens and adults who have already gotten their full set of adult teeth.

During the first stage, we will take a lot of measurements, x-rays, dental impressions of your teeth, and photographs. The objective is to provide the lab with an ideal scenario of what your teeth look like, and the only way to do that is to give them detailed measurements. Fundamentally the dental impressions are so that a replica of your teeth can be made using 3D modeling. This is where the technicians at Invisalign® take over.

The technicians at the company will scan your dental impressions and using these will create a 3D model of your teeth on their computer. Having it on the computer is extremely useful since it allows us, the dentist, to view them remotely. You can also view them as the patient. On this 3D model, the technicians gradually move the teeth into position, mimicking the exact pattern the aligners will follow in moving your teeth into position. From our perspective, we can make adjustments, giving the technicians instructions on tweaking the movements so that it is exactly how we want the teeth to move. This gives us much more control over the process and gets your teeth into exactly the position that we want them to be.

Once we are satisfied with the movement, and final position of the teeth, the technicians will get the go ahead to fabricate the aligners. This is a critical element of Invisalign. Each patient gets a unique, individualized plan based on their specific teeth. The aligners are then built to move the teeth exactly in keeping with this plan and based on a gradual pressure movement basis. Over the course of your treatment, each new set of aligners will be offset by around 1/10mm per tray. What this means is the tray will gradually force your teeth to be straighter by 1/10th of a millimeter. Once the aligner fits your teeth perfectly, they are to be worn for two weeks and then you will move on to the next aligner that once again, moves your teeth.

It is important to wear the aligners at least 20 hours a day. Since the plan is based on the gradual movement of the teeth and tied to a very tight timeline, not wearing the aligners for sufficient amounts of time can result in the teeth not moving enough and the new aligners not fitting well at all. By following the treatment plan, you will have straight teeth in no time.

Orthodontist  >  Braces

Historical Teeth Whitening and Modern Day Solutions

People have been interested in teeth whitening for most of recorded history and some even before that. Today’s Hollywood culture, with gleaming smiles and perfect teeth, have made an entire industry out of whitening teeth by building off of people's innate desire to look the best that they can. To that end having a pearly white smile, that oozes confidence, has become the virtual Holy Grail of anyone wanting to look their best. 

Believe it or not the desire to have white teeth actually started some really important trends, like tooth brushing. The first tooth cleaning and whitening devices, called chew sticks, can be historically traced back to 3000 BC, and ironically are still being used in some parts of the world today. The Chinese came up with an innovative way to replace the chew sticks by making a brush of bristles. The bristles came from the back of the Siberian hogs and were particularly coarse. This, as one can imagine, evolved into toothbrush of today. They were not, however, very popular with the Europeans who preferred to keep their teeth clean and white using the adopted Roman custom of picking. Hence, toothpicks stuck around. 

Modern technology has certainly improved and today, teeth whitening is safe and comfortable. As with many medical, and non-medical, procedures there are a plethora of swirling myths and urban legends that have developed around the simple task of teeth whitening. When you get your teeth whitened at our clinic, you are in the hands of a medically trained professional performing a task that is in no way dangerous. We bleach the enamel of the teeth so that they are a more pleasing shade of white.  Some patients even take custom fitted whitening trays and complete their treatment at home, given how straightforward it is. Since we can also answer any questions and take care of all your dental needs, we recommend a dentist-supervised teeth whitening instead of an over-the-counter solution.

Here are the questions we get the most of about teeth whitening: 

Will whitening my teeth lead to damaged enamel? 
There had been quite a lot of concern about this, so the short answer is no. In fact, the Journal of American Dentistry recently published a study on this very subject. What they concluded was that there is no connection between a person using a teeth whitening product and their enamel wearing out, so this one is an urban legend that is simply not true. 

Is the teeth whitening process painful? 
Again, the short answer to this question is no. There is no pain associated with teeth whitening. Most patients will experience an increased level of sensitivity in their teeth after a treatment. This is due to the proximity of the whitening chemicals to the soft and sensitive tissue of the gums. However, this sensitivity should last no more than twenty-four hours after the procedure and will never progress to pain. Knowing that excessive use of whiteners, or incorrectly fitted trays can increase this sensitivity is one major reason why we always recommend coming to see us for your teeth whitening.

