If you’re feeling somewhat self-conscious about your teeth, or just want to improve your smile, cosmetic dental treatments may be the answer to a more beautiful, confident smile.

Cosmetic dentistry has become very popular in the last several years, not only due the many advances in cosmetic dental procedures and materials available today, but also because patients are becoming more and more focused on improving their overall health.  This includes dental prevention and having a healthier, whiter, more radiant smile.

There are many cosmetic dental procedures available to improve your teeth and enhance your smile.  Depending on your particular needs, cosmetic dental treatments can change your smile dramatically, from restoring a single tooth to having a full mouth make-over.  Ask your dentist how you can improve the health and beauty of your smile with cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic Procedures:

Teeth Whitening: Bleaching lightens teeth that have been stained or discolored by age, food, drink, and smoking.  Teeth darkened as a result of injury or taking certain medications can also be bleached, but the effectiveness depends on the degree of staining present.

Composite (tooth-colored) Fillings: Also known as “bonding”, composite fillings are now widely used instead of amalgam (silver) fillings to repair teeth with cavities, and also to replace old defective fillings.  Tooth-colored fillings are also used to repair chipped, broken, or discolored teeth.  This type of filling is also very useful to fill in gaps and to protect sensitive, exposed root surfaces caused by gum recession.

Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are thin custom-made, tooth-colored shells that are bonded onto the fronts of teeth to create a beautiful individual smile.  They can help restore or camouflage damaged, discolored, poorly shaped, or misaligned teeth.  Unlike crowns, veneers require minimal tooth structure to be removed from the surface of the tooth.

Porcelain Crowns (caps): A crown is a tooth-colored, custom-made covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size.  Crowns protect and strengthen teeth that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.  They are ideal for teeth that have large, fractured or broken fillings and also for those that are badly decayed.

Dental Implants: Dental implants are artificial roots that are surgically placed into the jaw to replace one or more missing teeth.  Porcelain crowns, bridges, and dentures can be made specifically to fit and attach to implants, giving a patient a strong, stable, and durable solution to removable dental appliances.

Orthodontics: Less visible and more effective brackets and wires are making straightening teeth with orthodontics much more appealing to adult patients.  Also, in some cases, teeth may be straightened with custom-made, clear, removable aligners that require no braces.

Thanks to the advances in modern dentistry, cosmetic treatments can make a difference in making your smile shine!

Cerec has revolutionized the way our practice can deliver treatment.  This high-tech equipment allows us to restore damaged teeth in a single visit.  The result is a beautiful, metal-free, natural-colored restoration that is much stronger than before.

The restoration can be created in a single session, usually in less than 2 hours.  The ceramic material is compatible with the tissues in your mouth and is anti-abrasive and plaque-resistant.  It allows us to be extremely precise and save more of your healthy tooth.

First, the tooth is prepared by applying a thin layer of reflective powder on the tooth's surface, we then take a special picture, a sharp, optical impression of the tooth. Once the tooth is prepared another image is taken. The restoration is then designed on a computer. A high-speed diamond bur and a disk work simultaneously to mill the restoration out of a solid block of tooth-colored ceramic material.  Finally, the restoration is bonded to the tooth using state-of-the-art dental adhesive.

Porcelain veneers are very thin shells of tooth-shaped porcelain that are individually crafted to cover the fronts of teeth.  They are very durable and will not stain, making them a very popular solution for those seeking to restore or enhance the beauty of their smile.

Veneers may be used to restore or correct the following dental conditions:

• Severely discolored or stained teeth
• Unwanted or uneven spaces
• Worn or chipped teeth
• Slight tooth crowding
• Misshapen teeth
• Teeth that are too small or large

Getting veneers usually requires two visits.  Veneers are created from an impression (mold) of your teeth that is then sent to a professional dental laboratory where each veneer is custom-made (for shape and color) for your individual smile.

