Wendell — Page 2

When You Need An Abutment

September 27, 2013 by Wendell

In the field of dentistry, there are not numerous options when it comes to the materials used for dental implants. In addition, there are also a lot of options on surface finishes, engaging versus the non-engaging and platform switching. Dentists and technicians are now able to offer their patients with different choices when it comes to dental implant abutments. Choices may include the type of material used, the type of coatings, pre-made abutments and custom made abutments that are patient specific.

Custom Made Abutments Versus Stock Abutments

When one needs an abutment, one may want to consider custom abutments over stock abutments. Stock abutments are readily available with various angulations, materials and finishes. While the stock abutments may actually work just fine, there are instances that custom abutments will work best since this is made specifically according to the needs of the patient.

Why Should One Choose Custom Abutments?

With custom abutments, the dentist technicians are given the ability to create the ideal emergence profile which would promote development of healthy tissues and to place uniform margins just below the gums. In addition, the usage of custom abutments will also allow corrections to be made when it comes to angulations of the anatomic structure. Corrections like these are intended to create a better support as well as better crown retention.

Creation of Custom Abutments Using Advanced Technology

The creation of custom implant abutments has been made easier with the use of CAD or CAM technology. In fact, there are now a lot of dental laboratories that have invested in this type of software to design full contour restorations and substructures. Basically, with this technology, benefits like individual design control, faster turnaround time, improved fit and reduced outsourcing costs are achieved.

Advanced dental technology has also allowed the concurrent manufacturing of abutments and full contour restorations, which speeds up the case processing time. Basically, the technician is able to take into consideration the position and the shape of the final full restoration during the time the design of the dental implant abutment is created. Moreover, this also bypasses the necessity to scan the case again for a full contour restoration design since scanning the abutments is considered a time consuming and technique sensitive.

Should One Consider Getting Custom Abutments?

Custom abutments have definitely earned the trust of many dentist and dental technicians since this has provided dental personnel more control over aesthetics as well as support. In addition, this dental technology has also provided the opportunity for dental technicians to design as well as build dental cases for success from the very start. For those in need of abutments, it is best to consider the custom made abutments as this is specific to the needs of each dental patient.

Filed Under: Oral Health Tagged With: abutments, Need An Abutment

Pediatric Dentistry 101

September 19, 2013 by Wendell

Caring for your teeth is hard enough, but making sure your kids are brushing, flossing, and practicing healthy oral habits can be challenging. Many parents find themselves frustrated with their children over their oral habits. It is important to help children understand how important it is to care for their teeth. Taking them to see a pediatric dentist in Cumming, GA, is a great way to help kids understand how to brush and floss properly. Here are just a few things they will learn when then visit the dentist.

Daily Brushing

Most children do not brush their teeth for the right amount of time. From the time a child develops their first tooth, you need to start brushing their teeth. Clean your infant’s teeth with a wet washcloth or a plastic tooth scrubber. These can be purchased in most dentistry aisles at the supermarket. Once your child can hold a toothbrush, help them learn how to scrub their teeth. You need to start using toothpaste after the age of two. This will help to improve their teeth by strengthening them with fluoride. Be diligent in brushing their teeth for about 2 minutes, or 30 seconds in each zone. Teach your child how to move the toothbrush around the entire tooth. Since this is hard for kids, it is a good idea to purchase an electric toothbrush that will vibrate around the tooth. It can help to break up the plaque that forms on the tooth and causes cavities. Children should focus on brushing before bed and in the morning to help their teeth stay clean.

Daily Flossing

Kids have a hard time flossing their teeth, but it is necessary as most childhood cavities form in-between the teeth. Plan on buying some pre-made flossers for your kids to use. They can gently slide the floss in-between the teeth to remove food and excess bacteria and plaque that gets trapped. It is important to floss not only for their teeth, but for their gums. When they visit the dentist for a cleaning, the dentist will talk to them about daily flossing and why they need to floss. They will also teach your child how to properly floss since it can be difficult.

Healthy Eating

One of the reasons children have cavities is because they are not eating healthy foods. Replace the sugary snacks with fresh apples and carrots. The fruits and vegetables that are crunchy act like a natural toothbrush and help to remove plaque from the surface of the tooth. It is essential to make sure your kids are drinking plenty of water to rinse bacteria, sugar, and other things out of the mouth. Water is essential to the teeth as it does help to keep them healthier, and most water sources will contain fluoride. Fluoride is important for the development of teeth, and to improve the structure of a tooth.

