The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

The purpose of cosmetic dentistry is to help give people smiles that they love. There are many procedures for all sorts of problems. Each one has its own benefits, so if you are considering any procedures, talk with a cosmetic dentist about what treatments might transform your smile into one you’ve always wanted.

Let’s learn what some common benefits that patients may experience with the aid of cosmetic dentistry.

Improved smile
Just about all treatments offered by a cosmetic dentist have one main goal, which is to enhance your smile. This might be achieved by things like hiding stains, reshaping your smile, or altering your bite. Common procedures include teeth whitening, crowns, implants, orthodontics, bonding, and veneers.

Better function
Changing the alignment of your teeth or jaw will improve the functionality of your entire mouth. If your bite isn’t right or you are missing teeth or if your teeth are crowded, cosmetic dentistry can help make your mouth work better.

More self-confidence
A boost in self-confidence can help you in many ways. From socially to professionally, having a nice smile allows you to speak and laugh with pride. You might not even realize how much being embarrassed about your mouth can affect your interactions with others.

Stronger teeth
Some types of cosmetic procedures not only make you look better, they can strengthen your teeth. For example, changing a cracked or broken tooth through bonding techniques allows the tooth to bite and chew more successfully. Correcting damage that was caused by tooth decay can also make your teeth stronger.

Fast results
Although there are a few exceptions, many cosmetic dentistry procedures transform your smile in a short time. Professional teeth whitening delivers instant results, as does getting dental veneers. Quick improvements is one of the best advantages of cosmetic dentistry treatments.

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Women Can Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease with Proper Dental Care

People mistakenly think of heart disease as a man’s disease, but it does affect many women. In fact, heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. New research from the University of California, Berkeley has given woman another reason to keep regular dental visits on their calendars.

A study released in October indicates that women who get regular dental care can reduce their risks for strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular problems by one-third. Using data from people ages 44-88 enrolled in the Health and Retirement Study, researchers looked at information regarding nearly 7,000 people from ages 44 to 88. The results did not suggest the same benefits for men.

Data in this study was collected every two years from 1996 to 2004. Over this time, the individuals involved were asked about dental visits as well as whether they had dealt with heart attack, angina, stroke, or congestive heart failure during the prior two years. Any deaths from these cardiovascular problems were also recorded. With this study, researchers were able to show the benefit of routine dental care to a woman’s heart health. As well, the study authors indicated that dental care has the biggest impact if it begins early in the development of cardiovascular disease.

To promote optimal oral health, you should:

  • Brush twice a day
  • Floss regularly
  • Maintain a healthy diet
  • Keep dentures clean
  • Schedule checkups every six months

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Dental Fillings Improve Your Smile

When you have a cavity, your dentist will remove the decay and repair the remaining tooth structure. Typically, a dental filling is the choice for restoring your smile. Your dentist has two options: an amalgam or composite filling. Learn more about filling basics so that you can make an informed decision about your oral health.

Amalgam Fillings
Metal fillings have been used for years to fix a tooth with that has a cavity. Less expensive than the composite fillings, amalgams offer durability, especially for back teeth. Mercury is a component of amalgam fillings, however, and questions have arisen about whether these fillings can contribute to mercury overexposure. Amalgam fillings also tend to look dark or gray with time, which can detract from your smile’s appearance. Wear and tear can cause amalgams to crack or leak, producing new decay in and around the damaged filling.

Composite Fillings
Initially, composite fillings were used for individuals who worried about the impact of metal fillings on their white smiles. Because the mercury in amalgam fillings has come under fire for contributing to potential health issues, many dentists have begun using only composite fillings. In fact, all-white fillings are becoming the standard in dental care.

Created to match your natural tooth coloring, composite fillings provide additional benefits as well. These restorations allow your dentist to perform a more conservative repair and leave more healthy tooth structure in place. Because all-white fillings bond to the tooth, they won’t change shape or leak over time. Many people have started replacing amalgam fillings with composite alternatives.

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Common Myths about Tooth Decay

From the time we are young, our parents teach us to brush and floss our teeth so that we won’t get cavities. Most people believe certain “facts” about cavities and how they actually develop. Unfortunately, not everything we learn is true.

Take a few minutes to discover what’s true and what’s not about keeping your teeth healthy and strong:

Fact or Fiction: Sugar causes most cavities.
Reality: Actually, this statement is both fact and fiction. The acid produced by bacteria in your mouth is what causes cavities. Eating foods high in carbohydrates increases the bacteria in your mouth, resulting in greater acid production, which leads to a greater chance of tooth decay.