What To Expect Immediately After Getting Braces

Now that your braces are fitted, you are on the way to a more confident, radiant smile. Getting your teeth adjusted is a big step which takes time and a level of commitment. At this point, you will have come very far and have probably learned more about your teeth than you ever thought possible. Over the course of a number of appointments, we will have measured your mouth, given you x-rays, and discussed your treatment at some length. Some of the things we will have discussed are the steps involved, caring for your new orthodontic appliances, the adjustment phase of the treatment, follow-ups, and a number of other important aspects of getting braces. For most people, this wealth of information, can be slightly overwhelming and can leave you with questions after you are done with your fitting appointment. To help with this, we will give you a packet of information for you to read.  Additionally, we are always available to answer a question over the phone or during one of your routine follow-up visits. 

Adjusting to new braces does take a few days. This initial period can be the most uncomfortable, but the discomfort will fade quickly. During the first few days, your mouth will need to get used to the idea of a foreign substance in the mouth that takes up more space than just your teeth. You could also have some level of pain, which is easily controlled by over the counter medication. This adjustment typically lasts no more than a day or two, and while nobody ever fully gets used to braces, pretty soon your mouth will accept the presence of the braces and they will not bother you at all. 

In order to feel more comfortable we recommend that you use over the counter Tylenol to control the pain, and advise staying away from Ibuprofen. Tylenol contains acetaminophen, usually recommended for pregnant women and children because it is a safer pain reliever. On the other hand, Ibuprofen can slow down the movement of the teeth, which interferes with the treatment, and hence we advise against taking it while wearing braces. Ibuprofen makes up the major ingredient in medications like Advil and Motrin so avoid these as well. You can also feel better by using a cool compress to help ease any swelling.

Immediately after having braces placed you should eat soft foods in order to avoid irritation.  After that, there are some dietary restrictions that come with braces. This is necessary because braces can become damaged or lose if you eat very hard foods or have to chomp down with a great deal of pressure. Ice cubes, popcorn, and sticky candy can all cause this damage, and you will need to avoid these until your treatment is complete. Part of your reading material will include a complete list of foods that you need to avoid, and we always recommend calling us to confirm if you are uncertain about a certain type of food.

Teeth Whitening Products and What You Need to Know Before Using Them

In our dentist office, we speak with a lot of patients about teeth whitening. Many people want to know what products they should try and if they are safe.  It is extremely popular to have bright, white teeth right now so it is understandable that the curiosity level is so high.  It is, however, important to note that with any trend comes a lot of misleading advertising that doesn’t paint the full picture.  While marketing companies have done a great job of bringing awareness to these products, you should be an informed consumer. 

A Warning:
One in twenty-five people that use store-bought teeth whitening products report experiencing some level of pain or discomfort afterwards.  This can be mild and go away with an aspirin, or severe and require follow-up dental care. This is partially why we recommend using products and solutions administered by a dentist.  We can help to prevent much of these problems. 

When you look at products in the store, there are several kinds to choose from.  Whitening toothpaste is by far the easiest to use because you were brushing your teeth anyway.  This is a good way to brighten your smile, but it won’t produce dramatic results.  In fact, most people are fairly disappointed. We do, however, recommend using this after having a professional teeth whitening procedure because it can help your teeth to stay white for a longer period of time. 

Another option, to consider, is whitening strips.  These look like a piece of tape that you apply to your teeth after brushing them.  With the strips securely in place, the solution can start to whiten your teeth.  The biggest challenge with strips is that they can easily slide off, so people find them difficult to use throughout the day, decreasing the chance of sticking with the treatment. 

You can also purchase whitening trays at the store.  This solution carries the greatest level of risk for discomfort because the trays are designed to fit everyone.  This means that they fit no one perfectly.  With that in mind, the solution can easily leak out of the trays and onto your gums, causing irritation.  Anytime that bleach comes in contact with your gums, it will create some level of discomfort.  As a dentist, we can create customized whitening trays so that there is no leakage and teeth can be whitened safely without these risks. 

