Monday, October 18, 2010

Good dental care brings a smile to your face

There are many people who are unhappy with their appearance in the world today. Some peoples' teeth may have been unattractive for their entire lives, whereas others' teeth may have aged and slowly become unattractive. For these reasons, many people decide to look into cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic dentistry could be considered a dental facelift, changing someone's appearance so that they look better and feel better about themselves.

There are many techniques in cosmetic dentistry, from braces to porcelain veneers. More often than not, dentists use a combination of these techniques in order to achieve the best results.

Many dentists choose to provide a variety of procedures, while others focus on specific areas of treatment. Many times, cosmetic and restorative dentistry requires more than one dentist to achieve the best results. So, short listing suitable dentists who could provide you all the specific and related cosmetic dentistry support you need is a crucial part of the entire process.

The first and foremost requirement is to short-list at least 2-3 well- established cosmetic dentists. To begin with, it would be a good idea to try a dentist directory on the Internet

You can anticipate dental problems when your teeth begin to accumulate plaque. It causes tooth decay and gum disease. It is the first sign of gum problems. You can prevent gum disease by following seven simple steps.

Never treat dental problems lightly. They not only damage your gum and teeth but can lead to other serious health problems such as heart disease. Proper oral hygiene, good nutritional food, and regular dental visits can prevent dental problems from progressing into periodontitis.

Smile is the beauty of Face. Healthy teeth compliments healthy smile. For keeping teeth healthy proper care is very necessary. Nowadays because of unhealthy food and due to not taking proper care many dental problems are arising like bruxism,canker sore, teeth cavities, gum diseases, Periodontitis, Dysphasia, Gingivitis, Halitosis, dry mouth and many more.

Tips for Dental Care:

Brush your teeth correctly at least twice a day, Use your teeth for what they are intended for, Avoid smoking, drugs, tobacco etc, Avoid clinching or grinding teeth, Floss your teeth to remove food particles and bits that are trapped under the gums, Consume foods that will not damage your teeth, Know what you are taking and update your knowledge about the side effects of the se medications, Perform Exercises for your teeth like gum massage.

Visit the dentist once in every six months and clean the mouth after having the food to maintain good oral hygiene.

west linn dentist | portland dental implants

Cosmetic Dentistry 101

The objective of cosmetic dentistry, which is elective dental work, is to improve the appearance of the teeth and to enhance one’s smile. Cosmetic dentistry does not contribute to the health of the teeth.

The art and science of dentistry has made advances such that one need not remain resigned to stained or chipped teeth. There are several cosmetic techniques available that allow one to correct dental anomalies that can impair appearance. These include:


Bleaching

The process of bleaching or tooth whitening helps to brighten teeth that become dark with age or get stained due to smoking, tea/coffee drinking, etc. Bleaching removes extrinsic as well as intrinsic stains. The process, which can be carried out once every three years, is carried out largely by using hydrogen peroxide solution. Bleaching can whiten teeth by up to 5 times the original shade. A bleaching tooth tray that carries the peroxide solution can cost between $ 200 - $ 500.

Bonding

The appearance of teeth that have spaces in between or are cracked and chipped can be improved by the bonding process in which a hard, sterile, and inert tooth-colored plastic is affixed to the teeth. The manner in which bonding is done affects the shape, size, and appearance of teeth. The composite fillings wear more quickly than the traditional silver fillings and patients are usually advised to refrain from hard foods that may result in the chipping of the bonding material. The bonding process takes 10-15 minutes for a tooth and can cost around $ 300 to $ 700 for a tooth. The bonded restoration stains similar to natural teeth.

Porcelain Veneers

These are extremely thin shells used to cover the front side of the teeth. Porcelain veneers are more resistant to stains and chipping as compared to bonding. They are bonded to the teeth using a special bonding material and can be used to alter the appearance of teeth, provide fullness to the upper lips, and fill gaps between teeth. Porcelain veneers enable a more consistent appearance as compared to bonding, they do not stain and a veneer treatment can last for up to 15 years. Veneer application on a single tooth can cost up to $ 2,000. As compared to the application of crowns or caps, teeth are ground to a lesser extent during veneer treatment.

Orthodontics and periodontics

Orthodontics deals with the prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Braces are used in orthodontics for the treatment of crooked teeth, protruding teeth, widely spaced teeth, an underbite, etc. Metal braces made from titanium are expensive and need to be worn for 2-3 years. Non-invasive straightening braces cost less and require to be worn for a lesser period of time. Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth and are ideal for those who lay emphasis on cosmetic appeal. Periodontics helps individuals to enhance their smile by altering the contours of the gums, it is a simple surgical process accomplished using laser and can cost up to $ 2,000.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are used for broken teeth, teeth with silver filling or those with excessive decay, and also teeth that have undergone root canal treatment. Crowns can be matched to tooth color.

portland dental implants | west linn dentist

Choosing A Proper Dentist

Oral health receives a lot of of attention these days with the resurgence of modern teeth whitening systems and a new consciousness regarding oral hygiene. However, the development of new technologies in dentistry necessitates the attention of committed dentists and dental work experts. Recent studies indicate that more dental health workers are just in for the money and treat dentistry and its branches as means to make lucrative business. Therefore, choosing a dentist is a crucial move, for the sake of your oral and financial health.

Before qualifying as dentists and dental work practitioners, candidates are required to take up a pre-dental degree and dental school courses. Dental school studies are divided in two: pre-clinical studies for two years and a practicum under a licensed faculty for the latter two. Dentistry candidates are then required to pass the state and national dentistry board to qualify as dentists. However, if the candidates plan to specialize in a branch of dentistry such as public health, endodontics, oral maxillofacial pathology, oral maxillofacial surgery, dentofacial orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics, a couple of years of advanced studies is required. They are also required to pass the specialty board examination to gain their board certification and license. After so much study and money spent on training, it's no wonder some dentists are more keen to earn big money at the expense of their clients' teeth. Here are some guidelines to help people choose a proper-minded dentist who actually care for their clients' teeth and oral health.

Being an advocate of prevention rather than expensive one-time treatments is a positive sign that dentists and dental work experts are interested in their patients' health. They often suggest or recommend doing a full oral study before dispensing treatments and procedures. They require x-ray films or copies of dental records from their clients' previous dentist. Thorough examinations of overall dental health are to be expected and these include examinations of the following: teeth, gums, lips, tongue, palate, cheek insides, and throat. If the dentist charts, shows, and explains in detail the results of the exam to the client, it is a good sign that the dentist is serious about dental health. Advices and reminders about regular visits are to be expected from good dentists. They are interested in monitoring and assessment of maintenance and dental procedures, if any. Hence, good dentistry requires time and detailed work unlike treatments which promise instant results.

Aside from the positive signs to be reckoned with in finding a good dentist, there are also signs which raise the red flag. Flamboyant teasers and advertisements often signify mass production instead of detailed work. Also, lower than average fees are not foolproof ways to save money. Lower fees often require longer, repeated treatments which in time cost more. Dentists who often rely on sedation are also exposing their patients to undue risks. Unscientific processes employed by some dentists should be warning enough. Dentistry is based on science and not "holistic" treatments as some advertise. It is more likely that these "holistic" treatments are bent on consuming a client's wallet whole.

With the risks these situations pose, it is imperative that people know where to find good dentists and dental work experts. Referrals from family members, friends, and impartial local health workers are good sources. There are also agencies that offer assistance in finding quality dental care. It is also important to ensure that the client's philosophy on health and dental care coincides with that of the dentist. This promotes cooperation, good rapport, and ultimately, outstanding oral health.

west linn dentist | portland dental implants