Cosmetic Dentistry

Aesthetic and restorative dentistry has combined art and science to create a world of possibilities to enhance your life.

Technological advancements in natural-looking, tooth-colored dental materials make today’s cosmetic dental treatments more durable and predictable than in years past. Additionally, dentists are now using more conservative cosmetic dentistry techniques to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, depending upon your specific clinical situation.

Cosmetic dentists may also use such technologies as lasers in order to perform some procedures necessary for cosmetic treatments in their own offices — without the need for referrals to specialists. Laser is an adjuvant technology that is used in different areas of dentistry. Lasers make cosmetic dental procedures such as smile makeovers more comfortable and convenient for patients, as well as helping to reduce recovery time.

Full mouth reconstruction

While consulting with you about a smile makeover to primarily improve the esthetic appearance of your smile, your dentist may discover that there is a need to provide necessary treatment to correct functional problems with your bite, muscles, teeth and bone structure. If you need full mouth reconstruction, the materials available today make it possible for your dentist to provide you with durable, functional and clinically sound treatments that also look natural.

Cosmetic dentistry offers many options for people who are unhappy with their smile. If you are one of these people, we encourage you to read our comprehensive cosmetic procedure articles to learn about the various treatments available to enhance your smile.

Periodontics

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in dental plaque. Plaque is the sticky substance that forms on your teeth soon after brushing them. In an effort to get rid of the bacteria, the cells of your immune system release substances that inflame and damage the gums, periodontal ligament or alveolar bone. This leads to swollen, bleeding gums, a sign of gingivitis (the earliest stage of periodontal disease). Damage from periodontal disease also can cause teeth to become loose. This is a sign of severe periodontitis (the advanced stage of disease).

You can prevent periodontal disease by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly. Most people should see the dentist about once every six months. But if you already have gum disease you should visit more often.

How can you prevent the Gum Disease?

Daily brushing and flossing, when done correctly, can help to remove most of the plaque from your teeth. Professional cleanings by your dentist or dental hygienist will keep plaque under control in places that are harder for a toothbrush or floss to reach.

If oral hygiene slips or you skip dental visits, plaque builds up on the teeth. Eventually, it spreads below the gum line. The bacteria are protected there because your toothbrush can't reach them. If plaque is not removed, the bacteria will continue to multiply. This will cause a more serious infection.

The buildup of plaque below the gumline causes the gums to become inflamed. As the gums swell, they detach from the tooth. This process forms a space, or "pocket," between the tooth and gum. Bacteria can grow rapidly in the pockets. This encourages further plaque buildup.

If left untreated, periodontal disease may spread to the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These structures support your teeth. Periodontal disease can destroy them.

Another reason to remove plaque promptly is that over time it becomes hardened or calcified and turns into calculus. This is commonly called tartar. Even more plaque attaches to calculus because it's a rougher surface than tooth enamel. It's also rougher than cementum, a layer that covers the tooth root. Layers of calculus and plaque build up, in a downward spiral.

Bleaching

Teeth whitening is perhaps the most commonly recommended cosmetic dentistry procedure. Teeth are often stained from smoking, food, drink (coffee, tea or red wine) or poor oral hygiene. Bleaching the teeth can enhance the appearance of your smile.

Your smile is important. It's one of the first things you notice when you meet someone. A whiter, brighter smile is beautiful - it can help you feel better about yourself and make a memorable impression.

Your lifestyle and the aging process can stain and darken your teeth. Many things we do on a regular basis can contribute to stained teeth, such as drinking coffee, tea, cola and red wine or smoking.

How is the procedure accomplished?

The teeth and gums are first evaluated to determine if the dental and gum tissues are sufficiently healthy to do the whitening procedure. The teeth are evaluated for conditions such as bondings, fillings and crowns that will remain almost the same color as they are. The outsides of the teeth are cleaned with a thick dental cleaning paste. The surfaces of the teeth are prepared for one minute with a wetting agent. A 35% peroxide gel is painted on the teeth. The "Plasma Arc Light" is shined on the each tooth for three seconds and the process is immediately repeated. The peroxide gel is allowed to remain on the teeth for 8 minutes; the gel is then rinsed off and the above procedure is repeated again.

How long does the whitening last?

Daily brushing and flossing, when done correctly, can help to remove most of the plaque from your teeth. Professional cleanings by your dentist or dental hygienist will keep plaque under control in places that are harder for a toothbrush or floss to reach.The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as 6 months. It varies from person to person. Brushing your teeth twice a day and avoiding these staining foods will help keep your teeth whitening noticeable for as long as possible. However, keep in mind that staining is inevitable.

