Cosmetic Dentistry Blog at My Dentist USA

Mouth Conditions At A Glance

2009-12-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

Today we will be discussing some of the common issues that may arise in the mouth. It is important to take care of the mouth as to not incur conditions that may be harmful in the future. Presented below are a few conditions that may effect your mouth:

Abscessed tooth - An abscess is a painful condition caused by infection in a badly damaged or decayed tooth.

Bad Breath (halitosis) - Halitosis, or â€œbad breathâ€ is a common, but embarrassing condition that often has a dental cause.

Cavities and Tooth Decay - Tooth decay is the process of a toothâ€™s mineral content being dissolved. A cavity, or caries, is the actual hole in a tooth that is caused by tooth decay.

Dry Mouth - Dry mouth is caused by an inadequate supply of saliva. This is usually due to medication side effects, but may have other causes.

Fluorosis - Fluorosis is a defect in tooth enamel caused by excessive fluoride in young children. It typically looks like white streaks or spots in teeth.

Gum Disease (Gingivitis) - Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that is usually caused by plaque. It is the earliest and most easily treated from of gum disease, as it only affects the gums, but it must be treated to avoid more serious gum disease.

Curing Trench Mouth

2009-11-26T11:40:00.000-08:00

Trench mouth is a condition very few want to experience in their life. Trench mouth is most often characterized by significant and nearly unbearable pain, bleeding from the gums when they are pressed even gently, and necrotic and ulcerated gum tissues (resembling pockets or craters between the teeth). Trench mouth symptoms may also include oral malodor and a bad taste in the mouth, a grayish film on the gums, and a feeling of overall malaise. There is a tendency for relapse after trench mouth has been treated. However, there are various ways in which trench mouth can be treated. To properly diagnose trench mouth, dentists generally perform a thorough clinical examination of your teeth and gums.

Dental Fillings

2009-11-24T11:04:00.000-08:00

For individuals with one or many damaged teeth, dental fillings are a great option to help improve ones smile. A dental filling is a type of restorative dentistry treatment used to repair minimal tooth fractures, tooth decay or otherwise damaged surfaces of the teeth. Dental filling materials, which include composite, porcelain and silver amalgam, may be used to even out tooth surfaces for better biting or chewing. For more information on tooth restoration practices, visit My Dentist USA.

Financing Dental Surgery

2009-11-23T10:47:00.000-08:00

If it's difficult to afford the necessary costs there are various options that are available. Third-party financing and payment plan options are available to help manage out-of-pocket dental expenses. As one of lifes most important decisions, it is important to achieve the body you desire. If you have dental insurance, your coverage will reduce your financial burden. However, unless you have funds readily available to cover your out-of-pocket expenses, you may want to review the various options available to help you pay for your dental care. From flexible spending accounts to discount dental plans, the options are out there for individuals to achieve the smile they've always dreamed of.

Gum Contouring

2009-11-19T11:12:00.000-08:00

I like many suffer from the devastating gummy smile. For those that are unfamiliar, the gummy smile is what describes ones smile where their gums are visible. This is a very common issue and 'gummy' smiles are caused by an overgrowth of gum tissue which can then go on to cover your teeth. The reasons for this overgrowth range from it being an inherited condition to the use of some fairly common medications for blood pressure. An overgrowth of your gums can make your smile appear lop-sided or crooked and can make your teeth appear smaller then they actually are. For individuals who have had braces for a period of time, gummy smiles may be common as their braces disallowed for their brush to reach their gums. Fortunately, this problem can be easily solved using a common dental procedure known as gum contouring or lifting. Look up your local surgeon to find out all about this great procedure.

Composite Bonding

2009-11-18T09:47:00.000-08:00

Today we will be discussing one of the more popular surgical procedures. Composite Bonding is known as the reparation of chipped, broken, discolored or decayed teeth. For many people, these tooth conditions are reason for them to choose composite bonding as a surgical procedure. During the process, a dental composite material that resembles enamel is applied into the tooth cavity, or upon the surface. Then the composite is sculpted into shape, surrounding the tooth it is contoured and hardened with a high frequency light. The end result is a restoration that invisibly blends the composite and the remaining tooth structure, allowing you're natural smile to shine so bright.

