A Short Introduction to Cosmetic Dentistry

The art and science of dentistry is known to mankind for the last thousands of years! It may seem unbelievable to many, but the truth is no different to it. Excavations carried out at various sites of the Indus Valley Civilization confirm that dentists existed in the Harappan society as long back as 3,500 BC. However, dentistry itself has come across a long way since those historic days. With the passage of time, the subject has attained sufficient maturity and branched out in different but inter-related fields. Some of the prominent branches of dentistry include Endodontic, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Pediatric dentistry, Periodontics and others.

Traditional dentistry vs. its offshoots

Even, the jargon cosmetic dentistry is much popular these days. Now, at this stage one may wonder how traditional dentistry differs from modern procedures that are gaining prominence. To be short and precise, traditional dentistry is more focused on proper oral hygiene. Hence, it mainly deals with prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the issues related to our oral health. Contrastingly, each of the modern branches of the conventional treatment procedure focuses on specialist areas of dental care.

Cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry, as it is obvious from its name itself, deals with improving a patient's appearance. It is usually used to resolve problems of crooked or chipped teeth, discoloration and missing teeth. In addition to the dental conditions mentioned above, there are other innumerable instances where this specialist line of treatment proves helpful. With gradual improvement of technology, cosmetic dentistry procedures are becoming increasingly efficient in improving our smiles and appearances. A vast array of latest tools and gadgets is readily available to dental experts to cater to specific cosmetic needs of their patients.

Common types of cosmetic dentistry treatments

Some of the common types of treatments involved with cosmetic dentistry include:

• Dental bonding - This procedure helps improving the appearance of teeth, in case it is chipped, broken, cracked or stained. In this treatment, usually an enamel-like composite resin is applied to the teeth surface. Then, it is gradually molded into desired shapes, hardened with UV rays and finally, polished to provide the desired appearance.


• Dental bridges - In technical jargon, these are also referred to as fixed partial dentures. The treatment procedure is used to replace missing teeth. As such, it is also effective in bridging the gap between two successive teeth.


• Dental braces - These days, dental braces are equally common among kids and grownups. This range of dental items helps in correcting crooked, misshaped teeth and improves irregular bite, resolving disorders at the jaw joint and other problems.


• Dental crowns - These are also known as caps and are placed over a damaged tooth to restore the latter's shape, size, strength and appearance. The caps are made from a range of substances including ceramic, metal and resin, etc. Crowning provides reinforcement to a tooth and invariably extends its life.

Conclusion

However, before opting for this specialized dental treatment, one should remember that cost for cosmetic dentistry varies greatly, depending upon the type of treatment procedure a patient requires. It is also relevant mentioning here that the range of dental treatments is usually not covered by the normal insurance policies.

Anyhow, on the brighter side, patients undergoing these treatment procedures are least subjected to pain as compared to those opting for general dentistry.

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How Can I Help My Elderly Parent Brush Her Teeth?

As you age, daily tasks can often become challenging, including brushing your teeth. Get expert advice on how to help keep your loved one’s smile bright for years to come in this “Ask an ADA Dentist” video question.

Three Reasons Not to Skip Your General Dentistry Checkup

Most experts recommend that individuals visit a general dentistry practice every six months to ensure optimal oral health, but many people do not follow these guidelines for one reason or another. Some cannot find time in their busy schedules for regular checkups, while others avoid the dentist due to the cost of a visit, and others because they fear dental instruments.

While these concerns are understandable, it is still important to keep up with your appointments. Here are three great reasons for you to make your general dentistry checkups a priority.

A Brighter Smile

A clean mouth is a healthy mouth. But, even with regular brushing and flossing at home, you still might not be able to remove all of the dental plaque that builds up over time. If left on the teeth, these mineralized deposits can eat away at your tooth enamel and cause cavities and gum disease.

A professional cleaning can ensure that plaque does not have the chance to cause any damage. Regular dental visits will also help you keep your breath fresh, since a professional cleaning can remove odor-causing bacteria from hard-to-reach places in your mouth. Additionally, if you are a coffee or tea drinker, your dentist's cleaning tools can remove stains, leaving you with a whiter, brighter smile.