If you decide to buy whitening products at the store, know that you may be disappointed.  They do work but not as well as a professional procedure so the results are not as dramatic.  This leads many people to use the products repeatedly and expose their teeth to sensitivity and their gums to discomfort. Overuse is the primary reason that so many people report discomfort after using store-bought products.  While it may be tempting to use them over and over again - this is not wise.  Instead, if you don’t like the results, schedule a dentist appointment. 

Invisalign Can Straighten Your Teeth and After You Will Need a Retainer

As a modern procedure, Invisalign® has brought the promise of beautiful, straight teeth to millions of adults around the world. Once stifled by the perceived stigma of wearing braces or afraid of being ridiculed for a mouth full of metal, today adults can have their teeth straightened without any such fears. The virtually invisible system of aligners can work while you are at work, taking care of the kids, or even celebrating the holidays with your family, and nobody will be any the wiser. Additionally, unlike regular braces, you can remove the Invisalign® aligners at any time meaning that there are virtually no restrictions on what you may or may not eat while undergoing the treatment. Simply remove the aligner, eat to your heart’s desire and put it back, keeping it in place for at least 20 – 22 hours per day. 

As with any treatment, Invisalign® only works if you make sure to follow up after the treatment is completed. The aligning of teeth involves moving the teeth from what they perceive to be the natural spot. While we may find the placement and size of the teeth to be unnatural and, even ugly, the mouth has placed them in a particular spot because that's where the body believes the teeth should go. Once the Invisalign treatment is complete, it is imperative to continue wearing a retainer to ensure that the mouth does not start to move back into the previous structure. The retainer’s job is to prevent nature from undoing all the work you did to have that perfect smile. You will need to decide, however, if you are more comfortable with a permanent retainer or would prefer one that can come out when you are not actively using it. 

The removable retainer: The removable retainer is designed to come out of your mouth and go back in, to ensure that you are exerting pressure on the teeth to hold them in place. Typically you would have the retainer in your mouth at night and remove it during the day. For some patients, they may need to have a retainer in for more than just the night. Unfortunately, a removable retainer’s best feature, its removability, is also its greatest weakness as it is easy for someone to fall out of the habit of putting on the retainer.  This can ultimately cause the teeth start to move. Also, removable retainers are not as effective as permanent ones.  On the other hand, removable retainers do make it easier to eat, brush your teeth, and floss effectively. 

The permanent retainer: The permanent retainer works the same as the temporary retainer except that it is installed by your dentist or orthodontist and is never removed. For people who do not want the hassle of having to remember their retainer this is a far more effective solution. It is also a more efficient solution in terms of holding the teeth in place since it is permanent and adjusted for maximum impact. A permanent retainer has one major disadvantage when it comes to flossing, requiring the patient to learn how to floss around the retainer. However, the advantages of a permanent retainer far outweigh the disadvantage of having to learn a different way of flossing. This is why many Invisalign® dentists recommend permanent retainers or a combination of permanent and removable retainers.  

We can discuss your options during a consultation in order to determine what the best option for you will be. 

Learn How Popular Dental Implants Are and Why

For over 3 million Americans dental implants have proven to be the best and most effective way to address serious dental challenges like a loss of teeth. The number of people who are seeking out this form of treatment is growing every year, and last year almost half a million patients chose to get dental implants. Despite the fact that this form of treatment has been around for a long time, it is only now starting to be accepted as a mainstream medical correction versus the long-held perception that dental implants were strictly for cosmetic application. As the education of consumers, doctors, and insurance carriers continues to improve, more people will be able to get back a beautiful smile with the help of implants.

This procedure has been perfected but is not new.  They have been around for a very long time. An interesting fact is that ancient Mayan women would have bone implanted into their gums to simulate teeth. This is the first known dental implant surgery with records of such type of procedures dating back to 600 AD. Modern medicine has made implants much safer and less intrusive, giving rise to a larger number of people chose to replace their teeth with implants rather than less permanent solutions. 