With little or no anesthesia, teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the front surface of the teeth to allow for the small thickness of veneers.  The veneers are carefully fitted and bonded onto the tooth surface with special bonding cements and occasionally a specialized light may be used to harden and set the bond.

Veneers are an excellent dental treatment that can dramatically improve your teeth and give you a natural, beautiful smile.

The computer and dental worlds are working hard to develop smaller components. Today several different types of implants are available. The choice depends on the amount of bone available, the patient's general health and restoration preference.  Mini dental implants are ultra-small diameter, bio-compatible titanium implant screws developed over 25 years ago.  Mini implants were developed to provide greater denture stability for those patients who do not have enough bone to allow for full-sized implants to be placed, for patients who cannot tolerate conventional implant surgery, or patients who are in on-going therapy from one prosthetic system to another.

The most effective uses of mini implants is the stabilization of mandibular (lower) dentures.  Many suffer from the discomfort of a loose or ill-fitting denture.  Also, many poor-fitting dentures trap food and produce disagreeable breath. Placement of mini implants addresses and solves these social and practical problems and concerns.

A mini implant consists of a narrow titanium implant that acts like the root of your tooth. The head of the implant protrudes through your gum and is shaped like a ball, a retaining fixture that is incorporated into the base of the denture acts like a socket and contains a rubber O-ring. The O-ring snaps over the ball when the denture is seated and holds the denture.  When seated, the denture gently rests on the gum tissue. 

Mini implants are placed quickly and easily in a process performed in the dental office with a local anesthesia and requires no sutures. It is a one-step procedure and is less expensive that conventional dental implants.

ARESTIN^® microspheres is a new treatment for chronic periodontitis, an infection of the gums, that can lead to tooth loss and can be linked to other serious diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and diabetes.  ARESTIN^® uses new microsphere technology to easily and effectively kill the germs that cause periodontal disease.  ARESTIN^® is administered locally, directly into the infected pocket/s around your teeth.

TO GET THE BEST RESULTS FROM YOUR TREATMENT WITH ARESTIN^®

• avoid touching treated areas
• wait 12 hours after  your treatment before brushing teeth
• wait 10 days before using floss, toothpicks, or other devices designed to clean between teeth
• for 1 week avoid foods that could hurt your gums
• return in 1 month for your follow-up examination

Gum disease can recur and needs to be checked regularly. Be sure to return for your follow-up appointments.

One of the most important things we do for our patients is to identify and repair cavities.  Even the smallest spot of decay can threaten the integrity of the entire tooth.  Historically that is why lengthy poking has been part of the exam.

However, this method of decay detection is only 50-75% successful.  These mechanical exploratory methods are limited to finding only those cavities that are equal to or larger than the probe head.  For these reasons  we use the DIAGNOdent, a new means of detecting cavities.

DIAGNOdent technology uses a simple laser to inspect your teeth, comparing reflection wavelength to uncover decay.  As the laser pulses into grooves, fissures and cracks, it reflects fluorescent light of a specific wavelength.  This light is measured by receptors, converted to an acoustic signal, evaluated electronically and displayed on a screen.

Using DIAGNOdent technology allows us to catch areas of decay sooner and with more precision.  Catching decay early means required fillings are smaller, preserving more of the tooth.  This often allows us to use minimally invasive filling procedures, such as drill-free air abrasion.

You should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year, though your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend more frequent visits.

Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.  At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities.  Additionally, there are many other things that are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain your dental health.  These include:

• Medical history review: Knowing the status of any current medical conditions, new medications, and illnesses, gives us insight to your over all health and also your dental health.
• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss.X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
• Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any sings of oral cancer.
• Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
• Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
• Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
• Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface.  Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
• Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth.  It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva.  The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums.  This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
• Teeth polishing: Removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during toothbrushing and scaling.
• Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
• Review dietary habits: Your eating habits play a very important role in your dental health.

As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth.  We are committed to providing you with the best possible care, and to do so will require regular check-ups and cleanings.

Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums.  The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay.  Also, if plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar).  If plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease.