Fact or Fiction: Kids get more cavities than adults.
Reality: In the last 20 years, thanks to fluoride and better preventive care, tooth decay in school-aged children has decreased. On the other hand, senior citizens have seen a rise in the incidents of cavities, possibly because of changes in their mouths that come with aging, including dry mouth and issues with gum health.

Fact or Fiction: You must replace old fillings.
Reality: Most restorations do have a life expectancy, but it depends on a variety of factors such as tooth wear, hygiene habits, and location. Plan to replace an old filling if the restoration breaks down, a cavity develops around the filling, or the tooth fractures.

Fact or Fiction: If I get a cavity, I will know it.
Reality: Because tooth decay starts out small, most people don’t realize they have a problem until the cavity gets bigger and causes damage to the nerve. Routine visits to the dentist enable your doctor to check your mouth and catch small cavities before they create larger oral health issues.

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Making the Most of Your Dentures

If you are one of the 45 million Americans who currently wears full or partial dentures, you probably see your prosthetic device as both a blessing and a curse. Dentures serve as replacements for missing teeth, restoring the functionality and appearance of your smile. Your oral health will also improve with the dentures.

Getting used to your new “teeth” can feel frustrating and take some time. During your adjustment, keep these tips in mind:

  • Plan on two to four weeks to get used to speaking with the dentures. Try reading aloud as practice.
  • At first, you may bite your tongue or cheek until you adapt to the prosthetic.
  • Don’t be surprised by increased saliva production or changes in speech.
  • Chewing with the dentures can be challenging. Start with a diet of liquids or soft foods that you can easily chew.
  • During meals, cut food into small pieces and take your time.
  • To keep your denture balanced while you eat, put even amounts of food on each side of your mouth.
  • Avoid sticky foods.
  • Make sure to wear your denture every day.
  • While your mouth adjusts to the dental appliance and the gums firm up, sore spots may develop.
  • If you think your denture needs adjusting, contact your dentist. Don’t make adjustments yourself.
  • Treat your dentures as you would your natural teeth. Check with your dentist’s office for proper home care instructions and follow them diligently.

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Tooth Decay Can Cause Future Problems for Kids

Most people don’t worry if their children get a cavity or two. Unfortunately, tooth decay can have an impact on can impact, development, nutrition, and behavior. Identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a silent epidemic, tooth decay occurs five times more often in children than asthma. By kindergarten, 40 percent of kids will have developed cavities.

During difficult financial times, such as the ones our country has recently faced, families have to prioritize their spending and dental care is often seen as optional. For infants and children, dental checkups are an important component of overall health. Because tooth nerves are close to the blood supply, tooth infections can quickly and easily spread, which can lead to serious complications.

Other issues can also arise. When children have pain from cavities, they may eat less, increasing the risk for malnutrition. If kids are malnourished, they can have difficulty learning. Sometimes, parents mistakenly believe baby teeth don’t matter, but that’s not the case. If early teeth are lost too soon, permanent teeth can come in at the wrong time and in the wrong location, creating future orthodontic problems.

These tips will help you keep your child’s smile healthy and strong:

  • Schedule a first exam between ages one and three. Make regular checkup appointments twice a year after that.
  • Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first one erupts.
  • Limit sticky, starchy, and sweet foods.
  • Select healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, and cheese.
  • Talk with your dentist about applying a fluoride varnish to protect teeth.

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Basic Facts about Root Canal Treatment

The term “root canal” can strike terror into the hearts of some people, but treatment can help relieve painful symptoms, and is little different from getting a filling. Root canal therapy is very straightforward, and can help save a badly infected tooth from being extracted.

Why is Root Canal Treatment Needed?
Root canal therapy is necessary if the pulp of the tooth becomes infected. This is the central part of the tooth, and it is connected to the root canals that extend into the tooth roots. The pulp contains the nerves and blood supply of the tooth which is why the infection can be so painful. Infection can occur if the tooth is decayed, or if it is cracked or has suffered some sort of trauma that has compromised the outer part of the tooth, enabling bacteria to get into the pulp.

Are There Any Common Signs of Tooth Infection?
If the nerves in the pulp have died, there may be few if any symptoms. Otherwise the most common sign of infection is toothache, or feeling pain when you bite down on the affected tooth. It may become more sensitive to hot or cold, and sometimes a small pimple will appear on the gum near the tooth.

What is the Procedure for a Root Canal?
Your dentist in Reno will numb the area before accessing the pulp through the crown of the tooth. Special files are used to clean out all the infected tissue in the pulp and root canals. The area is then thoroughly disinfected before being sealed to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth. Your dentist might take x-rays to make sure all the root canals have been treated, and if the infection was severe they can place antibiotics into the root canals before temporarily filling the tooth. Most teeth will need permanently restoring with a full crown.

