We have all heard the lore surround Benjamin Franklin’s wooden teeth. Can you imagine how cumbersome it must have been to wear those? How do you clean them properly and what about the fear of getting painful splinters in your gums and tongue? The thought of that situation sounds like the worst thing ever. It might be more comfortable to just have no teeth and rely on a diet of soft or liquid foods. The problem with losing teeth has been around for years and in the past there were not many options to rectify this ordeal. Maybe you have an early memory of seeing one of your grandparents early in the morning before they slipped in the false teeth that they kept in a glass by the bed. The memory might be etched in your mind of their pucker looking mouth without the non-descript teeth standard of the set of false teeth that were common for an entire generation. Modern dental practices have come up with much better options to create faux smiles that are better to look at.
The next step in dental repair was the bridge. This option sacrificed two additional, perfectly good teeth to fill in for one that was missing. It still was a removable piece and consisted of filing down two abutment teeth to nubs no matter how healthy they were. This process is less than ideal and terrible in the long run. So now we have dental implants. This amazing development has the best effect and comes closest to simulating real teeth. Not every part of getting implants is easy and wonderful but remembering that the final product is long-lasting and can fool anyone who does not have access to an x-ray machine is key. Getting implants takes some patience and several visits to the dentist as it is a many step process.
First the bad tooth or teeth need to be completely removed and there is a healing period of time that follows. After a sufficient amount of time a post will be placed in the bone of your jaw itself. This acts like an artificial root to anchor the tooth. It does take additional time and waiting for your jaw bone to heal around the set post, but this just makes it all the more permanent. Once the doctor checks and finds that your jaw has healed around the post, then you are ready for the crown of the implant to be attached. The end result is a something that looks exactly like a real tooth and functions as one would. You are able to floss and brush as you would normally. Eating foods like corn on the cob or steak is not a problem and no one is able to tell that the tooth is not real from looking at it. Only an X-ray can prove that your tooth is artificial.
So if you ever need an artificial tooth to fill in a gap in your smile, getting dental implants is truly the best way to replace it. You don’t ruin any of your other teeth needlessly nor will you ever be caught toothless in the wee hours or risk them slipping out from faulty adhesive. Your oral hygiene regimen will not have to change or be done in secret to prevent other from finding out your secret and your smile can remain an asset to your look.
How do Dental Implants Work
What Does a Cosmetic Dentist Do?
There are any number of things that can go wrong with someone’s teeth. They can grow weak, develop cavities, grow in crooked, discolor, and develop a huge variety of other problems. While a general dentist can take care of many issues from cleaning to drilling, there are some issues that require special training. For issues that aren’t actually threatening the teeth or the person’s dental hygiene, but which are simply unpleasant looking, the client needs the services of a cosmetic dentist.
What Does a Cosmetic Dentist Do?
As the name suggests, this variety of dental professional focuses on procedures that affect the way teeth look, rather than how they function. Similar to a cosmetic surgeon, who performs procedures to alter the way someone looks even if there is nothing physically wrong with them, this kind of dentist specializes in making someone’s mouth look different. This requires a great deal of additional training over and above what the individual needs to be a dentist in the first place, and it also requires training in each of the unique cosmetic procedures that he or she will be performing on patients.
What Dental Procedures Qualify as Cosmetic?
Any dental procedure which has no effect on the actual strength or health of the teeth, but only changes the way they look, qualifies as a cosmetic dental procedure. Procedures like putting in teeth caps, whitening teeth, attaching veneers or crowns are all cosmetic procedures for which one should seek out a dentist with experience in providing a quality, cosmetic experience. There are other procedures, but these are some of the most common ones performed on a regular basis.
Why Would Someone Go To a Cosmetic Dentist?
The reasons someone would go to this kind of dentist are at least as varied as the number of procedures that these dentists can perform in the first place. Someone who is embarrassed that his or her teeth have been stained by a lifetime love of coffee, or a smoking habit, might want to try and get their teeth whitened so they can smile without feeling self conscious about it. People with an alternative lifestyle might want to get gold or silver crowns over their teeth, and some people might even want to have caps that are shaped like vampire fangs. People who might feel their teeth are ugly because of chips or cracks might want them shaved and a veneer put over them.