Dental implants are a much more permanent solution to tooth loss than traditional bridges or dentures. Since the implant is placed directly into the gum there is a level of permanence that you cannot achieve with a traditional bridge. Additionally because of the fact that the implant is put into the jawbone, the titanium screw acts like a naturally occurring root. This holds the tooth in place and you do not ever have to worry about misplacing an implant. With over 25% of senior citizens losing all of their natural teeth, implants provide a safe, long-term solution to tooth loss. 

There is definitely an expense associated with dental implants. Since they have been viewed, and still are in some circles, as a purely cosmetic procedure the cost of dental implants is still relatively high. However, as more people become aware of implants and the permanence of the solution they offer, insurance companies are starting to realize the benefit of paying for them. Even if not through a direct pay system, patients can get their insurance to cover some or all of the cost of the procedure through an allowance granted to them for a traditional denture or bridge. That money can be put towards an implant. 

Getting dental implants takes time and a certain level of commitment. They are made to fit exactly into your specific mouth. To accomplish this, we will need to get the right measurements, take several impressions of your mouth, build a mold that fits your mouth & mimics your teeth structure, and then ultimately place the implant into your mouth. All of these require you to be at our dentist’s office on an outpatient basis, so you should be prepared to take some time off for your appointments.  To find out what your exact timeline would look like, give us a call.

Times Have Changed for the Cosmetic Dentist

In the 1970s, a cosmetic dentist had fewer ways to treat patients.  As a result, tooth pulling was still common, and dentures were the go to solution for people that needed to replace missing teeth. In fact, most people simply expected that they would end up wearing dentures and didn’t think about alternative options.  Thankfully, the 80s brought changes in dental technology that improved everything. 

Resin cement was invented in the 1980s and made it possible for dentists to restore teeth using ceramics.  While ceramic solutions had been available for close to a hundred years, they simply weren’t as durable as silver amalgam and therefore not nearly as popular.  As much as most people want a beautiful smile, the ability to eat comfortably is still a higher priority and always has been.  Modern technology makes it possible to have both. 

When resin cement started being used by the cosmetic dentist, it opened up a world of possibilities.  This material is used to bond a ceramic crown or dental veneer to a natural tooth.  By bonding the two together, the restoration becomes incredibly strong and durable.  This is important when talking about a tooth that is used all day, every day.  The difference was so extreme that many people stopped using silver amalgam on a frequent basis and replaced the material with ceramic crowns instead. 

As all-ceramic crowns and dental veneers became widely available, many Hollywood celebrities were among the first to take advantage of it.  Now, it is expected that a star have the perfect smile.  In fact, there is a term “Hollywood Smile” because it is universally known that celebrities in the United States have a beautiful and perfect smile.  This, however, didn’t used to be commonplace.  In fact, celebrities like Tom Cruise used to have terrible looking teeth.  They were so bad that if you look at a picture from his early acting days, you wouldn’t even recognize his smile. As resin cement made it possible to permanently secure ceramic crowns and veneers to teeth, celebrities like Tom Cruise had a smile makeover.  

While more celebrities had their teeth fixed, the cosmetic dentist also started talking to patients about the options that were available.  This has led to people throughout the country having their crooked, broken, stained or damaged teeth corrected using dental crowns and veneers. These solutions have become so popular that people in other countries have come to know Americans as people with nice teeth.  Not only have these options make it possible to restore damaged and unattractive teeth but resin cement led to the invention of the dental bridge and opened the door to the possibility of having missing teeth replaced without dentures. 

It is typically impossible to have perfect looking teeth without the help of a dentist, so if you don’t love your smile, don’t feel bad.  You can have the smile that you have always wanted with help from our office.  All you need to do is schedule an appointment so that we can examine your teeth and present treatment options for correcting them. 

