Are you satisfied with your smile or have you considered changing it? Do you feel ashamed, shy, or extremely confident when you smile at people? If you are ready for a makeover, here is a quick guide to how cosmetic dentistry can help you achieve a beautiful, radiant smile that you can share with anyone, anywhere.

What is the role of a cosmetic dentist?

A healthy, aesthetic smile is achieved through cosmetic dentistry by combining art and science to improve your teeth’s health and alignment. Your appearance can be dramatically improved as a result of this procedure. Having even minor procedures can boost your confidence and self-esteem, resulting in a more positive outlook.

Procedures in Cosmetic Dentistry

In cosmetic dentistry, you can improve the appearance of your smile by undergoing a variety of procedures. Whether you want your teeth whiter, better aligned, or to replace missing teeth, there is a cosmetic procedure for you. Here are some examples:

Smile Makeover

A “smile makeover” is a series of dental procedures that are primarily intended to improve your appearance. The procedures can help patients with healthy but misaligned teeth more aesthetically pleasing, often boosting their confidence.

Teeth Whitening

There are several options for teeth whitening, including professional treatments and over-the-counter solutions. Whitening agents are available in the form of gels or strips. If you are interested in professional teeth whitening, you should consult your dentist to find out which option is best for you. A professional teeth whitening treatment can brighten your smile by up to eight shades with safe but effective whitening solutions.

Veneers

A veneer is a thin shell that covers the front surface of the teeth. Using veneers, you can improve the size, shape, color, or length of your teeth. For a beautiful smile, they will create a custom-made shell that will be permanently bonded to your teeth.

Dental Implants

Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is a viable option. Dental implants are metal posts or frames that are inserted by an experienced dentist under the gums into the jawbone. As soon as the dental implant has been placed, the dentist will make a 3D impression in order to create a crown that will attach to the implant and provide you with a tooth that closely resembles your natural teeth.

Orthodontic treatment

Crooked, misaligned, or clenched teeth can be corrected with orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic appliances are most commonly worn by teenagers, but they can also be worn by adults. By using these appliances, you gradually straighten and align your teeth, resulting in a more attractive smile and a normal bite.

If you are concerned about the appearance of your smile, our dental office can help. With our knowledge and experience, we can help you improve your oral health and create the smile of your dreams. Make an appointment with us today.

If you haven’t been brushing, flossing, or getting your teeth professionally cleaned, you may have gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed with proper oral hygiene practices and a little help from our dental team.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal (gum) disease. There are several symptoms, including red, swollen, and tender gums; sensitivity to heat or cold; gums that bleed easily; and lingering bad breath. Untreated gum disease can progress to periodontitis, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Who gets gingivitis?

Gingivitis is very common. Over half of all adults over the age of 30 suffer from some form of gum disease.

There are several factors that increase the risk of gum disease: 

• males, though researchers are unsure of the reason for this. There may be a hormonal component to this, or that men are more likely to contract related diseases. In addition, men are less likely to go to the dentist.
• poverty-stricken individuals and those with less than a high school education. A number of diseases are associated with these factors.
• smokers, since tobacco weakens the body’s ability to resist infection.

Gingivitis: What Causes It?

Plaque and tartar can accumulate on the teeth without good oral hygiene practices and regular dental cleanings. Bacteria in plaque irritate gum tissues, causing inflammation and infection.

Other risk factors for gingivitis include having crooked teeth that are hard to clean; smoking or chewing tobacco; hormonal changes during pregnancy; and dry mouth. Gum inflammation can also be a side effect of certain medications and be caused by certain medical conditions, including diabetes.

How Is Gingivitis Treated?

A deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing is the first line of treatment for gingivitis and periodontitis. The process of scaling is similar to that of a routine dental cleaning. Scalers are used to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line and in between teeth. Root planing involves cleaning and smoothing out the tooth’s root surfaces to encourage the gum tissue to heal.

A gingivitis treatment plan should also include maintaining daily oral hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth, flossing, and rinsing your mouth with mouthwash. Please schedule an appointment with our dental office as soon as possible if you notice any signs of gingivitis. Our team will evaluate your condition and assist you in restoring your healthy smile.

We invite you to schedule your routine dental examination and cleaning with our dental office. We provide preventive services to ensure your smile remains healthy for as long as possible. You can always count on our team for the highest level of care and service. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment!

What do you know about the formation of your teeth? The more information patients have about their teeth, the better they can take care of them. In addition, they also have a better understanding of how important it is to take care of them.

The tooth is one of the body’s most anatomically complex structures. A tooth’s tissue composition is found only in your mouth and is unique to your teeth.

Teeth, both primary and permanent

Primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, are the first set of teeth that a person develops. By the age of three, most children have all 20 primary teeth. Baby teeth have shorter, thinner roots than permanent teeth, as well as thinner enamel, giving them a much whiter appearance.