Whatever the reason, everyone wants a smile that they can be proud of. That is what these dentists specialize in, and it’s why so many different patients with so many different needs come to them. No matter the canvas, these dentists can make them beautiful.
5 Things An Oral Surgeon Can Do
Oral surgeons are like a specialized dentist. They are able to do things that dentists are not allowed to do like performing surgery and invasive procedures. When you visit an oral surgeon in San Antonio they will be able to perform many things that dentists cannot, including: cleft lip correction, implants, impacted tooth removal (like with wisdom teeth), treatment of infections and relief of sleep apnea.
When a person is born with a cleft lip or palette, their lip and nose area has not been completely formed and can cause many problems. An oral surgeon is able to correct this by performing several surgeries throughout the patient’s childhood and, sometimes, life. Although it does take more than one surgery to correct this problem, if handled by a good surgeons, it can look almost completely normal by the time adulthood is reached.
After a tooth is lost, the mouth is left with a space where their tooth was. This can be embarrassing to a person and can sometimes cause discomfort when eating or talking. If the mouth is strong enough and the bone able to withstand it, an oral surgeon can fit and place a dental implant that looks like an actual tooth.
Impacted teeth are teeth that are unable to cut through the gums and develop normally. They can be extremely uncomfortable and are often removed before they can even start creating problems. The most popular teeth to be removed this way are wisdom teeth. An oral surgeon will remove these in teens and young adults so they will not have problems with them later on in life.
An infection of the face can become a serious problem that causes health issues along with discomfort performing everyday activities. If your dentist sees one of these problems, he can refer you to an oral surgeon that can diagnose, treat and prevent it from happening again. It is important you see an oral surgeon if you are having any difficulty eating or talking because these could be signs of dangerous infections.
Sleep apnea is a disorder which can cause a person to stop breathing while sleeping. This problem can usually be corrected with medicine, therapy or breathing treatments. If the problem becomes severe, an oral surgeon is able to cut out parts of the mouth palette that will leave the patient’s airways completely open while sleeping.
A dentist will help you take care of your mouth for routine things and help treat them, but an oral surgeon is able to address more serious problems. They are highly trained, medical professionals who can treat or repair almost any oral disease or problem a patient has. Look today for oral surgeons in San Antonio.
The Advantages of Braces and Invisalign
A person can receive many advantages of braces that will help their overall health. The main advantage is they will receive a smile with straight teeth, and they will correct their dental problems at the same time. Braces are used to align their teeth and to prevent decaying in teeth that are crooked or overlapping.
What Are Some Advantages of Braces?
The people who have their teeth aligned with braces tend to have better teeth health, and this helps their teeth from tearing and wearing in the long term. Teeth that are aligned also prevent gum disease, cavities, and many other health concerns.
If a person has a hard time brushing and flossing their teeth, then they should really consider getting braces. Braces can help people clean their teeth in a more effective manner since the teeth are going to be aligned. When a person’s teeth are so crooked, they can’t floss and brush properly and that makes them prone to disease and various infections.
The advantages of braces include a perfect smile, higher self-esteem, and higher overall health.
Braces also help people take care of their teeth in a more efficient manner and have a more healthy lifestyle.
What is Invisalign?
One of the most popular braces out there is Invisalign. These type of braces are made with aligners that are transparent and overtime they straighten out the teeth. Invisalign braces are really popular among people who want straight teeth without the traditional metal braces. In addition, the aligners are very comfortable to wear, and food can be consumed easily since they can be removed.
Invisalign also prevents many side effects that traditional braces get. Almost all other orthodontic treatments will cause the roots of teeth to shorten and tooth decay occurs up to 50 percent of patients since the traditional braces can’t be removed for cleaning or eating. Patients who use Invisalign receive a new aligner every two weeks, and the aligners give less force and pain that traditional braces.
