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Having a beautiful smile can play such an important role in the quality of our lives. Just think about it. A nice smile makes you feel more confident about yourself, and can even change the way other people view you for the better! So it’s no wonder so many people are opting for cosmetic dental procedures to improve the appearance of their smiles. Modern cosmetic dentistry provides patients with many options, so we’ve collected information about a few of those procedures to help you decide which one might be best for you.

Teeth Whitening

One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures is also one of the simplest and least expensive – teeth whitening. There are plenty of over-the-counter products available in your local drug store, but to really see a dramatic difference that whitening can make in your smile, you’ll need to have your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist. Keep in mind, however, that whitening is not the right choice for everyone. It is not recommended for children. People who have sensitive teeth may find that whitening increases that sensitivity to the point that it is painful or uncomfortable for a brief period of time. And people with a large amount of restorative dental work (i.e., fillings, crowns, etc.) should keep in mind that whitening products only work on natural tooth enamel and not on dental material.

Dental Veneers

One relatively simple cosmetic procedure can produce truly dramatic improvements in a patient’s smile. Dental veneers are made of an extremely thin layer of dental porcelain material that is applied over the top of each tooth using an adhesive material. Veneers are often an effective way to resolve a variety of minor dental issues, such as cracked teeth, permanently stained or yellowed teeth, and teeth with wide gaps in between, to name just a few. When you see picture-perfect celebrity smiles, many of them are the result of this popular cosmetic dentistry procedure.

Dental Bonding

Bonding is one of the most economical ways to repair teeth that are damaged or discolored. The results are impressive and the procedure is quick and easy. Your dentist simply applies a bonding material over the surface of your existing tooth, then uses a special light to harden the material. Bonding may be relatively inexpensive, fast and simple, but it does have some limitations. Bonded teeth can be stained in much the same way as your natural teeth. The bonding material will need to be replaced every few years. And bonded teeth are susceptible to damage, so patients are advised to avoid some problematic foods.

If you’d like to improve the appearance of your smile, ask your dentist about these and other cosmetic dentistry procedures. There’s nothing like a beautiful smile to make you feel good about yourself and improve the quality of your life!

Healthy gums and good oral health go hand-in-hand. In fact, you can’t experience good oral health if you don’t have healthy gums. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and has even been associated with more serious ailments, such as diabetes and heart disease, for example. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take every day to ensure that your gums remain healthy.

• Brush and floss every day. It may sound obvious, but brushing and flossing each and every day is the foundation for good oral health. Remember to change your toothbrush on a regular basis (usually every 3 to 4 months) and to brush as thoroughly as possible every time. After you brush, use floss to remove any remaining food particles between teeth. Most dentists recommend that you brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day, but if you feel the need to floss more often, your gums will benefit from the extra effort. Just be careful not to damage your gums with flossing, since lesions in the gum tissue can become infected.
• Remove any sticky residue left on teeth. If you notice leftover food particles along your gum line even after brushing and flossing, use a toothpick or other over-the-counter dental instrument to remove as much of the residue as possible, taking care not to harm your gums in the process. This sticky residue is the early stages of plaque formation, so it’s helpful to remove it whenever you notice it.
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash. One excellent way to remove any remaining food debris between teeth is with an over-the-counter antiseptic mouthwash. Find a brand that includes “anti-gingitivis” on the label to ensure that you’re using a formula designed to promote gum health.
• Maintain a healthy diet. Certain foods are particularly good for your oral health. These include dairy products that contain high amount of calcium, such as cheese. Other foods actually help to clean your teeth, massage your gums, and neutralize acid inside your mouth – celery and apples are two good examples. And, of course, don’t eat too much sugar. You may have a sweet tooth, but unfortunately bacteria does too, and sugary foods feed the bad bacteria inside your mouth.
• Visit your dentist regularly. No matter how careful you are about your oral hygiene routine at home, you’ll never remove all the plaque and tartar that build up on teeth both above and under the gum line without frequent professional cleanings. You should visit your dentist for an oral exam and cleaning at least twice a year, or as often as your dentist recommends.