Filed Under: Oral Health Tagged With: GA, pediatric dentist in Cumming, Pediatric Dentistry 101

Taking the Best Care of your Teeth

July 20, 2013 by Wendell

A very important part of your body is your teeth. They help to keep your body nourished since food first passes through them and gets broken down into consumable pieces. So, caring for your teeth is essential. The way your teeth look not only tell people the type of oral health you follow, but also the type of lifestyle you lead as well. Also, a person’s confidence level is affected if their teeth are in bad shape. Visiting your local teeth doctor and setting yourself up with a proper teeth care routine will help with the health of your teeth. Some general tips to follow are below.

Change Your Toothbrush

You should make it a habit to change your toothbrush every 90 days. An old toothbrush harbors bacteria and the bristles become out of shape which does not provide the proper cleaning. You should also change your brush if you are not comfortable with the texture or shape of it. Also, it should not be too hard or it can erode your tooth enamel quickly.

Brush Your Teeth Correctly

People often brush their teeth for only 30 seconds or less; this is not sufficient for eliminating plague. You need to be brushing your teeth for a minimum of 2 minutes. Many dentists if not all suggest you clean your teeth when you get up in the morning, after you eat and before you retire at night.

Watch Your Diet

You can protect your teeth by sticking to a low sugar diet. Any teeth doctor will suggest to you to minimize your sugar consumption since it is a leading cause of tooth decay. Sweets and starches should be avoided as well; they are a big culprit of cavity formation. If you must eat foods with sugar, make sure you brush your teeth right after you eat them. In addition, avoid tobacco and products that discolor teeth like berries, black tea or wine. These will stain your teeth and give them a bad appearance.

Schedule Regular Visits With a Dentist

Even if your teeth seem healthy and strong, it is still important that you visit your dentist twice a year. However, how often you visit the dentist depends on the shape your teeth are in. You need to be checking your dental health in between appointments. If you notice rare changes, chips, lumps or red bumps in your mouth; pay a visit to the dentist right away. More serious gum and teeth problems can occur if not taken care of. Your dentist will treat these issues and provide you with a routine for a cleaner and healthier mouth.

Other than these, drinking water that contains fluoride and using mouthwash with fluoride in it will help maintain strong, healthy and decay free teeth. You can talk with your teeth doctor for some other valuable healthy teeth tips.

Filed Under: Ortho Tips

Braces for Grownups

July 19, 2013 by Wendell

I thought braces were for kids! They are, and they’re not. Many adults are acquiring the services of an orthodontist today. Orthodontia has evolved a long way from the ‘metal mouth’ image. Now bonded brackets and clear-colored braces that are not so noticeable are available. According to Dr. Sebastian, DDS, an Atlanta Orthodontist, there is less time and discomfort involved in braces today. He says adults may wear the braces an average of 12-20 months.

Crooked teeth or the classic overbite or under-bite are not just unattractive. They can have serious repercussions for dental hygiene and jaw alignment.

In the past, if teeth were misaligned, straightening them as an adult was not considered. In fact, many people exhibited very crooked teeth throughout their lives. It was not uncommon to see persons with extreme over-bites or incredibly crowded teeth. With the evolution of orthodontia and it’s revolution within the last ten years, an adult or child with serious malocclusion is seldom seen in the US today.
Now it may be easier than you thought to provide yourself with a beautiful and healthy smile. Orthodontics Simi Valley provides a consultation and an evaluation. When this is completed, the choices are yours.

WHAT TO EXPECT
You’ve decided to achieve the smile you want! First, realize that braces are a journey, but the end results could possibly exceed your expectations.

1. Before proceeding, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and dried. They must be dry to attach the brackets.

2. A strong bonding glue is put on the teeth and brackets attached.

3. Next, the dentist will place an archwire into the brackets and hold that tight with elastic bands.

WILL IT BE PAINFUL?
Not at first. But remember, the braces are going to re-align teeth. The teeth are encased in bone. All of this must be shifted and repositioned to achieve results. So discomfort can be expected for about a week. The mouth and teeth will hurt.