These teeth are only the first draft of our bodies. Between the ages of 6 and 12, primary teeth usually fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. All baby teeth will have been replaced by the age of 14 by 28 permanent teeth. A full permanent dentition consists of 32 teeth, including wisdom teeth, which may appear in a person’s twenties.

Teeth Varieties

All teeth are not created equal. Your teeth serve different purposes and thus have different shapes. Because of their various shapes and functions, your teeth have names to help you identify them:

• Incisors are the four teeth in the middle of the upper and lower jaws. They’re used for chopping, cutting, and holding food. The section of an incisor that you bite with is wide and thin, giving these teeth the appearance of tiny chisels with a cutting edge.
• Canines are the pointed-shaped teeth. Canines, also known as cuspids (a single-pointed tooth), are located on either side of the incisors. They are used to hold and tear food. Many people mistake them for their fangs.
• Premolars: Following the eruption of all permanent teeth, four premolars, known as bicuspids, are found next to each canine. Premolars are designed to be larger and more powerful than canines and incisors. They have ridges that crush and grind food to make it easier to swallow and digest.
• Molars: The molar is the final type of tooth. The 12 molars are flat teeth at the back of the mouth that are very wide and have several ridges to grind up food so that it can be swallowed. Properly chewing your food with your molars can help you avoid digestive issues and choking.

Your tooth’s components

Your teeth are made up of various layers and parts that connect to your jaw. They are also designed to be long-lasting and to aid in the chewing of any food texture. You can also cut a tooth into three sections:

Crown: The crown is the visible portion of the tooth above the gums, and it is composed of three layers. To begin with, it is enameled. The enamel acts as a shield to protect the inside of the tooth. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and is essential for tooth protection.

A second layer lies beneath the hard exterior. Dentin, which is slightly darker in color, accounts for the majority of the tooth’s material. Dentine is a bone-like substance that separates the hard enamel from the soft and delicate pulp cavity.

The pulp cavity, located at the core, is where the blood vessels and nerves from the roots meet. This is what gives a tooth life and the sensitivity to feel the temperature of our food and drinks, as well as pain.

Neck: The neck is the middle region of the tooth that separates the crown from the root at the gum line. As a neck, it is slightly thinner than the other sections.

Root: The root is located beneath the gum line and contains more pulp. This section of the pulp contains the nerve endings of each tooth as well as the blood vessels that bring nutrients to the tooth. Each tooth has a different number of roots. Molars will have two or three roots, while incisors, canines, and premolars will have one. The long roots that connect our teeth to our jaws are held in place and cushioned by the periodontal membrane that lies between them and the surrounding jaw bone.

You will be able to detect problems with your teeth more quickly now that you understand how they are constructed. However, our dental office is always available to assist you! How much do you know about the construction of your teeth? We believe that the more our patients understand about their teeth, the better they will be able to care for them. Please contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

What are wisdom teeth and how did they get their name? Your wisdom teeth are simply your third set of molars. Wisdom teeth generally appear between the ages of 17 and 25. In most cases, people will have to deal with their wisdom teeth at some time or another, so let’s take a look at these interesting and sometimes troublesome teeth.

Why do we have wisdom teeth?

For early humans to chew and eat, wisdom teeth were essential. Because our ancestors ate leaves, roots, and meat, their teeth may have worn down faster, so they needed a third row of molars. The types of food we eat have changed, so they are no longer necessary. Some people never develop them because of evolution over time. But others do, without experiencing any problems. Approximately 85% of people with wisdom teeth will need to have them removed.

Research is being conducted on wisdom teeth as science advances. Researchers have discovered they can be used to produce stem cells. As such, you may want to keep them after they are removed. Alternatively, researchers are looking for ways to prevent wisdom teeth from developing at all.

How do they cause problems?

Humans have developed smaller jaws over time than their ancestors. We simply do not have enough room in our mouths to accommodate extra teeth. Wisdom teeth can crowd other teeth, resulting in cosmetic issues such as crooked teeth, and can cause pain in the jaw, swollen gums, and other mouth irritations.

It is common for them to become impacted. When the teeth are misaligned, there is simply not enough room for them to break through the surface, causing quite a bit of discomfort. Wisdom teeth are also difficult to clean since they are so far back. As a result, they are at risk of infection and decay. Therefore, dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth.

What are the signs that your wisdom teeth are causing problems?

Normally, this is discovered during routine dental visits, but if you have jaw pain, swollen or painful gums, or a strange taste in the back of your mouth, you should set up an appointment with your dentist to find out what’s wrong.

Our dental office can evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and recommend appropriate procedures if necessary. If you have questions about your wisdom teeth or would like to schedule an appointment, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Sharing can often be overly comfortable when you are close to someone. Kissing is a prime example. A kiss can spread more than 500 germs between two individuals. Your oral health can be affected by sharing a kiss. Consider these kissing dangers. 

Colds and Flu

Whenever you feel like you might be coming down with a cold or the flu, it would be best to avoid kissing. This will prevent you from spreading any diseases. Colds and influenza can be easily transmitted through saliva and nasal fluids.