Healthy gums are much like the foundation of a house: without a good foundation, the house will crumble. Fortunately, by following these simple steps and visiting your dentist on a regular basis, you can achieve good oral health that will last a lifetime.

There are so many healthy habits we can engage in to help promote our good oral health – habits like brushing and flossing every day, eating a healthy diet, and visiting your dentist on a regular basis for oral exams and professional cleanings. While it’s always a good idea to keep these healthy habits in mind, it’s also important to remember what NOT to do. The unfortunate fact is that there are many habits that can damage your teeth and gums, so think twice before you engage in any of these.

• Watch what you drink. Although it’s important to stay hydrated, some drinks can wreak havoc with your teeth and gums. Sugary sodas come in at the top of that list. In fact, even sugar-free sodas are bad for your oral health. The acidity of sodas damages your teeth. If there’s sugar involved, that’s even worse. Alcohol has the same problem – the acidity erodes the enamel of your teeth. Alcohol also decreases saliva production, which means you’ll be less likely to wash away any remaining food particles or bacteria inside your mouth.
• Stay away from sugar. No surprise here. Eating sugary foods and drinking sugary beverages is one of the worst things you can do for your teeth. And the more time your teeth are exposed to sugar, the worse it becomes. That means that foods that are likely to remain for a long time inside your mouth (like hard candies, for example) and others that are likely to stick to the surface of your teeth (such as caramel candy) are the worst of the worst. Limit your intake of foods and beverages containing sugar. If you have a sweet tooth, fruit is a great option; apples in particular.
• Don’t smoke. It’s just as simple as that. Smoking is a nasty habit that causes your teeth to turn yellow and can eventually lead to oral cancer. Chewing tobacco is much worse than smoking because the tobacco stays in direct contact with your teeth and gums for long periods of time. If you chew tobacco or smoke, your teeth and gums will suffer the consequences.
• Watch out for medications that can cause a dry mouth. Several different types can fall into this category, including both over-the-counter and prescription medication. Reduced saliva production can make you more prone to tooth decay.
• Don’t grind your teeth. This may sound like simple advice, but it’s a habit that’s difficult to break on your own. Teeth grinding can wear down your teeth and also lead to pain in your jaw and other issues. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, talk to your dentist about methods that can help with this problem. Mouth guards, for example, can alleviate the symptoms of bruxism (teeth grinding).
• Your teeth are not tools. There are many instruments designed for opening bottles or removing clothing tags, but your teeth don’t fall into that category.

Maintain your healthy teeth and gums by engaging in healthy habits every single day. When it comes to good oral health, remembering what NOT to do is important!
 

We all know someone who brags about their report from the dentist. “No cavities, once again!” he says, as he flashes that million-watt smile. If you get cavities from time to time, his candor may make you wonder: have I mastered the art of the 45 degree toothwide brushstroke? Perhaps I need a flouride treatment? Do I need to defer to superstition and prayer along with regular check-ups?

Yes and no.

The truth is, your friend may have been born with a great predisposition to oral health. Along with your dad’s sense of humor, you may have inherited his jaw size and susceptibility to gum disease. But your genetic disposition only goes so far. Routine cleaning and check-ups, proper dental care, and early diagnosis and treatment can ensure you give yourself the best chance for a great report and an enduring smile.

What can be inherited, and what can I do about it?

When people say they have “bad teeth,” they’re likely referring to three problems: misalignment, gum disease and tooth decay.

Misalignment. Since genetics determines the shape of your jaw, you can thank your predecessors for crowding, under bites, and overbites.

Getting braces on our kids early can positively alter the structure of their teeth and help to develop their bones. For adults, the benefits are more than aesthetic. A proper bite, straight teeth, and an aligned jaw can enhance long-term oral health.

Periodontal disease: About one-third of the population is predisposed to gum disease. This is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place, and is characterized by inflammation and sensitivity, and can lead to decay.

For those who are predisposed to gum disease, proper dental hygiene and early detection can slow and reverse its advances. If you know your parents or other family members have had gum disease, tell your dentist.

Tooth decay: More than half the risk of decay is linked to genetic factors and researchers have linked tooth decay to variations in one gene. Our genetic profile can describe the flavors we prefer, our enamel, the strength of our saliva, even the way our immune system reacts to bacteria in our mouth.