Aligners should be removed to drink, eat, to clean the teeth, or to have them checked by a dentist. Patients who have Invisalign have no restrictions on the food that they can it since the aligners are removable. The use of computer planning is also used for patients with Invisalign. As with other orthodontic treatments that use computer planning, this allows the patient to review the project smile, compare different plants, learn how long the treatment will take, and make a better decision if they want Invisalign in the first place.
Receiving invisible braces in Baton Rouge or anywhere is an easy task and whoever receives them will be happy with the results.
How to Floss Your Teeth
While it is common for most people to brush their teeth at least once a day as part of their oral hygiene regimen, many people fail to realize that flossing their teeth is just as important as brushing. Flossing is the process of using a thin, floss silk thread to remove food particles and plaque from the spaces between one’s teeth. Flossing helps prevent plaque build-up, gum disease and tooth loss. When a person visits the General Dentists in St Louis for a routine dental checkup, they will typically receive a gift bag containing dental floss, along with toothpaste and a new toothbrush.
However, just because a patient receives free dental floss from a General Dentist in St Louis, it does not mean they will ask the dentist for a tutorial on how to use it! In the event, however, a patient suddenly becomes curious about how to use that “wax-covered string” in their complimentary gift bag, they won’t have to wait until their next checkup with the General Dentists in St Louis to learn how; instead, they can implement the following flossing technique as part of their daily oral care routine.
To begin, the patient will pull approximately 18 inches of dental floss from its dispenser, and wind each end of the floss around the middle finger of each hand. There should be two to three inches of clean floss for him to start with. The patient must pinch the two to three inch string between his index finger and thumb, gliding it back and forth between his teeth toward the gum line. Once at the gum line, the patient must curve the floss around the tooth and gently glide it back and forth slightly below the gum line.
Before proceeding to the next set of teeth, the patient must unwind two to three inches of floss from his middle fingers to release a clean piece of floss. Using clean floss in each space prevents bacteria, food particles, and plaque residue from being redeposited into the mouth. The patient will floss all upper and lower teeth working in a clockwise direction, taking care not to rip the floss as this could scratch his gums.
It is best for the patient to floss before brushing to ensure that plaque and food particles have been thoroughly removed from between his teeth and along the gum line. This will ensure that these particles are completely brushed away and rinsed out of the patient’s mouth. As the patient combines flossing with brushing on a daily basis, he can significantly reduce the incidence of periodontal disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
These tips were brought to you buy a general dentist St. Louis.
Great Ways To Get Whiter Teeth
A bright, white smile is one of the first things that people notice about each other. When people don’t feel confident about their smiles, they tend to do it less often. An attractive smile portrays confidence and approachability, and can make a huge difference in a person’s social life and even their career.
There are a number of factors that can cause teeth to become discolored, and many of them can be prevented to an extent. Over time, even healthy teeth will become less bright. Exposure to certain foods and beverages can stain teeth, and eventually they will become permanently discolored. Coffee and tea are probably the two biggest and most common culprits, but pretty much anything consumed that is dark in color, such as cola, red wine or grape juice, will stain the teeth over time. Cigarette smoking is another frequent cause of yellowing teeth.
There are daily measures that can be taken to prevent the discoloration of the teeth. Good oral hygiene is the first line of defense. Brushing in the morning, before bed, and after meals may seem rather obvious, but it is one way to prevent staining. Cutting down on beverages that can stain teeth is another tip; sipping those drinks with a straw to minimize contact with the teeth can help as well.
There are a variety of tooth whitening kits and treatments that can be found in local drugstores. These home treatments can provide varying results. It is advisable to consult a dentist before using these due to the fact that some of the ingredients can be harsh and cause tooth pain. Brushing teeth with a whitening toothpaste or plain baking soda can help remove some of the stains and prevent new discoloration, but for severely stained teeth, or more dramatic results, professional tooth whitening is the best option. When searching for tooth whitening in Visalia, for example, there are many options available.