Common Oral Health Problems and How an Emergency Dentist Can Help

As a local emergency dentist, we treat patients with all types of oral health problems.  Many people think that as long as they keep their teeth healthy, they will never have an emergency.  This, unfortunately, isn’t the case because teeth are subject to all types of damage just like the rest of your body is.  The majority of adult tooth damage happens while playing sports so even if you are trying to be healthy, you could still injure your teeth.

There are several reasons why people need to see a dentist quickly.  If any of these happen to you, we recommend keeping your mouth clean by rinsing with warm water and avoiding eating or drinking anything other than water. We also advice staying away from blood thinners or aspirin since it can make it harder for your blood to clot. If you are in pain, apply a cold compress or ice to help stop the pain and reduce the swelling. Next, call our office so that you can be treated right away.

Here are common reasons people need to see an emergency dentist:

• Broken tooth.  If your tooth gets cracked or chipped while playing sports, at work, riding a bike, playing with the kids, etc., you will need to get it restored quickly.  A damaged tooth can become infected and painful.  By having it restored right away, you can prevent these complications. 
• Lost tooth.  If your tooth gets knocked out, we can either help to save it or provide options for replacing it.  If you can find the tooth rinse it off and put it into a glass of milk then come see us. When possible, we will save your natural tooth but time is of the essence.
• Swelling in your face.  If you notice that your face or jaw starts to swell up, it could be due to an infection called a dental abscess.  An abscess is a severe infection and needs to be drained immediately before the infection can be reduced.  If you allow it to spread, the infection will only grow and become more painful, so you need care immediately. 
• Massive bleeding.  If you mouth starts to bleed and won’t stop, you need to come see us right away so that we can identify the source of the bleeding and provide the treatment necessary to stop it. 
• Swollen gums.  If your gums are hurting, swelling, and bleeding you may have gum disease.  This can be treated by removing the bacteria from underneath your gums.  If you schedule an appointment right away, the damage can be reversed before pockets are created in the gum tissue.  If you ignore the condition, you will likely need a gum graft later on. 

As an emergency dentist, we provide dental care when you need it so don’t worry about calling after hours or on the weekend.  If we don’t pick up, leave a message, and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.  Our goal is to treat you right away so that you can start to feel well again. 

Visit our Family Dentist Office to Have Your Sensitive Teeth Treated

If your teeth are in pain, schedule an appointment with our dentist office.  We will examine your teeth and determine what is causing the pain in the first place.  Many people suffer from tooth sensitivity.  This can be due to a cavity, gum disease, and a lack of enamel.  In order to treat it properly, we need to know why your teeth are sensitive.  We recommend having a dental exam and teeth cleaning twice a year which can prevent a lot of these issues, but regardless of when you had your last appointment, call us if you are in pain.

One of the things we will look for is whether or not the enamel on your teeth has worn away.  As people age, it is common for teeth to go through a process called demineralization.  This is when the enamel starts to wear off, and the dentin underneath is exposed.  The challenge with dentin being exposed is that it is full of tiny holes that lead directly to the roots of the tooth.  This means that when you eat or drink anything, sensations are sent through the dentin and to the roots.  This is what can lead to a sudden painful sensation.  You can help to reduce the pain at home by brushing with desensitizing toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.

If your enamel is strong, then the pain is likely caused by either a cavity or gum disease. A cavity can be diagnosed and treated easily.  Once the cavity is removed, and a filling is placed, your tooth should stop hurting.  If the infection is in the center of your tooth, a root canal will likely be necessary in order to remove the infection.  Afterwards, we typically place a crown around the tooth in order to protect it.  This will prevent anything from touching the tooth directly since a crown is essentially a cap that surrounds the tooth. As a family dentist, we have multiple ways to treat a cavity that are painless and can help you to feel better right away.

When there are no cavities and your enamel is strong, the pain in your mouth is likely due to gum disease. As bacteria gathers around your gums, it can get between the gum tissue and your tooth.  This can make your gums swell, bleed, and be in pain.  This creates an overall sensitivity in your mouth and as the disease grows, it can be painful. Our goal is to catch gum disease quickly before it can spread and create issues with your teeth.  In its early stages, we can treat gingivitis by performing a deep cleaning and removing the bacteria from under the gum tissue.  This will give your gums the natural ability to heal themselves and the symptoms will go away.