But about 40% of tooth decay issues are environmental. This confirms the value of regular cleanings and checkups, proper brushing, and a low-sugar diet. If you are disposed to tooth decay, you can also talk to your dentist about sealants, fluoride treatments, and prescription toothpastes and mouth rinses.

Your soda-drinking, candy-eating friend who boasts about his perfect report may just be lucky, but there is no reason to despair–so much is actually in our control.

If you grew up in the 1980s or 1990s getting clunky metal braces was almost a rite of passage. You’d show up to school one day, and instead of pearly whites you’d have a cumbersome metal track in your mouth accented with dayglow rubber bands. This rite of passage is no longer necessary. In recent years, more people have chosen to go with Invisalign, a more comfortable a discreet option that works faster and is also safer for your teeth. If you’ve made this choice or are thinking about opting for Invisalign, the following are fundamental tactics to get the most out of your treatment:

Keep your teeth extra clean

Since the aligners enclose your teeth, saliva cannot easily rebuild the enamel surfaces. Also, the trays can also hold in the matter that is made loose by your brushing routine. Because your enamel is comprimised and you may have gunk enclosed in the tray, you are more susceptible to cavities. Devote yourself to regular flossing, opt for a whitening toothpaste and be prepared to get cleanings more frequently. You’ll also want to rinse your tray each time you remove and replace it.

Follow your doctor’s plan

Orthodontists recommend you keep them on for 20-22 hours a day. Because Invisalign is a removable plastic tray, it may be tempting to take them off often. Try to keep them on unless you’re eating or caring for your teeth. This is especially important for the first 48 hours, when you put on a new aligner. While you change aligners around every two weeks, you’ll want to commit yourself to following the doctor’s orders. This can mean taking one aligner out early or leaving it in for a few extra days. Do not take it upon yourself to hurry the process.

Modify your diet and drink lots of water

Follow the dietary plan outlined by your doctor. When you feel tenderness in your mouth you’ll want to avoid crispy, crunchy, or chewy food. The mouth may respond to the aligner by producing more saliva, which can be dehydrating. So you’ll want to drink a lot of water and clear, sugar-free fluids during your treatment. When wearing your aligners, you’ll also want to avoid hot drinks, which can warp the plastic, and light liquids, which can stain your teeth.

Go with the flow

Like all orthodontic treatments, Insvisalign takes various adjustments as it enhances your smile. You may notice a lisp at the beginning, but practice speaking with the tray in your mouth and you’ll get used to it. There are also some tricks for reducing soreness. When starting with a new aligner, for example, you’ll want to mitigate your discomfort by putting it in when you go to bed. In all phases of the treatment, trust the process. Do not hurry it along or slow it down, and you will see marked results in short order.

Smile, kiss, and laugh

Invisalign allows you to align your smile without the inhibition and discomfort of metal braces. You can look directly at the camera, laugh, take selfies, and kiss your partner spontaneously and without reservation. If you follow the habits described above, listen to your doctor, and lean into the process, you may find yourself smiling and laughing more freely than ever.

Most of us have at least heard the term “stem cell therapy.” Researchers have been studying the use of stem cells for several years. This remarkable science has been applied to a large variety of medical issues, such as injuries to the spinal cord, insulin production in diabetes patients, repairing of heart muscle cells after a heart attack, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and other conditions. But you may not have heard how stem cell therapy is connected to oral health. Experts are now extending stem cell research into the field of dentistry. While these studies are just in the beginning phases, the possibilities for how stem cells may change dental technology are exciting and hold much promise for future advancements. It all revolves around root canals.

A root canal is a procedure that is often recommended by a dentist when an infection has spread into the pulp of the tooth. The process involves drilling deep into the affected tooth, removing the pulp, then filling the tooth and sealing it off. Although the tooth remains functional since a tooth doesn’t require pulp to function like other teeth, a root canal does in effect kill the tooth since nerves, connecting tissue and blood vessels (pulp) are removed during the procedure.

