- I'm interested in changing the shape of my teeth. What options are available?Several different options are available to change the shape of teeth, make teeth look longer, close spaces between teeth or repair chipped or cracked teeth. Among the options are bonding, crowns, veneers, and recontouring.
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied to the tooth surface and hardened with a special light, which ultimately "bonds" the material to the tooth.
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped "caps" that are placed over teeth. The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
Veneers (also sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials that are designed to cover the front surface of teeth. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth.
Recontouring or reshaping of the teeth (also called odontoplasty, enameloplasty, stripping, or slenderizing) is a procedure in which small amounts of tooth enamel are removed to change a tooth's length, shape or surface.
Each of these options differ with regard to cost, durability, "chair time" necessary to complete the procedure, stain resistant qualities, and best cosmetic approach to resolving a specific problem. Talk to your dentist to see if one is right for you.
- There are so many toothpastes to choose from; how do I know which one to use?Here's some advice. First, when purchasing a toothpaste for you or your child, select one that contains fluoride. Fluoride-containing toothpastes have been shown to prevent cavities. However, one word of caution: check the manufacturer's label; some toothpastes are not recommended in children under age 6. This is because young children swallow toothpaste and swallowing too much fluoride can lead to tooth discoloration in permanent teeth.
It is also wise to select a product approved by the American Dental Association. The ADA's Seal of Acceptance means that the product has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness and that packaging and advertising claims are scientifically supported. Some manufacturers choose not to seek the ADA's Seal of Acceptance. Although these products may be safe and effective, these products' performance have not been evaluated or endorsed by the ADA.
Next, when considering other properties of toothpaste -- such as whitening toothpastes, tartar-control, gum care, desensitizing, etc. -- the best advice for selecting among these products may be to simply ask your dental hygienist or dentist what the greatest concerns are for your mouth at this time. After consulting with your dentist or hygienist about your oral health's greatest needs, look for products within that category (for example, within the tartar control brands or within the desensitizing toothpaste brands) that have received the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Finally, some degree of personal preference comes into play. Choose the toothpaste that tastes and feels best. Gel or paste, wintergreen or spearmint all work alike. If you find that certain ingredients are irritating to your teeth, cheeks or lips, or if your teeth have become more sensitive, or if your mouth is irritated after brushing, try changing toothpastes. If the problem continues, see your dentist.
- What is Root Canal Therapy?
RCT is a method of saving a tooth by cleaning out a damaged nerve and filling in the resulting chamber.
- What are Dental Implants? Dental implants are titanium screws or cages that are surgically placed in the bone of the mouth to which a tooth, bridge, or denture can attach to make a stable restoration.
- Why should I Replace a Missing Tooth? The empty space in your mouth starts to cause many problems including decay and periodontal disease, an unbalanced bite, and stress on the remaining teeth.
- How can I avoid getting Cavities?The best way to avoid cavities is by eating right, brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste, flossing daily and visiting your dentist every six months. Children and some adults can benefit by having Sealants placed.
- How many appointments do i need for a root canal? Endodontic (root canal therapy) can often be completed in one visit. More severe or resistant infections require multiple visits. Following the root canal treatment, two separate procedures, the post and core and the crown can often be completed in the same visit, if there is enough time allotted for the entire procedure group to be done.
- What causes tooth discoloration?There are many causes. The most common include aging, consumption of staining substances (coffee, teas, colas, tobacco), trauma, tetracycline (antibiotic) staining, excessive fluoride, and nerve degeneration.
- What is tooth whitening?Tooth whitening is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration and removes stains from the enamel and dentin of the teeth. Nite White, Day White, and Zoom! Take-Home use a mild solution retained in a custom filled appliance that is worn over your teeth while you sleep or during the day.
- Who may benefit from tooth whitening?Almost anyone. However there are some cases where the treatment may not be effective. A dentist will determine a viable candidate for the process through a thorough oral examination and diagnosis. Tooth-lightening is ideal for patients who have healthy, unrestored teeth and would like to have a whiter, brighter smile.
- What can be done about the gap present between two front upper teeth?The gap can be closed absolutely well to give a natural look. Depending on the size of the gap it may be treated with composite (a tooth color material), or crowns (ceramic or metal + ceramic) or laminates (a thin covering using ceramic). The gap may also be closed using braces (Orthodontic Treatment).