If gum disease is allowed to spread, it will make your gums recede.  This can be painful, and as the roots and tooth structure are exposed, your teeth can start to hurt.  In this scenario, a gum graft is typically necessary for protecting the teeth and restoring gum health.

To find out what is causing your sensitive teeth, call and schedule an appointment with our family dentist office today. 

As Football Games Take Place Across the Country, Dental Implants Can Restore Knock Out Teeth

Fall is here and with it comes fall sports and the need for dental implants.  According to the American Dental Association, sports injuries account for 13 to 39 percent of dental injuries leading to tooth loss. Parents should consider this when putting their kids in sports and look for ways to keep their teeth safe.  When teeth do fall out, many athletes are turning to implants as a permanent solution but this is normally a solution for adults, not children.

In order to keep kids safe, we recommend starting with ongoing preventative care.  By brushing and flossing their teeth twice a day and having their teeth professionally cleaned twice a year, their teeth will be stronger and less susceptible to becoming injured during an accident.  Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and getting a fluoride treatment at the dentist can also help.  In addition, to ongoing preventative care, we recommend that athletes of all ages wear a customized mouth guard in order to protect their teeth.

Football injuries may be significant but fewer football players lose teeth as a result of the sport because they wear mouth guards and a protective helmet. It is actually more common for basketball players to need dental implants than football players.  The University of California reviewed accident records from their athletic department in order to find out which sports had the highest likelihood of producing an oral injury.  It turns out that 11 out of every 100 basketball players reported a dental injury.  This could mean tooth loss, a cracked tooth, etc.  Since basketball players are not required to wear a mouth guard and do not have any protective face gear, these statistics make sense.  As a parent, if your child plays basketball you should consider the mouth guard as their only real means of protection.

Why Dental Implants Are So Popular

During the procedure, we implant a metal post under the gums and secure it to the jawbone.  Over time, the post and bone will fuse together and create a new root system.  It can take several months for this process to complete but it makes the implants incredibly secure and durable.  The new synthetic tooth is secured to the metal post, and once the procedure is complete, it won’t become loose while playing sports or eating.  The process makes implants as sturdy as a natural tooth would be.  This is significant since for athletes and adults with active lifestyles, slowing down is not an option.  It is important to be able to function like normal without thinking about a missing tooth, and this is the best option for doing so.

Once installed, people can take care of dental implants just like they would a natural tooth.  Brushing and flossing throughout the day along with regular teeth cleanings are all that is needed to keep teeth in good shape.  The healthier the mouth is, the stronger teeth will be overall so remember to schedule your teeth cleaning today.

An Orthodontist Can Do More Than Give You Braces

If you need to see an orthodontist, you are in good company.  Millions of children and adults need to straighten their teeth and work with a professional in order to do so.  Having straight teeth is important for more than your appearance.  While it can give you a gorgeous smile, straight teeth are also less likely to become infected and are easier to keep clean and white.  

Some people need to have their teeth moved because they are experiencing jaw and face pain.  When the bite is misaligned, it can produce symptoms that are similar to TMJ and can be painful.  The only way to deal with this issue is to have your bite corrected and moved into place so that the front teeth sit securely over the top of the back teeth and that your molars are where they should be when relaxing and eating.  

Orthodontics can help by moving teeth into place and aligning a person’s bite. Most people think of an orthodontist as someone who works with braces only. Braces are an excellent way to straighten and move teeth, so this is a common procedure.  There are, however, other oral health issues that are typically not addressed with braces, but still require treatment by a professional orthodontist.  