Choose A Smile Makeover

2009-11-17T10:38:00.000-08:00

For many, a smile makeover is the optimal procedure to construct the smile they've always dreamed of. Combining one or more dental procedures, a smile makeover is a great procedure for anyone looking to change the colour, shape or length of your teeth. Smile makeovers can involve a wide variety of treatments, for instance some patients want perfectly white teeth whilst others may want to improve the aesthetics of their fillings by having their amalgam fillings replaced with a white composite. Whatever you're looking for there's more options to improve your smile than ever before. Whether missing teeth, a a chipped tooth, or excess gums, a smile makeover is the perfect procedure for you.

Porcelain Veneers

2009-11-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

One way of restoring teeth to their natural beauty is through providing veneers. Porcelain dental veneers are a great way to correct stained, chipped, or crooked teeth. By placing glass-like ceramic porcelain on the surface of teeth, dentists can provide patients with bright, straight, and natural looking smiles. Specifically, veneers are custom designed shells of tooth like ceramic material that, when applied over the surface of a tooth, can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing and chips or cracks. For those looking to restore their teeth to a shining and brilliant smile porcelain veneers might be the procedure for you.

Dental Plaque 101

2009-11-12T09:19:00.000-08:00

Dental plaque is one of the more commonly known forms that plagues teeth. Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film that continually forms in between and on the surface of the teeth. Dental plaque is a biofilm that is made up of microorganisms and other bacteria. It can develop on teeth above the gum line, below the gum line on the roots of teeth (subgingival) and along the gum line. If dental plaque accumulates and is not removed, it can harden and turn into calculus or tartar. The best way to combat dental plaque is to brush your teeth for at least two minutes every morning and night.

Full Mouth Reconstruction Surgery

2009-11-12T09:10:00.000-08:00

Full mouth reconstruction is one of the more major dental surgeries that a person will undergo. Full mouth reconstruction specifically means the process of rebuilding or simultaneously restoring all of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws.

Full mouth reconstruction typically involves general or restorative dentists (performing procedures like crowns, bridges and veneers), and can incorporate dental specialists like periodontists (specializing in the gums), oral surgeons, orthodontists (specializing in tooth movements and positions) and endodontists (specializing in the tooth pulp).

There are various reasons for why one may choose a full mouth reconstruction. Below we have listed some of the prevailing reasons:

- Teeth that have been lost due to decay or trauma.
- Teeth that have been injured or fractured.
- Teeth that have become severely worn as a result of long-term acid erosion (foods, beverages, acid reflux) or tooth grinding.
- Ongoing complaints of jaw, muscle and headache pain requiring adjustments to the bite

Family Dentistry 101

2009-11-10T11:02:00.000-08:00

Family dentistry, like general dentistry, provides services related to the general maintenance of oral hygiene and tooth health. The terms family dentistry and general dentistry are often used interchangeably, though there is a slight difference between the two.

Some dentists restrict their practice to certain age groups. For example, pedodontists restrict their practice to providing dental care and treatment to young children. Family dentists typically care for a wide variety of patients, from young children to older adults. Family dentists are responsible for ensuring that plaque buildup around the teeth is kept to a minimum, that tooth decay is eliminated and cavities are filled, and that gums remain healthy.

For many family dentistry is considered one of the first lines of prevention for oral issues.

The Anatomy of Teeth

2009-11-09T12:30:00.000-08:00

Few people are knowledgeable about the anatomy of teeth. What their primary functions are and what all our teeth are really used for. For starters, the teeth are held within the jaw bones and serve several important functions beyond allowing you to chew. Your teeth enable you to speak properly and clearly, and contribute to your facial shape and appearance. Children usually have 20 deciduous (primary) teeth and begin to develop their first permanent teeth by age six. Adults typically develop 32 permanent teeth. The area of the tooth closest to the tongue is referred to as the lingual surface. For the front teeth, the area closest to the lips is called the labial surface. For the back teeth (molars and premolars), the area that faces the cheeks is called the buccal surface, and the biting (chewing) area is called the occlusal surface.