An Ounce of Prevention

Keeping up with your regular checkups will ensure that dental problems, like cavities or gum disease, are caught early when they are much simpler to treat. For example, your dentist may be able to treat a cavity in its early stages with a fluoride treatment but, if the cavity is left to progress, you will likely need a filling, root canal, or even a crown. If the cavity is severely advanced, the tooth may even need to be extracted.

Therefore, it is important to see your dental professional as scheduled in order to keep any problems in check. Additionally, the more complex procedures have a heftier price tag, so keeping up with your checkups doesn't just help you avoid the dentist's drill; it's easier on your wallet, too.

It May Just Save Your Life

Regular checkups are not only important for the health of your mouth, they are essential to your overall health, as well. Problems in the mouth can cause much more than just a toothache-they can be deadly. If a decayed tooth develops a bacterial infection, it can spread throughout the body. More rarely, it can cause Ludwig's Angina, an intense pain and swelling under the tongue and neck, which can be fatal. During your visit, your dental professional can also examine your mouth tissue for signs of disease, such as nutritional deficiencies, stress, eating disorders, and even certain cancers.

Do not let your phobias, your hectic schedule, or your financial concerns prevent you from keeping your general dentistry appointment. Make the commitment to see your dentist regularly to keep your teeth-and your health-in great shape.

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How Should I Clean and Store My Toothbrush?

Your toothbrush helps keep your mouth clean, so it’s only natural to want to keep it pristine. Find out the right way to clean and store your toothbrush in this “Ask an ADA Dentist” video question.

8 Common Reasons Of Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem for most adults. The short-term, yet intense pain causes discomfort and affects one's daily routine. Generally, tooth sensitivity signals a variety of other problems, including emerging cavities and tooth cracks. But before running to the dentist, here are the most frequent causes of tooth sensitivity.

1. Tooth whitening treatments:

Regardless of whether the tooth whitening procedure is done in the dental office or at home, it results in temporary sensitivity. If you have recently undergone a whitening treatment, consider a gentle toothpaste and a soft brush to avoid discomfort.

Also, stay away from hot and cold products for a while as they worsen the sensitivity. The discomfort will gradually disappear in a matter of days and you will have healthy teeth.

2. Tooth grinding:

Grinding your tooth has a negative impact on the enamel. Frequent enamel grinding weakens it because of the regular pressure that is applied during the process. Also, tooth grinding leaves the dentin, the hollow tubes in the middle layer of the tooth exposed. This increases sensitivity of the tooth.

3. Excessive brushing or mouth wash:

Over-brushing or exaggerating with mouthwash is bad for your teeth as they break down the protective layer of the teeth and leave the dental nerves exposed. As the tubules are exposed to cold or hot or sticky and acidic food, tooth sensitivity increases. It is best to use a toothbrush with ultra-soft bristles to avoid any discomfort.

4. Inappropriate toothpaste:

Do you pick any toothpaste that offers a freebie when shopping at the store? Be cautious as this might be one of the reasons of growing sensitivity. Pick the toothpaste that is mild and does not have high teeth whitening agents as they are often hard. In case you are experiencing tooth sensitivity because of the wrong choice of toothpaste, the best way is to replace it with a paste that is suitable for sensitive teeth.

5. Acidic foods:

Acidic foods increase sensitivity and the level of pain may become unbearable, especially if the tooth roots are exposed. Some of the acidic foods that you must avoid in case of tooth sensitivity are, kiwi, grapefruit, lemon, pickles and tomato sauce.

6. Gum disease:

Receding gums or any type of gingivitis leave the upper tooth exposed, which causes pain when eating hot, cold or sweet food. If you notice that your gums are not in good condition, visit a dentist for an appropriate treatment.

7. Dental procedure:

Dental treatments such as root canal or tooth extraction may cause temporary tooth sensitivity. If the discomfort lasts more than a few days, it is advisable to see the dentist and get the appropriate treatment.

8. Plaque:

Daily tooth brush and regular tooth cleaning in a dental office prevent plaque build-up. If this routine is not followed strictly, the plaque build-up may affect the enamel. This leads to tooth sensitivity and eventually cavities and tooth decay.

Now, that you know what causes tooth sensitivity, it is important to manage it right in the initial stage to avoid bigger dental issues.

To know more about the sensitive tooth treatment, consult your dentist. Of course, you will not want to leave your favorite coffee or ice cream flavored soda because of tooth sensitivity.