Plaque formation and growth is continuous and can only be controlled by regular brushing, flossing, and the use of other dental aids.

Toothbrushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

• Brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums, gently using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
• Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
• Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside front teeth.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended.  They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently.  Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline.  Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

• Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
• Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
• Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline.  Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Rinsing – It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush.  If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.

Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it!  Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.  Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms.  Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist.

Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums.  The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone.  Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage.

Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco users are more likely than nonusers to form plaque and tartar on their teeth.

• Certain tooth or appliance conditions – Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings that may trap plaque and bacteria.

• Many medications – Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, oral contraceptives.  Some medications have side affects that reduce saliva, making the mouth dry and plaque easier to adhere to the teeth and gums.

• Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty – Can cause changes in hormone levels, causing gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.

• Systemic diseases – Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS, etc.

• Genetics may play role – Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontitis.  Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

• Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.

• Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.

• Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.

• New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.

• Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).

• Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.

• Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.

• Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition.  Many of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but everyone has it from time to time, especially in the morning.

There are various reasons one may have bad breath, but in healthy people, the major reason is due to microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back of the tongue.  Some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by as much as 70 percent.

What may cause bad breath?

• Morning time – Saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
• Certain foods – Garlic, onions, etc.  Foods containing odor-causing compounds enter the blood stream; they are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled.
• Poor oral hygiene habits – Food particles remaining in the mouth promote bacterial growth.
• Periodontal (gum) disease – Colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.
• Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances – May also contribute to bad breath.
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – May be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.
• Tobacco products – Dry the mouth, causing bad breath.
• Dieting – Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.
• Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals – Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.
• Certain medical conditions and illnesses – Diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.

Keeping a record of what you eat may help identify the cause of bad breath.  Also, review your current medications, recent surgeries, or illnesses with you dentist.

What can I do to prevent bad breath?

• Practice good oral hygiene – Brush at least twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush.  Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gumline.  Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas.  Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months.  If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.
• See your dentist regularly – Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year.  If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend more frequent visits.
• Stop smoking/chewing tobacco – Ask your dentist what they recommend to help break the habit.
• Drink water frequently – Water will help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.
• Use mouthwash/rinses – Some over-the-counter products only provide a temporary solution to mask unpleasant mouth odor.  Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate bad breath, but also kill the germs that cause the problem.

In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath.  If it is determined that your mouth is healthy, but bad breath is persistent, your dentist may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and an appropriate treatment plan.

Since teeth whitening has now become the number one aesthetic concern of many patients, there are many products and methods available to achieve a brighter smile.

Professional teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel, and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.  Over-the-counter products are also available, but they are much less effective than professional treatments and may not be approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).

As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel wears away, eventually revealing a darker or yellow shade.  The color of our teeth also comes from the inside of the tooth, which may become darker over time.  Smoking, drinking coffee, tea, and wine may also contribute to tooth discoloration, making our teeth yellow and dull.  Sometimes, teeth can become discolored from taking certain medications as a child, such as tetracycline.  Excessive fluoridation (fluorosis) during tooth development can also cause teeth to become discolored.

It’s important to have your teeth evaluated by your dentist to determine if you’re a good candidate for bleaching.  Occasionally, tetracycline and fluorosis stains are difficult to bleach and your dentist may offer other options, such as veneers or crowns to cover up such stains.  Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is also important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. before bleaching begins.  Once the bleaching is done, your dentist can match the new restorations to the shade of the newly whitened teeth.

Since teeth whitening is not permanent, a touch-up may be needed every several years to keep your smile looking bright.

The most widely used professional teeth whitening systems:

Home teeth whitening systems: At-home products usually come in a gel form that is placed in a custom-fitted mouthguard (tray), created from a mold of your teeth.  The trays are worn either twice a day for approximately 30 minutes, or overnight while you sleep.  It usually takes several weeks to achieve the desired results depending on the degree of staining and the desired level of whitening.