The Science of Dry Mouth

2009-10-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

For smokers, and people who don't drink enough liquid, dry mouth is a source of much discomfort. Dry mouth syndrome, also known as xerostomia, is a dry, uncomfortable feeling in your mouth that results from a decrease in the amount of your saliva. Dry mouth syndrome can be temporary or a chronic problem. One or more factors can cause your salivary glands to function improperly and produce a less saliva than normal: Medications (prescription and over-the-counter). Medical conditions (Sjögren's Syndrome, diabetes, stroke or others).
Emotional stress and anxiety. The exact number of people suffering from dry mouth syndrome is unknown; however, everyone experiences it to some extent at one time or another. Dry mouth syndrome is more likely to occur among older adults, but it can affect a person of any age.

Calculus Build Up 101

2009-10-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

Calculus, (not the math term) is one of the arch arch nemesis of teeth. If calculus forms below the gum line, bacteria can invade and create a host of other dental problems. Furthermore, the surfaces and areas between the teeth and under the gum line must be maintained and treated on a regular basis in order to ensure proper dental hygiene. These areas are impossible for you to examine yourself; they require a professional touch. Always make sure to brush brush brush so that when you're older you do not have any more build up.

The Basics of Dental Hygiene

2009-10-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Dental hygiene is an important factor of health for the mouth and the overall human body. Dental hygiene, also known as oral hygiene, is the process by which preventative dental care is provided to avoid dental emergencies. At the core of dental hygiene is the in-home dental care regimen you perform. Your at-home regimen is supplemented with professional preventative dental care provided by dentists and licensed dental hygienists. Some easy steps you can take to maintain a healthy mouth is to brush your teeth for 2 minutes morning and night, and also floss daily.

The Science of the Dental Bridge

2009-10-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

Upon your first visit, your dentist will check to see if your gums and other teeth are in need of some dental bridging. If you are in deed a candidate for a dental bridge, you will be given a local anesthetic so your dentist can prepare the right teeth to support your bridge. If by chance the support teeth are decayed, or broken to a degree your dental surgeon may have to build them back up before they can be used to support a bridge.

Next, your dentist takes an impression of the prepared teeth with a putty-like material that is used to create a model of your teeth. Your bridge is fabricated based on this model by a skilled lab technician so that it precisely fits the prepared teeth. It is important that your restoration fit perfectly to avoid additional oral health problems such as tooth decay.
While your bridge is being fabricated, your dentist fits you with a temporary bridge so the teeth and gums can be protected from damage until your permanent bridge is ready.
To complete the dental bridge procedure, you must return to the dental office for a second visit to have the bridge fitted and cemented.

Dental Hygiene 101

2009-10-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Dental hygiene, also known as oral hygiene, is the process by which preventative dental care is provided to avoid dental emergencies. At the core of dental hygiene is the in-home dental care regimen you perform. Your at-home regimen is supplemented with professional preventative dental care provided by dentists and licensed dental hygienists.Over time, calculus builds up on the teeth. If calculus forms below the gum line, bacteria can invade and create a host of other dental problems. You must always make sure that you keep on top of your teeth everyday, giving you a healthy mouth and a great smile!

An Introduction to Composite Bonding

2009-10-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

Today we will be touching on some of the more popular treatments for cosmetic dentistry. The procedure of the day is Composite Bonding which is a correctional procedure for damaged teeth. Chipped, broken, discolored or decayed teeth may be repaired or have their appearance corrected using a procedure called composite bonding. A dental composite material with the look of enamel and dentin is applied into the cavity or onto the surface of a tooth, where it is then sculpted into shape, contoured and hardened with a high-intensity light. The result is a restoration that blends invisibly with the remainder of the surrounding tooth structure and the rest of your natural teeth to create a healthy, bright smile.

Dental Crowns 101

2009-10-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

For many going to the dentist is a fearful place. Here, we will provide some basic information about the various procedures that occur during the dentist patient process. Today we will touch on dental crowns. First, let's go over the basics of what a dental crown is, A dental crown is a “cap” that is tooth-shaped, which is inserted over a tooth. It covers the tooth to restore the shape of the tooth, the size of the tooth, the appearance of the tooth or the strength of the tooth.

Here are some of the benefits from dental crowns:

- protect your weak tooth from further harm, such as breaking or further cracking and deterioration

- refurbish an already broken tooth or a worn down tooth

- cover up extremely discolored teeth

If one of these issues describes one or more of your teeth, perhaps a dental crown may be for you!