WHAT TO DO
Eat soft foods for a couple of days. Foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt and soup will be easily swallowed. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen relieve soreness.
Mouth sores can be an issue in the first few weeks of orthodontia. A product called orthodontic wax may be applied as a barrier between the mouth and the rubbing appliance. Use as much as necessary.

GETTING USED TO THE IDEA
it takes about a month for a person to get used to braces. Like all appliances in the mouth, there is an adjustment period. After a period of six months, their presence can be
ignored.
It is not unusual for a tooth to begin hurting for no apparent reason. This is normal because pressure is being brought to bear to shift positioning.

The important thing about braces is to keep in mind their purpose. Most adults are happy to anticipate a new look!

Filed Under: Caring for Braces

Toothaches

July 19, 2013 by Wendell

Toothaches are one of the worst pains to deal with. Now only does the tooth hurt but it often makes your whole face and head hurt as well. Toothaches cause swollen gums, throbbing headaches and sometimes cause the pain to spread to other teeth.

The best way to deal with a toothache is to visit a tooth doctor. A tooth doctor also known as a dentist or DDS can offer patients answers as well as solutions to their tooth problems. There are many tooth doctors throughout all cities so finding a great dentist can be easy. Finding a dentist that you are comfortable with is the key to getting the best service because it is recommended to go to the dentist’s every few months for a check up.

After visiting the dentist there are many other things that can be done to relieve tooth pain. One of the most common ways to deal with tooth pain is to take some type of over the counter aspirin. The aspirin will not only help with pain but it can also help with the swelling. It typically takes about 20-30 minutes for aspirin to take full effect. Aspirin is not recommended as a daily help for toothaches.

Another good way to get rid of tooth pain is to brush your teeth and focus on the area where the pain is. The ingredients in toothpaste can actually help alleviate tooth pain. If brushing is to hard for your painful tooth simply take a small drop of toothpaste and rub it on the affected area. This will help make a seal over the tooth so not as much air or food particles can touch the affected tooth.

Ice packs are another good way to help tooth pain. Many times when a tooth hurts it becomes swollen and eventually the gum or face in that area will also become swollen. Holding an ice pack on the area for about 15 minutes at a time will help relieve some of the pain and swelling. The key to getting the best results from using an ice pack is to follow a system of icing on and off for about an hour. Ice the area for 15 minutes then take the ice pack off for 15 minutes repeating this until an hour is up.

Toothaches are one of the worst pains so it is important to take preventative care so you will get less toothaches. Brushing teeth twice a day is the number one way to keep your teeth healthy and clean. Brushing removes any food particles, surface stains and can help freshen breath. Aside from brushing be sure to use mouthwash, floss and visit the dentist regularly.

Filed Under: Oral Health

Taking Care of Your Braces

July 1, 2013 by Wendell

If you had the unfortunate experience of having to go through braces you will know that they can be tricky to take care of. Trust me, I know. I had braces for a total of 6 years growing up. San Antonio orthodontist can help you learn about braces and answer any questions you have. You will want to keep in mind the following tips when looking to take the best care of your braces. First, you want to make sure that you have all of the right equipment. Make sure you have a toothbrush, flosser, and perhaps a waterpick. By having the tools you need you are more apt to remember to use it and make using it a habit. Second, spend at least 2 minutes brushing your teeth morning and night. This is important to get rid of food that might get stuck in between brackets and wires. Two minutes might seem like a long time, but in the grand scheme of things this is really very quick. Third, remember to floss each tooth even in the way back. I found it very useful have flossers to help me easily get in and out of my teeth and under wires effectively. If food gets stuck and stays there for a long period of time bad breath can occur as well as a buildup of plaque. Fourth, I also found it very useful to get a small wire brush and use that to go around each bracket to minimize plaque and buildup. It might seem like a daunting task but this is something that is important to do. Fifth, take advantage of mouthwash. This is a great way to give someone good breath and fluoride into an individual’s mouth to protect their teeth. There’s all sorts of flavors so chances are that you’ll find something your taste buds will like. Another way to take care of your braces and make the most of it, is to ask your orthodontist for fun color rubber bands. Each time you go for a check-up change the color and mix it up for something new and fun. By doing this little thing you can somewhat make this uncomfortable situation not as bad. In addition, to take care of your braces and make them the most effective for you, make sure to wear any and all headgear that your orthodontist gives you. You might hate the look of it, and let’s face it, it might even hurt and be uncomfortable, but it will help your teeth move along as they should. Once you are through with the metal mouth phase you will be loving your new straight teeth. Lastly, one final and important way to take care of your braces is to avoid foods that can harm your braces or perhaps even make them break. Some of these food include carrots which are hard or popcorn that the kernels can break off your brackets. It is absolutely essential to keep good care of your braces so your teeth underneath are protected and don’t decay over time. Braces can be tricky, but if you take care of them they are a great and easy way to make you have beautiful and straight teeth for a killer smile.