These procedures include:

• Spacers.  Fixed spacers can be used to hold a place for an adult tooth to come in.  This is frequently used when a child loses a baby tooth prematurely and, as a result, the pallet starts to move and overcrowding takes place.  Permanent teeth can start to come in behind other teeth as a result of this problem, making a spacer an important solution for keeping room in the mouth for adult teeth to come in properly. 
• Invisalign ®.  Those that want straight teeth without wearing braces can use Invisalign® or another type of aligner to move their teeth into place.  This is basically a series of clear retainers that surround the mouth and move the teeth slowly into place with new aligners being worn every couple of weeks. 
• Jaw repositioning appliances.  This is a removable device that is worn on the upper or lower jaw and ensures that the jaw stays in position.  It is used to train the jaw to close a certain way. 
• Expanders.  Those that need to expand their pallet may need to wear one of these devices.  It is used by itself and in conjunction with braces in order to open the pallet enough for the teeth to fit in place without overcrowding. 
• Retainers.  A removable retainer is often required after braces are taken off in order to keep teeth from moving back into their old position.  They can also be used to help move teeth overtime. Some children wear a modified retainer to help stop thumb sucking. 

These are only a few of the ways that an orthodontist can help to straighten teeth, address oral health problems, and prevent jaw and face pain.  To learn more, schedule a consultation. 

Teeth Whitening Can Make You More Attractive

Did you know that teeth whitening can do more for your appearance than simply brightening your smile?  People have often wondered what makes a person attractive, and a recent study by Match.com may have the answer.  They polled 5,000 single people and found that a beautiful smile was the one thing that both men and women found to be the most attractive quality when looking for someone to meet.  They could have selected a variety of both physical and personality traits, but this one feature made the top of the list.  If you want to improve your appearance, this is by far the easiest way to do so because it doesn’t require hours in the gym or a makeover by a stylist.

A beautiful smile starts with a healthy one.  In order to keep your smile glowing, it has to remain in good condition.  That includes teeth free from cavities and gums that are healthy and not receding.  In order to have a healthy smile, brush and floss your teeth at home on a daily basis.  You can do this several times a day to reduce the risk of your teeth becoming stained or an infection developing.  If you smoke or use smokeless tobacco products try to eliminate the habit as this also puts your teeth and gums at risk of becoming infected.  Additionally, you should have your teeth cleaned at least twice a year to ensure that any lingering bacteria are removed before it can create an infection.

When your teeth are healthy, improving your smile is easy.  Tooth whitening is a quick and pain-free solution for brightening your smile.  There are several ways to do so and professional teeth whitening is by far the most effective.  It can whiten your teeth by up to eight shades, producing dramatic and noticeable results.

Over-the-counter whitening solutions work but only slightly.  For example, you can purchase whitening strips or trays at the drug store but they typically only whiten teeth by around two shades.  This will help to brighten your teeth but won’t restore them to a gorgeous youthful glow.  Over time teeth tend to become dull and get stained.  The older you are, the more likely your teeth are to lose their luster.  These in-store solutions will help to start the process but are nowhere near as effective as what the dentist provides.  An additional challenge with over-the-counter solutions is that they are made in a one size fits all design.  Since they are not customized for your teeth, there is the risk of them slipping out of place which can be uncomfortable.  It would be similar to purchasing an XL T-shirt at the store when you wear a medium.  The shirt would do its job but not as effectively as one that actually fit.

We create customized teeth whitening trays that are made after a mold is taken of your mouth.  This allows us to design a solution that fits snuggly and securely around your teeth.  When the whitening gel is added, it won’t slip out, so the process is very comfortable.  After wearing the trays at night for a week or so, you will see dramatic results that will improve your smile and overall appearance.  Additionally, we provide in-office whitening procedures for people that want faster results.

Dental Implants Provide People with a New Level of Freedom

MG Dental provides http://www.mgdental.com for patients that want to replace a missing tooth in a way that looks and feels completely natural.  It is common for a person to lose a tooth at some point in their lifetime.  In fact, seventy percent of U.S. adults suffer from some form of tooth loss.  This is a common problem, and modern dentistry provides multiple solutions for addressing it.

One common way to replace a tooth is to create a dental bridge.  In this procedure, a crown is placed on the two teeth surrounding the missing one in order to form a “bridge” that holds the new tooth in place.  A cosmetic dentist can do this and make the tooth look natural.  However, many people that wear bridges end up with an uncomfortable tooth that looks out of place. Patients that have gotten a bridge, years ago, may now benefit by replacing it with an implant.

