Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Schedule an Appointment for a Smile Makeover

Having a beautiful smile can boost your confidence anytime of the year, but especially during the holidays. According to Colgate a healthy smile can help boost your confidence. 

Now is the time to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a no obligation Smile Design consultation if you are ashamed to smile because of your teeth and gums.

During your dental appointment, your dentist will assess your teeth and gums to make sure that your mouth is healthy enough for cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. If gum disease or other issues are detected, your dentist will correct the problems before moving forward with Dental Crowns, Dental Implants, Dental Veneers, or Tooth Whitening.

If your dentist diagnoses gingivitis or the more serious periodontal disease, an appointment will be scheduled for scaling and planing. Scaling and planing is a safe deep cleaning treatment that helps restore your gums back to their healthy state.

Tooth whitening is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the world, and if you have tried those numerous over the counter tooth whitening kits and still have yellow and stained teeth, schedule anappointment with your dentist. Tooth whitening works on your natural teeth, but will not alter the appearance of teeth with dental restorations.

There are two types of tooth whitening techniques available from your dentist. These include in-office tooth whiteningand tray whitening. Although in-office tooth whitening is more expensive than tray whitening, you can have whiter brighter teeth in as little as sixty minutes.

Take an hour off for lunch and you will come back with a beautiful new smile thanks to the light activated gel and laser system that is revolutionizing tooth whitening. To keep your smile white and bright, your dentist will make impressions of your teeth for your take home trays enabling you to keep your teeth white for years to come.

If you opt for the in-home tray whitening system your trays will be made from impressions made by your dentist. When your trays are ready, you will wear them thirty to sixty minutes twice a day for a few weeks. You will notice dramatic results that may need an occasional touch up, especially if you smoke, drink coffee or tea, or indulge in red wine.

Along with tooth whitening, your dentist may recommend Dental Veneers, Tooth Colored Dental Fillings, Bridges, or Crowns to complete your Smile Makeover.

This holiday season you don’t have to frown because of your smile. Schedule an appointment for a Smile Makeover and get ready to grin for the holidays.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Dental Crowns for Kids and Adults

According to Wikipedia, Dental Crowns are used to cover a tooth in order to improve its appearance, strength, size, and shape. Dental Crowns are like caps that are cemented on top of the tooth fully encasing the visible part of your tooth just above your gum line.

Your dentist may suggest a Dental Crown if you have a weak tooth. Teeth that are broken or badly decayed may need Dental Crowns in order to hold the pieces of the cracked tooth together.

Dental Crowns are also used to restore broken teeth and to cover a tooth that has worn down. Your dentist may also recommend Dental Crowns if you have large fillings and not enough tooth to support it. Dental Crowns are also used to hold dental bridges in place and to cover Dental Implants.

Children may also require Dental Crowns on baby teeth if a tooth has a deep cavity. Your family dentist may also suggest Dental Crowns to protect kids who have a higher risk of tooth decay.

There are several types of Dental Crowns available. Stainless steel, all metal, such as alloy or gold, all resin, all ceramic, and porcelain fused to metal.

Stainless steel crowns are normally used on a temporary basis while your permanent crown is being made. Stainless steel crowns are prefabricated and make an ideal choice for children’s teeth, as less dental appointments are required.

Gold alloy, alloy, chromium or nickel are also used for Dental Crowns and compared to other materials require less tooth structure removal. Metal crowns hold up better to chewing and biting and rarely break or chip. According to your dentist, the only drawback to metal is the color. Metal Dental Crowns are best for back teeth and molars that are not seen.

Porcelain fused to metal Dental Crowns can be matched to the teeth surrounding the restoration; however, there will be more wear to the surrounding tooth than resin or metal Dental Crowns. The porcelain part of the crown can also break off or chip. Another drawback to these types of crowns is the dark lines that can sometimes appear at your gum line, and even more so if your gums begin to recede. These crowns are appropriate for both back and front teeth.  

All resin crowns wear over time, but cost less than other Dental Crown types. All resin crowns are prone to fractures as well.

All ceramic or all porcelain Dental Crowns will give you the most natural looking smile as they can be matched to the rest of your natural teeth. People who suffer from metal allergies may also be more suited to all ceramic or all porcelain Dental Crowns as well. Although not as strong as porcelain fused to metal and metal Dental Crowns, they make an excellent choice for front teeth.  

If you would like more information regarding Dental Crowns, schedule an appointment with your dentist who will be able to determine what type is the most appropriate for your needs.