Saturday, December 30, 2017

ADA Science Inside: How Tooth Whitening Works



Over time, teeth can go from white to not-so-bright for a number of reasons. Find out what foods can stain your teeth, and learn why your teeth darken with age. Then, watch as Dr. Jane Gillette from the American Dental Association explains how bleaching ingredients brighten your smile and walks through the whitening treatments you can try at home or have done in your dentist’s office.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

What Is CEREC Technology?


The dental industry has come a long way since its earliest days.

Dental technology has been advancing at a fast pace to the point where many more dental treatment options are available.

The new technology has made dental procedures faster, less painful and more accurate in their diagnosis and testing. The technology has also made dental care safer on the body.

One piece of equipment that has really transformed the dental industry is the CEREC machine. CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics or CEramic REConstruction. CEREC utilizes CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) to produce dental crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers.

The creators of CEREC was W. Mormann and M. Brandestini at the University of Zurich, who made the first dental restorations from the equipment in 1980. The first ceramic dental restorations using CEREC technology were first used on patients in 1985.

Ceramic dental restorations are produced directly at the point of treatment (chairside), allowing for quicker, convenient dental treatment.

How CEREC Works

CEREC utilizes a variety of modern imaging and scanning techniques including visible light scanning, CT scans, and digital radiographs, computer-aided design, 3D imaging and restoration manufacturing utilizing CNC milling, and 3D printing.

In order to carry all of these steps out in the dentist's office - chairside - the dentist requires an image acquisition unit with an intraoral camera, the corresponding designing software, and a milling machine or a printer. If the dentist does not have a milling unit in their office, they can send the data in a digital file to the dental laboratory via an online portal. The lab designs and manufactures the restorations according to the dentist's prescription and then sends the finished restorations back to the dentist's office. Around 38,000 dentists worldwide use the CEREC method and thus produce some 6.9 million restorations each year (as of October 2013)

Benefits

CEREC technology makes it possible to produce and integrate ceramic restorations in a single appointment. Unlike other materials such as amalgam or gold, ceramic is more biocompatible and boasts tooth-like physical and aesthetic qualities. In addition, digital impressions are more comfortable for patients than traditional impressions.

By further developing the process, it was possible to reduce the amount of follow-up work and occlusion adjustment. According to studies, the ten-year lifespan of CEREC inlays polished and milled with the aid of a computer is significantly longer than that of gold inlays, and also exceeds that of individually laboratory-manufactured ceramic inlays. Further clinical studies have reported a success rate of CEREC restorations is 95.5 percent following a period of nine years and 84 percent after 18 years.

Other potential applications

Combined with three-dimensional X-ray technology, it has also been possible to use CEREC for implants since 2009. The dentist can combine the CAD/CAM planning based on CEREC with 3D X-ray data to coordinate the prosthetic and surgical implant planning. Based on this so-called integrated implantology, the dentist is able to order the drilling templates from the drilling template manufacturer SiCat or - if they have their own milling machine - produce them on their own at the office using CEREC Guide. Furthermore CEREC has been expanding into the orthodontic market with a special software package creating a virtual patient for orthodontic treatment planning.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Anna_Bird/2355855

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9853393

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Five Things A Cosmetic Dentist Can Do For You


Considered by many to be the most important physical feature, your smile speaks volumes before you even say a word. A good grin confers a bevy of benefits in business, social, and romantic situations. It is no wonder we are willing to spend enormous sums to improve our smiles. According to a recent estimate, Americans invest about $2.75 billion in their smiles each year.

What Is A Cosmetic Dentist?

More concerned with form than function, cosmetic dentists enhance the appearance of your pearly whites. Although restorative procedures may also add function by repairing broken or missing teeth, the primary objective is to create a beautiful grin. With that in mind, here are five ways they can give your smile a big boost.

Whiten Teeth

Easily the most popular cosmetic procedure, professional teeth whitening is a safe, effective way to a get a gleaming grin. No matter how dull and faded your once pearly whites may be, a single treatment can return them to their former glory. A universal sign of good health, white teeth can make you more attractive, approachable, and successful. Is it any wonder why most Hollywood celebrities have their teeth whitened on a regular basis?