In-office bleaching can be done in one or more office visits and has several advantages over home bleaching kits. The bleach gel that is used by professionals is thicker and less likely to seep into the porous enamel of the teeth, reducing the likelihood of pain and sensitivity. Professional whitening often makes use of intense lights in conjunction with the bleaching gel to intensify its effects.
After the procedure, it may be recommended to use home whitening kits or other whitening methods in addition to excellent oral hygiene to keep the results lasting as long as possible. Professional tooth whitening is not a permanent solution. The staining and discoloration process begins again immediately after tooth whitening is finished, so consistent upkeep of the teeth is necessary to keep the smile its best.
Going To The Dentist Regularly
The condition of a person’s oral health may be an indicator of their overall well-being. With regular dental checkups, the seasoned experts at San Antonio Teeth Cleaning help protect against disorders associated with dental problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, for example.
Lack of oral health may also adversely affect a person’s sense of smell, ability to taste and swallow, along with their smile and other facial expressions. In addition, for pregnant women, diseased gums may cause below normal birth weight for the baby, or possible premature birth.
In ancient times, so the story goes, witch-doctors believed tooth worms caused toothaches. They believed a worm drilled its way into a tooth and pain came when the worm squirmed inside the tooth. For treatment, they would spread honey over the patient’s teeth and wait for the worm to come out of the tooth to eat the honey, and then grab it. Suppose they’re still waiting?
Over the centuries, though, a steady stream of medical knowledge allowed dental care to emerge from fiction to fact. Today, dentists are aware that plaque is the primary cause of cavities and gum disease.
Plaque is a sticky film made up of mucus and bacteria that adheres to teeth. If not removed, the bacterium infects the gums and penetrates the blood vessels. Once it gets into the bloodstream, it’s transported throughout the body. The only way to stop the flow of bacteria is to have the plaque removed from the person’s teeth.
The professionals at San Antonio Teeth Cleaning remove plaque from patient’s teeth, at every regularly scheduled check-up.
Dental care is important for tobacco users. Tobacco accelerates the onset of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss, along with other complications such as oral cancer, which spreads quickly.
Likewise, regular dental checkups help curtail tooth problems that occur with age. A common malady is that gums recede from the teeth, which exposes the roots of teeth to bacteria. Also, seniors tend to produce less saliva and are more susceptible to tooth decay, as saliva helps neutralize the bacterium that causes cavities.
The grounds for regular dental checkups at San Antonio Teeth Cleaning continue: Treatment for tooth decay and gum disease is more effective when discovered early. Along with gums, periodontal disease attacks the bones that support teeth, and early treatment is more productive. Cavities may be a sign of vitamin and mineral deficiency, and sensitive teeth can mean the erosion of enamel. The fluoride treatments dentists give helps prevent decay, which is preventive maintenance.
Dental appointments make some people nervous, so don’t drink coffee or eat sweets beforehand, as they may bring on anxiety.
Common Causes Of Cavities
You only get only set of teeth per lifetime, which means you need to keep those chompers looking pearly white. Cavities are both painful and expensive to deal with and can eventually lead to more serious dental issues requiring more invasive, unpleasant procedures such as crowns, bridges and root canals. Worst case scenario, you may even loose your teeth due to poor dental hygiene. Fortunately, by spending just a few minutes ever day to take your of your teeth and gums and making regular visits to a dental hygienist for cleanings and checkups, such as at Riverton Dentist, you can keep your smile looking bright and beautiful.
Unfortunately,for those of us with a strong sweet tooth, one of the most common causes of cavities is consuming sugary foods. Cavities occur when sugars and starches are left are on your teeth, allowing the bacteria in your mouth a chance to nibble away at your then weakened enamel. Unfortunately, sugary sweets and treats, including sodas, are some of the worst culprits for leaving behind these sticky carbohydrates that bacteria love. The best way to prevent this common cause of cavities, is to having avoid sugary snacks throughout the day and to brush your teeth after indulging in these treats. Brushing away the plaque the prevent any bacteria from having a chance to start breaking down your enamel and create cavities.