Dental implants are also superior to dentures.  While a common solution, dentures don’t feel like natural teeth.  They look better than ever and are more comfortable than they used to be, however, they are still a foreign object in the mouth.  That means that people often have difficulty eating and speaking like normal because they have to get used to wearing something new.  A full set can also reduce the number of flavors that person can taste.  Dentures will always have their place in dentistry and are a good solution for certain patients.  They are not, however, a permanent solution that behaves like a natural tooth.

Patients of MG Dental can benefit from the latest in dental technology.  Dental implants have become more common recently and are ideal for people that have an active lifestyle and want to keep it that way.  The best thing about implants is that once the procedure is complete, patients no longer have to think about their teeth.  Since it feels completely natural and is as durable as a natural tooth, there is no need to eat carefully or add more steps to the daily hygiene routine.  Brushing and flossing like normal, along with trips to the dentist, is all it takes to keep teeth fresh, beautiful and healthy.

The first step in the procedure is to have a metal post implanted under the gums and secured to the jawbone.  This must be done by an expert in order to reduce any recovery time and prevent complications.  In time, the metal and the jawbone will fuse together to create a completely durable synthetic root system.  The new root is the key to the entire procedure and the component that separates this from other types of cosmetic dental work.  It can take several months for the gums to heal entirely, but the process is worth the wait due to the stability it creates.

The new tooth will be created in a dental lab and will match the surrounding teeth perfectly.  After the gums have healed the new tooth will be secured to the post at the surface of the gums and positioned in place.  The result is a smile that looks, feels, and behaves completely naturally – perfect for patients with active and busy lifestyles.

How to Take Care of Your Braces

Once your braces are firmly on your teeth the work of straightening your smile can start.  Your Orthodontist will examine and inspect your braces on a regular basis.  At each visit, they will be adjusted by changing or tightening your wires, changing your rubber bands, and anything else that the orthodontist recommends.

In between visits, it is important to care for your teeth at home.  Eating the wrong thing or failing to brush and floss properly can lead to complications and make the process last longer.  The typical time a patient has them on is around two years.  A delay or complication can extend the process out much farther.

Here are tips for how you can care for your braces and teeth at home.

·         Brush after meals.  Do not wait for the evening to brush your teeth.  Carry a soft toothbrush with you and use it after every meal and some snacks.  This will help to remove food that has gotten stuck around your braces and will help to prevent staining and cavities.

·         Use a wire brush.  A special wire brush can be used to clean the plaque off from around your braces.  Its small pointed tip can get into small spaces.

·         Floss daily.  There are flossing tools that are made for patients with braces.  Use this at least once a day.  Food and bacteria will become trapped on and in between your teeth if you are not careful with your oral care habits.

·         Use mouthwash.  Instead of chewing gum, use an antiseptic mouthwash.  This will kill bacteria that is forming in your mouth, on your teeth, and gums.  It is also safer since gum tends to be sticky and can even cause your rubber bands or wires to become loose.

·         Drink water.  Substitute soda, juice, coffee, and other sugar filled liquids with water.  Your overall health may improve, and you will prevent sugar and bacteria from sitting on your teeth throughout the day. 

·         Visit the dentist.  Continue with your preventative care treatments.

·         Avoid candy.  Biting down on hard candy can cause your braces to become damaged.  Any damage to your braces will elongate the amount of time you have to wear them. Additionally, caramels and other soft chewy candies can become stuck in your braces which creates a risk of getting cavities.

·         Stay away from hard foods.  Things like nuts, ice, carrots, and hard pizza crust can all damage your braces or the hard pieces can be stuck in between your brackets and cause pain.  If you want to eat these foods look for a softer version.  For example, steamed carrots, soft crust, and pecans instead of almonds.

Follow your orthodontists’ instructions on anything additional you need to do for your specific situation.  Make sure to attend all of your scheduled appointments so that your braces stay in the best shape possible, and your smile is straightened on time and on schedule.  By caring for teeth and braces, you will have a gorgeous smile in no time.