Replace Missing Teeth

It might surprise you to learn that most Americans are missing at least one tooth. In addition to causing functional issues with mastication, missing molars, bicuspids, and incisors are incredibly unsightly. In fact, most people with huge gaps in their grins avoid smiling at all costs. A cosmetic dentist can help correct this common problem with dental crowns, implants, and bridges. He or she can also fill smaller gaps known as diastemas with composite resin during dental bonding.

Tooth Reshaping

If you feel your pearly whites are oddly shaped, a dental professional can reshape them based on your wants and needs. To do so, he or she will likely use porcelain veneers. These thin shells of porcelain or ceramic material are attached to the front of each tooth for an instant smile upgrade. Dental veneers can also be used to conceal cracks, chips, discoloration, gaps, and minor misalignment issues.

Tooth Straightening

As effective as they may be, all of the aforementioned cosmetic procedures won't do much good if you have a crooked grin. Because misalignment is a common problem, the average cosmetic dentist offers teeth-straightening options. In addition to clear braces, they may provide clear plastic mouth guards or aligners designed to push and pull teeth into their proper place. Although they will not actually straighten the smile, porcelain veneers can give the appearance of an even grin. It is up to the patient to decide which option is right for them. Because veneers produce almost immediate results and are often less expensive than dental braces, they are the more popular cosmetic choice.

A good cosmetic dentist can completely transform your smile, turning your worst physical feature into your best asset.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_Avery

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9146095

Monday, December 18, 2017

Tips On How To Keep Your Gums Healthy


Most people spend a lot of time and effort in brushing and flossing their teeth regularly to make sure that their pearly whites are always clean and to ensure their health and good condition. These good oral habits can indeed help maintain and improve the quality and health of your teeth, but how about your gums?

Many people tend to forget that their gums are as important as their teeth. And you should practice various oral care habits that can ensure the health and good quality of your gums as well.

What are some tips you should follow to keep your gums healthy? Below are some of these:

Rinse with antiseptic and alcohol-free mouthwash. After brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash. Using antibacterial and/or anti-plaque mouthwash helps to flush away any bacteria that is loose and reduces any harmful bacteria that could eventually cause plaque, which can form and lead to gum disease. Select a mouthwash that is alcohol free since alcohol can dry out your mouth and make it hard for the bacteria to be flushed away.

Stop smoking. Tobacco use is one of the key factors that cause the development and progression of periodontal disease. Majority of individuals that have recurrent periodontal disease are smokers. Smoking is also associated with complications after oral surgery. As such, if you are a smoker, kick this unhealthy and destructive habit as early as possible.

Limit your alcohol intake. Studies show that alcohol can irritate your gums, tongue, and other oral tissues. Alcohol can also contribute to poor healing after surgery and can break your oral hygiene routine. Various researchers have also found out that heavy drinkers often suffer from tooth decay as a result of the increased exposure to sugars and acids that are often found in alcoholic drinks. Drinking wine occasionally can be good for your health. But as always, drink in moderation.

Increase your consumption of dairy products. Milk, and other dairy foods such as cheese and yogurt, are packed with bone-fortifying calcium and with the protein casein - a natural substance that research shows can reduce acid levels in the mouth. Drinking milk can also neutralize acids produced by plaque bacteria and hence, help ensure periodontal health.

Eat raw onion. Lastly, raw onion is a potent bacteria-fighting food. Onions have an organic antimicrobial ingredient that can kill bacteria in the mouth. According to one study, raw onion also completely wipes out four types of bacteria strains that can lead to gum disease and cavities. As such, dice or cut raw onion into slivers and toss the strips in your salad, on your sandwich, or in soups and stews. To get rid of bad breath, rinse with mouthwash or chew on sugarless gum after consuming some raw onions.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dan_K_Summers/1867722

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9264106

Friday, December 15, 2017

Regular Dental Visits Are Crucial to Your Health


Regular dental visits are crucial for maintaining not only your oral health, but also your overall health in general. The typically suggested regularity with which you should visit your dentist is once every six months, and this timeframe is not accidental. The time frame of about six months is the period that a typical American person who brushes and flosses their teeth twice daily will begin to fall behind in their ability to remove plaque and tartar that is building up below the gum lines and between teeth. The typical process of brushing and flossing is generally effective at removing plaque that is on the vertical surfaces of the teeth, but over time the crevices in teeth and between them collect a buildup of decaying food and bacteria that is not able to be removed by a toothbrush alone. At these times, the bacteria will begin to decay the tooth surfaces as well as to begin impacting your overall health, and it should be removed by the special tools and processes that are available only to your dentist. While these timeframes are certainly speculative and some will see buildup faster than others, it is good to keep to a regular schedule in order for the routine itself to benefit you. Most people need these kinds of routines or they will continually put the process off too long.