Another one of the most frequent causes of cavities is acid erosion. Sodas and other acidic drinks such as fruit juices are all highly acidic on your teeth and slowly break down the enamel coating. Unfortunately, once your enamel has been damaged to due acid wear, there is little that can be done to restore it, however, extra caution must be taken to ensure no further damage is caused. Enamel is crucial is protecting your teeth and keeping them strong. Once acid has worn down the enamel, your teeth become increasingly more susceptible to cavities and other dental issues. If you can’t live without your morning orange juice, drink from a straw to prevent the acid from being washed over all of your teeth, then afterwards, rinse your mouth with water. After consuming something acidic, wait at least one hour before brushing as your enamel is currently in a more vulnerable state and brushing immediately will do more harm than good.
Finally, proper brushing and flossing technique is crucial in preventing cavities. Flossing, in particular, is essential for removing plaque buildup between teeth, which your toothbrush alone cannot remove. It is recommended that you spend at least two minutes, twice a day, doing quality brushing, as well as flossing once a day for optimal oral hygiene.
Tips for Sensitive Teeth
If you suffer from sensitive teeth, you are not alone; orem utah dental work can help. With the right tools and changes in habit you can overcome this annoying and reoccurring problem.
Toothpaste
Start with toothpaste made especially for sensitive teeth. Many brands make this. Your dentist might recommend one if you have not had much luck searching on your own. While this can really reduce sensitivity when brushing, it can also create a protectant shield to keep it in check throughout the day. What a way to improve upon daily life! Mouth issues like canker sores and toothaches can take over your life. Get ahold of them today!
Floss
This might sound counter productive if it hurts to floss. But flossing can remove the bacteria and junk caught in your molars to put them at ease. When this stuff sits there for hours, it can rot and spread, causing pain. Just rinsing with mouth wash and flossing can get rid of the problem in some cases. Even if you brush twice daily as recommended, you are not doing enough if you do not floss or rinse properly.
Eat Right
Did you know that orem utah dental work has solved this problem with food recommendations? Certain foods break down easier, creating painful germ spreading and mouth weakening. If you already have weak teeth, this might be serious. So stay away from junk food that breaks down quickly, like chips and candy. Chewy candy that gets stuck in the teeth is a big no-no. Also, brush after you eat fruit or starch that breaks down into sugars. Avoid acidic items like citrus and drinks like soda. They are acidy and sugary- a double whammy. If you need to, take a toothbrush to work to discreetly work on your routine wherever you go. Just because you are in a professional setting that does not mean that your body takes a brake from digesting.
Gum
Chewing gum also stimulates saliva glands so that you work against the grime of food. This might not seem to make sense, but sugar free gum might do you some good. If you cannot get to a toothbrush, then the best you can do is to rinse thoroughly with water and then chew on some minty gum for good breath and a cleaner palette.
Better Style
Turn to orem utah dental work for help with the way you brush. Doing it too vigorously, not enough, or with too hard of bristles can damage the gums and create sensitivity. So calm down and take easy-going strokes. While you still need friction, you don’t want to rub it completely raw. Take your time, brush longer, floss, eat right, and see your dentist to remove the sensitivity in your teeth.
Who Needs Space Maintainers?
Everyone is born with baby teeth. They fall out and our adult teeth grow in. However, sometimes our baby teeth fall out too soon, or our adult teeth need a little guidance while they grow in. This is where orthodontists, like Orthotime, a leading Utah orthodontist, utilize space maintainers.
These space maintainers are exactly what their name is. They are plastic or stainless steel that is anchored to a fake tooth that maintains the proper space for the new adult tooth to properly come into. When a baby tooth is lost too soon it can no longer act as a guide for the adult tooth and it could erupt in a completely wrong place. This will often cause many problems as the child grows older and will require lots of orthodontic work.
There are many different types of space maintainers. Some are fixed and some, for older children, are removable. Talk to an orthodontist to understand if your child may need a space maintainer. It can often be determined through a simple oral examine or through an x-ray.