Is It Possible To Avoid Root Canal Treatment?
If your dentist in Reno recommends this treatment then it will be your best option for saving the tooth. Otherwise your only choice may be extraction. It is always far better to try to prolong the life of your natural teeth for as long as you can.

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New Test on Horizon for Oral Cancer Detection

A team at University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is working on developing a new test for oral cancer that would provide an accurate diagnosis in about 20 minutes. Dentist would use a small brush to collect cells from a patient’s mouth, place the cells on a chip, and feeding the chip into an analyzer for quick, precise results. Currently, dentists biopsy areas of concern and send the cells to off-site labs for analysis, which takes more time. Clinical trials for the new technology are beginning soon.

With early detection, oral cancer has a 90 percent survival rate, but often the disease is not discovered until late, so survival is much less. In fact, oral cancer kills more people than cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, testicular cancer, and skin cancer. This new technology could help save lives by making detection easier.

Historically, oral cancer occurs more often in more men than women, people over 40, and those with certain lifestyle factors such as tobacco use. People with no risks factors at all, however, do develop oral cancer. Because oral cancer often presents with no major symptoms in the early stages, regular dental visits are an important part of prevention. Your dentist can examine your mouth and look for any unusual areas that may need further testing. If you develop any sores that don’t heal in two weeks, have problems swallowing, or notice any difficulties with your tongue, consult your dentist right away.

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Consider Dental Implants for Lost Teeth

A single missing tooth can make a big difference in your life. Failure in replacing a lost tooth causes loss of bone and the migration of the remaining teeth into the space created by the lost tooth. You may develop an improper bite that can lead to severe problems like TMJ pain. Some individuals develop difficulty in eating and speech.

Dental implants restore the dental health of patients so that they enjoy a fuller life. They are made out of titanium and simulate tooth roots. They are surgically inserted into the jaw and capped. The numerous advantages of dental implants are restoration of function, prevention of bone loss, and a great substitute of bridges or dentures.

Implants – Can I have them?
Your dentist will check your oral cavity thoroughly and then decide if you are fit for dental implants or not. Quality and quantity of jaw bone must be adequate.

How is an implant placed?
Firstly, a titanium screw will be surgically inserted into the bone of the missing tooth. A period of two to three months is allowed for the complete healing and the fusion of implant to the bone. Only after that a crown is placed.

Will my new teeth look natural?
Of course. Dental implants are similar to natural teeth in almost all aspects. The perfect fit of the implant ensures absolute comfort to the patient.

What are the directions for care of implants?
Take care of implants just like your natural teeth. Brush at least twice daily, floss at least once daily, and go for routine dental checkups without fail. This way your gorgeous smile will stay gorgeous always!

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FAQ about Dental Veneers

Porcelain veneers can work wonders with your smile and you can flaunt it wherever you go! A thin covering of porcelain is fixed to the front part of your teeth. This way veneers conceal the imperfections like gaps, stains or pits and enhance the other attributes like color. Check out the answers to some frequently asked queries regarding veneers.

How do veneers work?
Porcelain veneers are known for their durability and natural looks. Before the fabrication of veneers every detail like the shape of your face, nature of your skin, eyes, height, and even your character are taken into consideration. They are attached steadily to your teeth so that you can smile with poise.

How long does it take to get one?
It takes about four to six weeks for the installation of dental veneers. In the first sitting, your teeth are reduced to accommodate the veneer and the surfaces are roughened. Impressions are recorded to pour out casts of your mouth on which the veneers are custom-made for you. In the next sitting, you have to undergo cleaning and polishing of your teeth to ensure correct bonding of veneers to your teeth. A special high-intensity light is utilized to harden the cement.

How will my teeth appear while I wait for my veneers?
Once the teeth preparation is over, they are covered by special temporary or interim veneers. They protect your teeth and restore the esthetic aspect of your teeth until the original veneers are fixed.

How many years can veneers last for?
Porcelain veneers have a life of about ten to twenty years. The long-lasting effect is due to the physical attributes of porcelain like strength, durability, anti-stain property and wear-resistance.

What are the benefits of veneers?
Porcelain veneers are strongly cemented to your teeth so they act just like any other of your teeth. They mimic the tooth enamel to such an extent that it is difficult to distinguish between the natural and porcelain surface. Veneers act as a protective casing over your teeth so that no more harm is done to the already chipped off or abraded teeth. In a way, they make your smile all the more attractive.

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