Dental X-Rays - Preventative Care for a Perfect Smile

2009-10-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Cosmetic Dentists have many techniques and technologies available to them to diagnose underlying problems that may not be apparent from a simple visual examination. One of those advanced technologies is the radiograph, or commonly known as the X-ray. The American Dental Association has determined that the X-ray examination enables the dentist to detect:

small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings);
infections in the bone;
periodontal (gum) disease;
abscesses or cysts;
developmental abnormalities;
some types of tumors.

Time is always of the essence when dealing with teeth. The earlier the detection, the better. That's why it is best to have X-rays taken once a year, or more often if the condition of your teeth require more frequent check-ups. Avoiding the X-ray puts your teeth at risk of disease and puts your cosmetic dentist at a disadvantage in creating the most beautiful smile possible for you.

To find a certified, highly qualified cosmetic surgeon in your area, use the My Dentist USA Surgeon Locator.

Online Resource for Cosmetic Dentistry - My Dentist USA

2009-10-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

Chances are you landed on this particular blog because you where searching for cosmetic dentistry articles. If so you're in luck because My Dentist USA is a host to several articles pertaining to popular cosmetic dentistry procedures like Teeth Whitening, Veneers, Bridges, Crowns, Dental Implants and much more. Many of the articles listed are written by the certified cosmetic dentists themselves, so you can be assured that you are receiving some of the best information out there.

Click here to view our list of cosmetic dentistry articles

If you can't find the information you're looking for in are articles section, be sure to check out our cosmetic dentistry FAQ page.

Preventative Care will Save Your Smile!

2009-10-20T11:07:00.001-07:00

Dentists will always recommend preventative dentistry. Certain procedures should be performed at regular dental visits. These may include routine examinations, x-rays and routine cleaning. It's more than a matter of maintaining proper dental hygiene; rather, it's an opportunity for the dentist and the hygienist to fully examine your teeth in relation to your last dentist visit. This is why routine dental visits are important. Taking preventative action can stop problems before they even start. It also corrects problems before they get worse, and will definitely find serious oral problems so they can be properly treated before it's too late.

Visit My Dentist USA today and get started on your preventative dental treatment today.

Clay Center Cosmetic Dentist - Dr. Rick Hammel

2009-10-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Everyone wants a beautiful smile. Today's dentistry lets us have the smile we choose, not just the smile we were born with. Cosmetic dentistry is all about getting the smile that you want. It goes beyond the procedures that a person needs for a healthy mouth, and provides choices for all of us to improve the appearance of our smiles.

Dr. Hammel's goal is to give you that smile you've always dreamed of. He has designed his practice for people like you, so that you and your family can get state of the art care from an office that cares.

Click here to visit Dr. Hammel's My Dentist USA profile

New Technology Makes Dental Implantation More Comfortable

2009-10-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Tomography, 3-D X-ray technology, is making dental implantation easier for the dentist and the patient. All the vital structures involved with dental implantation, such as nerves, bones and sinuses can be seen in 3-D making the placement of dental implants easier.

Before, dentists had to cut the gum to get to the bone to see where to place the implant. It was a long and arduous process that took days to place a tooth. Because bone density is different for individuals, the dentist had to guess where the ideal placement would be.

With tomography, dentists can see where there is a lot of bone, which is ideal for dental implantation. This not only reduces the amount of stress and trauma on the patient, but also makes the procedure faster, more precise and more natural - which of course makes for the best cosmetic result.

Read more about tomography at My Dentist USA.

Spotlight San Francisco Licensed Cosmetic Dentist

2009-10-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Licensed Cosmetic Dentist Dr. McConnell offers a dental experience unlike any you've ever had before. His goal is to provide optimum dental health and beauty for his patients in a warm, comfortable atmosphere.

Most patients experience some degree of stress or anxiety about visiting the dentist, even if they know about all the advances in dental technology and how they've made exams and restorations easier and more comfortable.

Dr. McConnell understands the perceptions of discomfort and stress that thinking about a dental visit can cause, and he is determined to change that image. To prove it, he will pamper you the way you deserve.

More information is available at Dr. McConnell's My Dentist USA profile