Cold Sores

If you know someone has a cold sore near their mouth or lips, you should avoid kissing them. Cold sores usually appear as small, clear blisters that appear around the lips. Infections caused by viruses such as cold sores are highly contagious. There is a certain level of contagiousness associated with a cold sore that is leaking fluid, but even a cold sore without fluid can spread to others. If you see a cold sore, you should avoid contact with it!

The Kissing Disease (Mono)

Kissing is one of the best ways to spread mononucleosis amongst people. Sharing habits such as sharing a straw, cup, or food can also cause the disease to spread. You should never share your food or beverages with other people. You must never share your food or your germs with anyone who has mono, even if they appear to be in good health.

Fresh Breath Tips

During a kiss, it is only natural to want breath that is fresh and clean. Spices and flavors that are strong, such as garlic and onions, should not be used in cooking. There is still a strong smell of these foods on your breath long after you have consumed them. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene every day. Apart from brushing your teeth twice a day, you should also brush your tongue, the roof of your mouth, and the inside of your cheeks. To help diffuse strong odors after eating, we recommend using a mouthwash or sugar-free gum afterward. If you feel that these solutions are not working, please make an appointment with us, as other factors may contribute to bad breath.

Kissing can spread hundreds of germs. Be cautious of cold sores, colds, and flu. Make sure that you brush and floss daily.

You can schedule your next appointment with our dental office if you would like more information on how to keep your mouth healthy. We are here for you.

You may be advised to have your child’s teeth sealed by their dentist during their next dental appointment. Dental sealants help prevent tooth decay from developing on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. To make an informed decision, it is important to understand whether a dental procedure will affect your child’s oral health.

Why Get Sealants?

The use of sealants prevents tooth decay. Sealants are applied to the back teeth, which are particularly susceptible to decay. Sealants are frequently recommended by our dentists for children and teens, but they may also be beneficial for adults. 

Located in the back of your mouth, your molars develop deep grooves on their chewing surfaces, making it difficult to keep them clean. Sealants prevent 80% of decay during the first two years following their application. Approximately half of all decay can be prevented after four years following sealant application. The risk of tooth decay for a child without sealants is three times higher than that of a child with sealants.

At what age should sealants be applied?

The first set of molars usually appears around the age of six, and the second set appears around the age of 12. Generally, sealants are most effective when they are applied just after the molars have broken through the gum line. The best time to apply sealants will be determined by your dentist during your regular dental examination.

What Should I Expect?

The use of sealants is one of the most common procedures we perform at our office. There is rarely any discomfort associated with this process. Your child’s teeth will be treated with a special gel after they have been thoroughly cleaned. After the gel has been removed, a sealant will be applied. With the aid of a small blue curing light, the sealant hardens in a matter of seconds.

What Concerns Should I Have?

Sealants do not have any side effects, and allergic reactions are extremely rare when they are utilized. If your child has allergies, you should let your doctor know so that they can determine the best course of action. 

Next Steps

When applied and maintained properly, a sealant will last for years before it needs to be replaced. To preserve the integrity of your sealants and teeth, you should visit your dental office regularly. If your child had sealants many years ago and you are not sure whether they should be replaced, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Please contact our dental office for more information and we will be happy to schedule an appointment.

It is well known that smoking and chewing tobacco can cause severe health problems, especially for the lungs. There is also the imperative point to note that the mouth and teeth can also be equally at risk. Hence, it is best not to use tobacco at all. The following is what tobacco can do to your mouth.

Chewing Tobacco

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) reports that tobacco chewers are 50 times more likely to develop gum and cheek cancer. In addition to causing gums to recede, tobacco also causes exposed roots to be sensitive. This is an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and cause decay as a result. To prevent this from happening, it is advised that chewing tobacco be avoided. Thankfully, our experienced team of oral health professionals can offer you tips on how to break this habit as well as tips on how to improve your oral health.

Smoking

According to the American Dental Association, smoking one pack of cigarettes a day has the potential to cause two teeth to be lost per decade of life. The likelihood of losing teeth increases when you smoke. So, you should avoid smoking cigarettes and cigars. In addition to causing staining, smoking can also lead to bad breath and a less-than-attractive smile.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can affect many different areas of the mouth, including your tongue, lips, the floor of your mouth, and your gums. There is a high risk of oral cancer developing in men and in people over the age of 50. According to the American Dental Association, in the United States, the prevalence of oral cancer is on the rise, especially among people under the age of 30. If you smoke, it is important to ask your dentist about an oral cancer screening, as well as to arrange to have a full oral health examination. During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, and cheeks for signs of abnormalities that could indicate oral cancer. If caught at an early stage, oral cancer can be successfully treated.

If you currently use tobacco, it is highly recommended that you cease using it. Our dental team and your physician can provide you with assistance in quitting smoking. Having regular oral exams is a good idea for everyone, but those who use tobacco should be particularly vigilant about this. We invite you to schedule an appointment to visit our office so that we may identify any potential problems. 

For additional tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next appointment, please contact our dental office.