In office teeth whitening: This treatment is done in the dental office and you will see results immediately.  It may require more than one visit, with each visit lasting 30 to 60 minutes.  While your gums are protected, a bleaching solution is applied to the teeth.  A special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent while the teeth are whitened.

Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after having their teeth whitened.  This sensation is temporary and subsides shortly after you complete the bleaching process, usually within a few days to one weak.

In the United States, one person dies every hour from oral cancer and more than 30,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year.  Early detection of oral cancer raises the chances of survival to 80%.

You can perform an oral cancer self exam. 

Head and neck:  look at your face and  neck in a mirror.  Normally, the left and right sides of the face have the same shape and are symmetrical. Look for any lumps, bumps, or swellings that are only on one side.

Face:  examine the skin on your face for changes in color or size, sores, moles , or growths.

Neck: press along the sides and front of your neck for tenderness or lumps.

Lips:  pull your lower lip down and look for sores or color changes.  Then, use your thumb and forefinger to feel the lip for lumps, bumps, or changes in texture.  Repeat this on your upper lip.

Cheek:  examine your inner cheek for red, white, or dark patches.  Put your index finger on the inside of your cheek and your thumb on the outside.  Gently squeeze and roll both sides of your cheeks between your fingers to check for any lumps or areas of tenderness.

Roof of your mouth:  tilt y our heal back and open your mouth wide to look for any lumps and see if the color is different from usual.  Touch the roof of your mouth to feel for any lumps.

Floor of your mouth and tongue:  extend your tongue and look at the top surface for color and texture.  Pull your tongue forward to look at both sides for any swellings or color changes.  Examine the underside of your tongue by placing the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth  Look at the floor of your mouth and the underside of your tongue for color changes, press your finger against the underside of your tongue to feel for any lumps or swellings.

If you find anything out of the ordinary, particulary anything that does not heal or go away in 2 weeks, or that has recently changed,   please call our office.

ViziLite Exam

  ViziLite is a quick, painless exam for the early detection of oral abnormalities that could lead to cancer.  Early detection can lead to treatment in the most easily treatable stage.  If you are a patient at high risk (use tobacco, heavy alcohol use, long exposure to sunlight or long term irritation due to poor fitting dentures) an annual exam with ViziLite can save your life.  A ViziLite exam can identify abnormalities, and a definitive diagnosis is then made by biopsy.

Care

Handling a denture/partial requires care.  It is a good idea to stand over a folded towel or a sink of water just in case you accidentally drop it while cleaning.  Brush the denture/partial each day to remove food deposits and plaque.  Brushing your denture/partial helps the appliance from becoming permanently stained. It is best to use a soft bristled brush specifically designed for dentures.  Avoid using a brush with hard bristles, which can damage the denture.   Clean your denture/partial by throughly rinsing off loose food particles after you eat. We recommend using hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid to clean it.  Other types of household cleaners and many toothpastes are too abrasive and should not be used for cleaning dentures.  Brush all denture surfaces gently to avoid damaging the plastic/or bending the attachments.  It is important to also brush all your natural teeth twice a day.

Partials

A partial could lose its proper shape if it is not kept moist.  Unless directed to sleep with your partial in, at night place the partial in a soaking solution or clean water, as directed.  If the appliance has metal attachments, they could easily be tarnished if you placed them in a soaking solution. 

Expect sore places in the beginning, and a period of adjustment to speaking and eating.  If your partial needs adjustments or tightening, call our office. DO NOT attempt to adjust it at home, it could damage it beyond repair.

A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth - molars and premolars.  This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures). The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids.

Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. However, toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque.  Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food.

Sealants are easy for your dental professional to apply, and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth.  The teeth that will be cleaned with a solution to help the sealant adhere to the tooth. The sealant is then "painted" onto the enamel where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens.  Sometimes a special curing light is used to help he sealant harden.

As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay.  Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and usually last several years before a reapplication is needed.  During your regular dental visits, your sealants will be checked.