But now, researchers from Harvard and the University of Nottingham may have developed a method of using stem cell therapy that may completely eliminate the need for root canal procedures. These researchers are working on a process that involves injecting a material made partly from stem cells into an affected tooth. After this mixture is injected, the stem cells will theoretically allow the tooth to heal itself, as opposed to a dental professional having to remove the pulp of the tooth in a root canal procedure. This new technology, if proven true and made available to dental professionals, could mean a significant reduction in the need for root canals and other procedures such as dental implants, for example.

Although much work needs to be done before stem cell treatment is routinely used in your dentist’s office, the future looks promising. This should come as particularly good news for people who are fearful of dental procedures. A patient with dental anxiety will undoubtedly cringe at the thought of having a root canal or implant, but someday before too long those procedures may be a thing of the past, thanks to stem cell research.

As parents, the one thing we would give to our children if we could is good health. If only that were possible! Actually, when it comes to good oral health, there are several ways you can help your children enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.

• Get your child accustomed to oral care from the very beginning. Once your child’s first tooth erupts, gently clean the tooth and gums with a soft, damp cloth. Not only will this clean your child’s mouth; it will also help your little one to feel more comfortable with oral hygiene in general. As more baby teeth begin to erupt, continue this same routine, switching from a damp cloth to a very soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Teach them to take care of their teeth and gums every single day. With the help of your dentist, show them the proper way to brush and floss their teeth. Make it part of their daily routine, morning and night. When these everyday routines become a habit for children, they’re much more likely to continue them throughout their lives.
• Take your child in for his or her first dental visit by the age of one. That may sound early, but getting your little ones accustomed to visiting the dentist at a very early age will make it easier to take them in as they grow older. It also allows your dentist to identify any dental or gum issues that may be present at an early age, so they can be resolved quickly. After that first visit, continue with follow-up visits every six months, or as often as recommended by your dentist.
• Make sure your child eats a diet that is healthy for teeth and gums. And remember that it’s not just candy and baked goods that contribute to tooth decay – otherwise healthy foods like dried fruits and juice can also be culprits. Encourage your child to eat as much fresh and cooked produce as possible, along with lean protein. Water is the best beverage, since it works to neutralize acidity in your child’s mouth.
• Maintain your own oral health as well. Bacteria present in your mouth can easily be transferred to your child if you share saliva on an eating utensil or by snuggling with your little one, for example. If you maintain your own daily oral hygiene regimen, not only are you acting as a good role model for your child; you’ll also be reducing the amount of bacteria you unknowingly pass on to your little one.

We may not be able to protect our kids from certain childhood diseases or the occasional fall on the playground, but thankfully we can have a positive influence on their oral health. With some encouragement from an early age, your child will learn how to enjoy healthy teeth and gums for many, many years!

If you were like many teenagers, you had orthodontic braces during your time in middle school or high school. Even those lucky few who had teeth straight enough to avoid braces back then might have suffered some movement and misalignment in the ensuing years, due to incoming wisdom teeth or other issues.

Those who never had braces aren’t keen to get them as adults, and are probably pleased as punch that systems like Invisalign now offer alignment via practically invisible plastic trays. What if you had braces but failed to wear your retainers as advised? What if your teeth once again became misaligned over time? Do you have to go back to braces or can you opt for Invisalign this time around?

Invisalign is Ideal for Relapse

When the concept for Invisalign was first being explored and tested, many of the test cases were patients that had relapsed long after wearing traditional orthodontic braces. Relapse is a common occurrence because realigning jaws and teeth doesn’t necessarily create a permanent fix.

The ligaments that connect teeth to the jaw bones want to snap back after being stretched, which is why patients must consistently wear retainers as instructed in order to maintain the results of years wearing braces. If this step is neglected, teeth will certainly start to shift back to their old positions, although it will take time.

While Invisalign may not be the right solution for severe misalignment and it isn’t suited to correcting serious bite issues, it’s often a great solution for patients that have experienced some amount of relapse after having braces. With minor gaps, overlaps, or bite issues, Invisalign is generally the ideal solution.

Invisalign versus Braces

You’ll need to see your dentist and/or orthodontist for assessment before you can determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. In some relapse cases, misalignment may be too serious for Invisalign to be effective, or other issues like overbite or underbite could make a second go with orthodontic braces a more effective treatment option.