The other reason for regular visits is that the dentist can look for signs of diseases like gum disease and oral cancer. These conditions show early warning signs, and can potentially be diagnosed early in the process by a dentist during a regular exam. Catching the disease early is many times the difference between effective treatment and more dire consequences, so by establishing a routine of an exam every six months will give your dentist the ability to notice differences between the inside of your mouth now vs. six months ago. If it is noticed that there may be a condition developing, then no more than a few months has gone by and a treatment plan can be enacted immediately, thus helping to reverse the progress of the disease with minimal damage.

Visit your dentist every six months for an exam and cleaning, and brush and floss every day. Always visit your dentist immediately if you notice any changes to the inside of your mouth or to your health in general. Your dentist may be able to find the signs of disease and help your overall health, but you must play a role as well.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Raymond_Santopietro/371042

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9570367

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Oral Care Tips


Keeping your mouth healthy doesn't have to be a chore. Here are some oral care tips for long-lasting mouth health.

Saturday, December 9, 2017

5 Serious TMJ Disorder Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore



Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJD) is one of the prevalent chronic pain conditions among youngsters & is mostly ignored. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, prevalence rate is between 5% and 12% and over 10 million Americans are affected by this.
The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to the skull. When injured, there is a chronic pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control movements in the area. As per the research it is caused by the combination of factors like- grinding, clenching, chewing, arthritis, stress, movement of ball and socket etc.
Here are some serious symptoms one should look out for:
1. Limited Ability to Open the Mouth Wide
This might not seem a big issue until you reflexively yawn and the jaw locks painfully. This condition indicates that disc movement between the ball and socket in the joint has moved which is extremely uncomfortable especially for youngsters who are used-to of chewing. In such case, your dentist needs to be alerted immediately to avoid more damages.
2. Excruciating Pain and Tenderness in the Lower Face
This extends to the shoulders, jaw area, and the neck, especially when you chew. When you try to open your mouth wide, you will also feel a sudden spasm of sharpness that will affect your eating habits with time. Again, this symptom needs to be checked at a dentist's facility.
3. Swelling on Your Face
Dentists first examine your teeth to ascertain if there is any gum problem and if they don't find any, they will start doing a detailed diagnosis. It is important to go for early treatment & avoid further damages. This also improves your dental health.
4. Ear Pain
The proximity of the affected area to the ear inevitably leads to ear discomfort. This is a highly ignored symptom as most of the people argue that it is temporary. If it recurs, then it's important to get checkup done for this condition as you might also experience popping sounds in the ear.
5. Tired Feeling on the Face
This is also a highly ignored danger sign for this dental condition. Most people assume that it is a result of a hard day at work, but if you don't get a checkup on or before the time, it can exacerbate to something more uncomfortable.
For early diagnosis and treatment, make sure to visit your dentist regularly. Not only does it improve your oral health, but also alleviates worse damage to the entire dental outlook and you will not feel discomfort while eating, which will improve your life greatly.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9406994

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

How to Brush Teeth Correctly | Colgate®


Are you brushing your teeth the right way? Brushing your teeth the wrong way and with the wrong kind of toothbrush can mean that you’re not properly cleaning your teeth. Avoid common mistakes while brushing and find out the proper way to brush your teeth and tongue for fresh breath, and better oral hygiene.

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Dr Chao and Dr Goldenberg Show Pinhole Receding Gums Treatment


With Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation™ receding gums are corrected in minutes with no cutting, no sutures and virtually no pain or downtime. Dentist and inventor Dr. John Chao and dentist Dr. Jessica Goldenberg appear in this video from Fox 11 Morning News Santa Barbara to show how quickly and easily gum recession can be treated without conventional gum grafting.

Dr. Burton of Regency Dental Group in Vacaville has been trained in the pinhole technique by Dr. Chao personally. Please call our office for more information and to schedule your appointment! 
707-453-1776