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How Fluoride Keeps Your Teeth Healthy

Fluoride is a common mineral found in several foods, such as milk and eggs. It is essential to oral health. It is so essential that many municipalities pump small amounts of the mineral into their communities' water supply.

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, which helps to prevent tooth decay. When acids from sugary or acidic foods attack the enamel, fluoride creates a wall of defense against erosion.

It is especially important for adolescents to have an ample amount of fluoride in their diet. Adolescents' teeth are still developing and need the extra protection to grow stronger enamel. Adolescents also tend to favor sugary snacks and drinks such as candy and soda. Fluoride in their diet helps protect adolescents against such overindulgence. To help provide enough fluoride for their children, parents need to know some important facts about the mineral.

Where Do I Find Fluoride?

Since eggs and milk contain fluoride, you should include plenty of those foods in your teens' meals. If you live in an area served by a public water supply, check to see if your municipality adds fluoride to its water.

You can also purchase fluoride-containing mouthwash and toothpaste for your kids to use. Even if they don't remember to brush as often as they should, the fluoride in their mouthwash and toothpaste can help stave off tooth decay.

If your kids need a little extra help fighting tooth decay, your children's dentist may prescribe extra-strength fluoride products for them to use. Be sure to take them for a regular teeth cleaning twice a year. Most dentists include a topical fluoride application as part of the procedure for patients from six to sixteen.

How Do I Keep My Kids From Getting Too Much Fluoride?

Although the right amount of fluoride is essential to oral health, too much fluoride can cause adverse effects. Keep a close eye on your kids' teeth. If you notice staining, pitting, or a lacy appearance, your child may be getting too much fluoride. Make an appointment with your dentist to have them checked for a condition called "fluorosis."

If children ingest large amounts of fluoride, they may develop diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. For this reason, keep fluoride products out of the reach of young children. Teach your older children the importance of not swallowing their toothpaste or mouthwash, regardless of how good it tastes.

For more information about the best ways to use fluoride to maximize oral health for you and your children, contact your child's dentist. If it's been a while since your children had a teeth cleaning and dental checkup, make an appointment with their dentist today.

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Top Ways Dentists Can Help You Get a Better Smile

We all know that dentists can help us get a healthier, stronger smile by providing regular teeth cleanings and diagnosing and treating problems early, such as by filling cavities. However, the right dental professional can also help you get the smile you've always dreamed of by offering cosmetic dental procedures that can transform your whole mouth.

Here are a few of the top ways that the right dentist can help you get healthier teeth and a more beautiful smile:

Implants

You may not think that you have any reason to worry about missing a tooth if you are young and healthy. However, accidents can happen at any time, knocking out one or more of your teeth. You could also crack a tooth, requiring it to be pulled. Decay or gum disease can also cause you to lose a tooth, leaving an unsightly hole. A gap is a huge distraction from an otherwise beautiful smile.

A cosmetic dentist can help you fill the gap without having to pull other teeth by installing a dental implant. This tooth is designed to look like all your others, including matching the shade, and it is inserted directly into your jawbone. It will look like a natural part of your teeth.

Veneers

Veneers can fix all kinds of dental problems. Say you have crooked teeth, but you never got braces as a child and now you're too self-conscious to get them as an adult, or you just don't want to wear them for the years required to get results. Instead, you can get veneers. Say you have misshapen or discolored teeth and you want a fast solution. You can get veneers.

Veneers fit over your natural teeth, and they can make your smile straighter, whiter and more uniform. Many cosmetic dentists offer the procedure, and it produces fast results.

Teeth Whitening

Perhaps one of the most common complaints that people have about their teeth is that they aren't white enough. They may try whitening toothpastes or gels at home but become frustrated by the lack of results. If you are experiencing the same situation, you can see a dentist and get professional teeth whitening.

Several options are available for whitening, including light treatment or high-strength professional gels in custom trays. Results vary, but you can lighten your teeth as much as seven shades with professional teeth whitening. Of course, you'll have to continue to take great care of your teeth or else they will become stained again soon after whitening.

Dentists can provide you with much more than a routine cleaning. If you visit the right cosmetic dentist, you can gain access to a wide range of dental services that will help you transform your smile and feel more confident every time you step outside your door. These are just a few of the top dental procedures that you might consider for improving your smile. Many more options are available based on your needs.

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