If, however, you are deemed a good candidate for Invisalign, as many relapse patients are, you’ll enjoy several benefits in the process. Not only are invisible aligners less noticeable and obtrusive than braces, but you can take them out when you eat or clean your teeth. In addition, they’re considered far more comfortable. Plus, patients could see results in as little as 6-12 months, as opposed to years of wearing braces. If you’ve had braces and relapsed, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment and find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign.

The turning of the year elicits a host of resolutions, most of them focused on improving our health or our finances. In addition to losing those five pounds from end-of-year feasting and recovering from the holiday spending spree, you should also think about how you can improve your oral health and obtain a beautiful smile. Here are just a few resolutions to set you on the right path.

1. Commit to flossing and rinsing

It’s not uncommon for people to treat brushing as a mandate, but relegate flossing and rinsing with mouthwash to the realm of mere suggestion. Unfortunately, failing to floss and rinse after brushing can leave your mouth full of unseen food and bacteria between teeth and below the gum line. If you want a healthy smile, you really need to commit to daily flossing and rinsing with mouthwash this year.

2. Cut back on sweets

Sugar should be on your hit list if you want to improve your oral health in the coming year. The sugar in soda, candy, cookies, and other sweet treats clings to teeth and serves as the perfect meal for harmful bacteria, which multiply and do even more damage.

The plaque and tartar buildup that result could not only compromise the quality of your smile, but also lead to more serious concerns like gingivitis and periodontitis. Cutting back on sweets could significantly reduce the risk of such outcomes.

3. Address issues

Are your teeth discolored or misaligned? Do you suffer from pain, dry mouth, or halitosis? If you have oral issues that you’ve simply grown accustomed to, it’s never too late to address them, reverse undesirable conditions, and protect against future problems that could result otherwise.

4. See the dentist

As adults, we can definitely get busy and let personal maintenance fall by the wayside. Just think what might happen if you did this with your car. Without regular, professional inspection and oil change, your engine could cease to function. You need to take the same approach to your oral health.

Sure, you can practice good oral health habits at home, but you just can’t get between teeth and below the gum line the same way a dental professional can, and you certainly don’t have the expertise or equipment to perform a thorough inspection or take x-rays. If you want the best possible oral health this year and for years to come, regular dental visits are a must.

We’ve all been there: you bite down on a piece of hard candy, an ice cube, or even a handful of nuts and you hear that crunch or crack that tells you something has gone horribly wrong. You busted a filling or crown.

Whether the foods you consume are hard on your teeth, you suffer from bruxism that causes unconscious clenching and grinding, or you’re active in athletic pursuits that could lead to accident or injury, you may find yourself dealing with a lost filling or crown at some point? Is this a dental emergency? What should you do?

It’s Probably Not an Emergency

Losing a filling or crown can be a frightening experience. It can also leave you dealing with pain or discomfort when you try to chew or your tooth is exposed to hot or cold substances (food, beverage, or even air).

That said, you needn’t wake your dentist in the middle of the night. Fillings and crowns are meant to be permanent, but things happen, and it’s not uncommon for one to break under abuse or pop out due to wear and tear. While it’s likely not an emergency situation, however, you don’t want to delay making a dentist appointment when it comes to dealing with this snafu.

Fillings and crowns are in place to protect a tooth that has suffered previous damage (due to trauma or tooth decay, just for example). This damage and the treatments that follow (like drilling) can leave your tooth weakened and exposed to potential harm. Failing to have your filling or crown replaced in a timely manner could lead to further damage and decay, not to mention discomfort.

What to Do

When you lose a filling or crown, the first thing you should do is put it in a safe place. If it isn’t broken, it may be salvageable, and this could save you some time and money when you go in to have it fixed and replaced.

Next, you should call your dentist to set up an appointment to examine and repair the site. Your tooth will probably need to be cleaned at the very least before your filling or crown can be replaced, and if there are signs of decay, further procedures may be needed.

From there, you may be able to pop the original filling or crown back in place, or you may need to have a new one fashioned in order to account for changes in the tooth. When you lose a filling or crown, there’s no need to panic. Simply take extra care and call your dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.