Filed Under: Caring for Braces, Ortho Tips

Preventative Dental Care

June 26, 2013 by Wendell

No one wants to be ill. We want to have long and healthy lives. We visit our primary care physician, hoping to keep illness away or to get better in a timelier manner if we have some kind of illness. We do not often view visiting the tooth doctor, the dentist, as being more than a cosmetic endeavor. Certainly, if we have not been careful with our dental hygiene, we may have a cavity or two, but generally we think of a dental cleaning as being a minor procedure and not very urgent.

This attitude about skipping dental care can cost people a lot in the long run. The expense can be monetary, but it can also be at the cost of your ongoing health.

The obvious cost of not seeing a tooth doctor regularly, or as soon as a small problem crops up is that the problem gets worse. Skipping regular cleaning and x-rays allows plaque buildup, and can permit the onset of gum disease. It is much better to go in to the dentist, get regular cleaning and exams and to have the teeth treated with sealant than it is to have to have a root canal. Treat dental problems as urgently as you would treat a problem in the rest of your body. If you have fillings and one comes loose, get it looked at immediately. It may be that the cavity is growing again, and needs to be cleaned and refilled. Delaying regular care can result in severe decay. You then may need a root canal, or you may lose the tooth and need expensive extractions, bridges and crowns to replace the damage to your bite.

A second, less visible cost of poor dental care is a decline in your overall health. A cavity can lead to a systemic infection. Bacteria that are causing decay in your mouth can go to other parts of your body. Poor dental health can actually lead to heart trouble. It will migrate to the inside of any arteries that have problems and cause inflammation there as well as in your mouth. If you happen to have a joint replacement, the bacteria from your mouth will be inclined to settle there and attack that joint. Make your tooth doctor aware of any other health problems you have. It may be that you will need to take antibiotics before any procedure, including cleanings, just to keep infections out of your system.

The dentist is part of your health care team. People who have access to dental care live longer lives and save money as well. Dental problems lead to poor nutrition, but regular preventative dental care helps prevent other health problems as well.

Filed Under: Oral Health

Getting Rid of Yellow Stains on Your Teeth

June 4, 2013 by Wendell

Yellow teeth can make people self-conscious and keep them from smiling. Many things can cause yellow teeth, including genetics. Most of the time, however, stains are the only thing that stands in the way of a confident smile.

Keeping teeth white is harder than it seems because so many things can discolor them. Some stains respond to home remedies while others require professional whitening. Of the many dental treatments available in Visalia, bleaching teeth Visalia is a common one.

What Causes Yellow Teeth?

Even proper teeth maintenance can leave teeth looking yellow and lackluster. Daily encounters with coffee, tea, wine and other foods make it hard to keep teeth white. Smoking and medications also affect teeth, often turning them a yellow hue.

For smokers, the yellow stains result from a buildup of nicotine, tar and other substances in tobacco smoke. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), tobacco smoke yellows not only the teeth but also the fingernails.

Some foods and beverages can also cause yellow stains on the teeth. Coffee, tea, cola, wine and many different foods contain organic tannins and commercial dyes that discolor the teeth.

Medications such as tetracycline and other antibiotics can cause permanent discoloration. If given to children younger than 8 years of age, they can cause permanent yellow or gray teeth.

For some people, genetics are responsible for yellow teeth. Yellow may be the natural hue of teeth enamel. Genetic disorders can also affect teeth color. Sometimes, yellow teeth are simply the result of poor hygiene.

How Do Yellow Teeth Get White?

The treatment for yellow teeth depends on the cause and severity of discoloration. Mild stains may benefit from baking soda toothpaste or over-the-counter whitening gels or strips. For serious stains, bleaching teeth Visalia is a good way to get yellow teeth white again.