Endodontics

The endodontics concerns with the diseases of tooth’s pulp. The pulp is located in the center of the tooth and in the root canals within each tooth root. The pulp, which consists of connective tissue, nerves and blood vessels, nourishes the tooth when the tooth erupts. The pulp can be removed safely from the pulp chamber and root canals, after the tooth becomes mature. The endodontic treatment is the removing of the pulp that is also known as the root canal treatment or root canal therapy.

Root Canal Treatment

If there is an infection or an irreversible damage to the pulp, the root canal treatment is needed. An untreated cavity is a may cause the pulp infection. The enamel and the dentin of the tooth are eroded by the decay until it opens into the root canal system. And the bacteria infect the pulp. The antibiotic treatments are not effective for the infections inside teeth. The infection causes the inflammation and this inflammation restricts the tooth’s blood supply. So it is difficult for the antibiotics in the bloodstream to reach the infection. Also the reduced blood supplies; make it difficult for the pulp to heal itself.

Because of a fracture, trauma or extensive restorative work such as several fillings placed over a period of time, the pulp can become damaged. A common dental procedure can cause the inflammation of the pulp too. Preparation for a crown may necessitate the canal treatment for the root.

In many cases, although there isn’t an infection, the pulp can be inflamed. It is monitored by different pulp vitality tests to see if this happened before. When the pulp remains inflamed it may cause pain and lead to infection. The infection formed in the pulp may cause an abscess by affecting the bone around the tooth. The aim of the root canal treatment is to save the tooth by removing the infected or damaged pulp, treating any infection and filling the empty canals with a filling material. The tooth may have to be extracted if root canal treatment is not done.

Pediatric Dentistry

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your child should visit the dentist by his/her 1st birthday. You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less fuss about the visit, the better.

It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt. Pediatric dental offices make a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.

Why Are The Primary Teeth So Important?

It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth, or baby teeth are important for: (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and (3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. While the 4 front teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) aren’t replaced until age 10.

Proper brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces. When teaching children to brush, place toothbrush at a 45 degree angle; start along gum line with a soft bristle brush in a gentle circular motion. Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower. Repeat the same method on the inside surfaces and chewing surfaces of all the teeth. Finish by brushing the tongue to help freshen breath and remove bacteria.

Orthodontics Treatment

Years ago, orthodontic treatments were used only for pre-teens and teens having problems with their bite (malocclusion). Today, orthodontic treatments like dental braces are not only for pre-teens and teens, but for adults as well.

Close to 30 percent of all orthodontic patients in the world are adults. Despite this growing trend towards adult orthodontics, it pays to start orthodontic treatment early for maximum effectiveness. The American Dental Association recommends that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven.

Since malocclusion may interfere with eating and speaking, it is usually considered a restorative issue. Although, because a malocclusion may prevent the development of a beautiful, well-aligned smile or facial jaw lines, it may also be classified as an esthetic issue and categorized as cosmetic dentistry.

No matter what your age, orthodontics can protect your bite (occlusion), maximize your teeth's effectiveness in performing their functions and create a well-aligned smile. Today’s orthodontics involves repositioning of the teeth and underlying roots, providing better support for the crown of the tooth. Orthodontic treatment is now associated with the benefits of greater esthetic appeal, increased comfort and reduced treatment time.

Dental Braces

Today's dental braces are much improved for a variety of reasons:

Reduced Treatment Time: Computer-aided technology offered through some orthodontic offices today helps the orthodontist to create ideal tooth positions. Some reports indicate that the aid of such technology can reduce treatment time significantly.

Oral Surgery

Adults can have up to 32 teeth. The wisdom teeth are the last to come through, right at the back. They usually appear when you are between 17 and 25, although sometimes they appear many years later. Nowadays people often have jaws that are too small for all 32 teeth – 28 is often the most we have room for. So if all the other teeth are present and healthy there may not be enough space for the wisdom teeth to come through properly.

Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. The teeth, which have been damaged by decay or fracture, will be repaired and restored with a filling, crown or other treatment by the dentist. But sometimes if the damage is too extensive, the teeth cannot be repaired. Then it is necessary to do the extraction.

Reasons for extraction

People undergoing orthodontic treatment may need teeth extracted to create space for the teeth that are being moved into place.

People who will undergo radiation therapy to the head and neck may need to have teeth in the field of radiation extracted.

People who are receiving chemotherapy may need to have the teeth extracted. Because chemotherapy weakens the immune system and the risk of infection increases. So these teeth may need to be extracted.

People receiving an organ transplant may need some teeth extracted. Because when immunosuppressive medications are given, there is a risk of becoming sources of infection for the teeth after the transplant.

Impacted teeth, especially third molars, commonly come during the late teen years or early twenties. These teeth are often extracted either before or after they come in. These teeth get stuck in the jaw and they need to be extracted if they are decayed or cause pain.

Dental Prosthesis

Dentures are worn to replace your natural teeth. They are usually made from lifelike resin teeth bonded to a plastic base. You will either have been fitted with a complete denture to replace all your teeth, or a partial denture. Partial dentures are usually held in place by clasps or metal clips, which fit around some of your remaining teeth.

With today's technology dentures can be made to look so natural that people can't tell who's wearing them. Your dentist has custom made your dentures to fit your mouth, so they'll take on the character of your original teeth, leaving your appearance the same as before. The colour of the teeth is carefully selected, either to match your remaining teeth, or simply to look as natural as possible.

While your dentures have been custom made, they may initially feel a little strange, or even rather a mouthful. However, rest assured that they only feel that way - you yourself will not look any different. You may also find you produce more saliva than normal but this should settle down soon enough. The time it takes to adjust to wearing new dentures is different for everyone, but you will soon learn how to eat, talk and smile as you would with natural teeth.

Denture Fixatives

No matter how well fitting your dentist has managed to make your dentures, they can never provide the same, strong biting surface as natural teeth. Using a denture fixative should dispel many of the doubts and fears you may have. Even if you have well fitting dentures, a fixative will help in many ways, whether your dentures have just been fitted or you have had them a long time.

Denture fixatives work by reacting with saliva in the mouth to develop adhesive properties. The ingredients then work together to hold the denture in place more firmly and reduce the wobble, so you can enjoy eating apples, crusty bread and other foods that you may otherwise avoid. A fixative can give you more confidence in public and social situations. You will feel better about eating, talking and even playing sports, especially swimming, which puts the suction of complete dentures at risk when water gets into the mouth.

Digital Dentistry

Dentistry today has advanced leaps and bounds over the last decade. An OPG (Full mouth X-ray) is considered to be a luxury to any private practice due to the high cost factor of the system. The whole world warrants and supports the use of Panoramic X-ray machines for major and minor dental procedures. It’s an invaluable tool in proper diagnosis and treatment planning as a lot of pathology that shows on an OPG x-ray is not visible on small X-ray.

A panographic X-ray gives a panoramic view of mouth. It provides valuable information about the position of wisdom teeth, receding bone levels, which is a sign of periodontal disease for implant surgery

• For jaw-joint problems
• For sinus problems
• For orthodontic diagnosis

The Process of Taking an X-ray

The X-ray film is positioned outside mouth, and the X-ray head rotates around patient. Dental X-rays use high-speed film, so the amount of radiation exposure is very low.

Panographic X-rays are comfortable and safe

As well as being able to take a panoromic X-ray of mouth in dental clinics, dentists have the facility to take a peri-apical X-ray. This enables to focus on a spesific area showing finer details.

Bad Breath (Halitosis) Treatment

Bad breath is a common problem that can affect anyone at any age. It affects most people at some point, and it's estimated about 1 in 4 people has bad breath on a regular basis.

The medical name for bad breath is halitosis.

What causes bad breath

Bad breath can have a number of possible causes, but it's usually the result of poor oral hygiene. If bacteria build up in a person's mouth, it can cause their breath to smell.

Bacteria break down pieces of food in the mouth, releasing unpleasant smelling gas. Any food trapped in your teeth will be broken down by bacteria, causing bad breath.

Persistent bad breath can sometimes be a sign of gum disease.

Eating strongly flavored foods, such as onions and garlic, can often cause your breath to smell, as well as smoking and drinking a lot of alcohol.

Bad breath can occasionally occur following an infection or illness, or as a result of taking certain types of medication.

Conservative Treatment

There are several methods to find out if you have tooth decay or not. Observation is one of these methods. The dentists use an explorer (a metal instrument with a sharp tip) to find out the possible decay. X-rays are important to find out the tooth decay that cannot be seen on the surface.

The filling is a necessity not only for a decay but also for the teeth that are cracked, broken or worn because of habits like nail-biting, tooth grinding and using the teeth to open things.

Steps to a filling

Firstly, if it is necessary you’ll be given local anesthesia to numb the area.

Secondly the decay will be removed from the tooth by using hand instruments, by the drill or by the lasers.

After removing the decay, dentist will shape the space to prepare it for the filling. Different shaping procedures are needed for different types of fillings in order to make the filling stay in place.

If a bonded filling is used, the dentist prepares the tooth with an acid gel before placing the filling.

Than bonding is applied. Bonded filling is generally done with composite fillings.

If the dentist is making a composite-resin filling or a resin-bonded glass ionomer filling, he/she will stop several times to shine a bright blue light on the resin in order to cure the material and to make it strong.

After the filling is done it will be polished by using the burs and discs.