Professional teeth whitening delivers big results in a short amount of time. Under the supervision of a Visalia dentist, in-office teeth whitening usually starts with teeth polishing, which uses pumice to remove plaque. This is followed by a teeth whitening procedure that uses hydrogen peroxide or another liquid solution. Some dentists use a laser to activate the peroxide.

Professinal teeth whitening normally takes between 30 and 60 minutes. After the optimum time has passed, the treated teeth are rinsed with water. Some dentists apply fluoride to minimize the sensitivity associated with teeth whitening.

People who choose bleaching teeth Visalia to get rid of yellow stains must be careful to avoid re-staining their teeth. They are usually advised to avoid highly-pigmented foods and beverages for at least 24 hours after the dental procedure. This enables the teeth enamel pores to close and prevent further staining.

Filed Under: Oral Health, Ortho Tips

Enamel Enhancers

September 3, 2012 by Wendell

There are plenty of toothpastes and rinses that you can buy that help you to build enamel coating on your teeth. Foods with sugars and such are not typically good for your teeth because when it is not washed out all the way, it begins to wear at your enamel and that is what gives you sensitive teeth. However, there are some foods that you can eat that help you to build that enamel back up without having to buy the expensive products at the store that can damage your mouth in other ways.

Teeth are like bones, in that they benefit from the intake of calcium. Dairy products are full of calcium and are good for you to eat when you have sensitive teeth. Things such as milk and yogurt are low in sugar and acidity which means that your teeth will not ache after eating them. The low acidity also helps to balance the pH in your mouth which keeps breath smelling good and your teeth feeling great!

Believe it or not, onions are good for your teeth. They have a compound in them that is anti-bacterial which helps to kill those nasty bacteria that make your gums and teeth ache. Make sure that you brush your teeth after, but it could end up being good for you!

Some other random foods include sesame seeds, fruits, green tea, and lots of water. Keep that in mind so that you can avoid sensitive teeth!

Filed Under: Orthodontic Info

Starting an Orthodontist Office

May 7, 2012 by Wendell

When opening an orthodontist office, your main concern should be your patients. Making your office environment friendly and welcoming is a must. Patients who feel comfortable will have a more enjoyable experience and be more likely to return as well as to recommend you to their friends and associates. In many areas of your patients’ lives today they will find ready entertainment. For instance, satellite TV for restaurants, Wi-Fi ready hotspots, hand held smart phones that allow them to take entertainment with them, as well as other waiting time entertainment options.

When starting your practice, of course, the priority at your office should be showing that you have the knowledge, skill, and training to take proper care of their orthodontic health. Once you have established your training and skill as a provider; patients also want to feel that you care about them, and more importantly about their time.

Showing your patients that you care about their time can be done in several ways:

Hiring an office staff members who are friendly and courteous
Understanding the value of their time by meeting set appointments on schedule
Providing an enjoyable experience while in the waiting area

Your office staff will be the first impression of your office. From the person answering the phone and scheduling the appointment to that first friendly face they see as they walk through the door. If you have a staff of knowledgeable and friendly people your patients will feel more confident in your practice. A friendly greeting as a patient enters the door to the office goes a long way in helping them feel reassured and comfortable.

Once you have that caring friendly staff, your priority needs to be creating an enjoyable waiting experience. The waiting experience is almost as important as the orthodontic care your patient will receive. We all know that no one enjoys waiting. You should first of all run your practice in such a way as to minimize wait times. If a patient enters your office and has a minimal wait time, they are sure to return and to spread the good word.

Though you have minimized the wait, some time spent in the waiting room may be inevitiable. That is why it is important to provide ample entertainment options for your patients when they do have to wait. A few suggestions are:

Magazines – Subscribe to magazines and/or newspapers from various genres so as to offer variety. By providing different options you are enabling your patients access to items that will interest them.
Television – There are options such as videos, or TV from DISH Network as an option for your waiting rooms as well as in your individual patient rooms. Dish Network provides programming options to meet individual preferences.
Wi-Fi – Many patients will have their own smart phones that are Wi-Fi ready and allow them access to their own applications and programs. Make their wait enjoyable by providing this option for them.

Making your patients’ experience in your office a pleasant one will bring you repeat and referral business.

Filed Under: Orthodontics