Dental Hygiene
Bridges
Fixed dental bridges involve the preparation and crowning of teeth on either side of an area missing teeth to support artificial teeth to span the edentulous area.
A fixed bridge is a non-removable appliance fabricated to replace missing teeth, which closely resembles a patient’s natural dentition. Besides serving to restore the appearance and performance of a complete smile, a fixed bridge also prevents teeth that are adjacent to or opposite the edentulous area from shifting to protect the integrity of the occlusion. Fixed bridges are strong, durable and natural looking restorations, which once they are permanently cemented into place allow all manner of normal oral function.
Brushing
Maintaining an optimal oral health depends on ensuring that your teeth and gums stay clean through a daily routine of brushing and flossing. In accordance with the recommendations provided by the American Dental Association, it is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day, allocating two minutes for each session, using a toothbrush with soft bristles. It is important to note that using a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle pressure is essential to prevent any potential harm to your teeth or gums. The use of a fluoride toothpaste, bearing the American Dental Association seal of acceptance, aids in preserving a healthy and radiant smile. Additionally, it is advisable to replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles become frayed.
Crowns
In the past, all-ceramic crowns were commonly known as “porcelain jackets.” However, advancements in aesthetic materials have led to the development of modern all-ceramic crowns that possess impressive strength and durability. These crowns now rival traditional metal and porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns in their ability to restore a tooth’s structure and appearance.
When selecting a crown for a tooth that requires full coverage restoration, two major factors come into play: how well the crown will appear and how it will withstand the pressures of daily oral functions. Previously, only metal crowns or those made of porcelain fused to a metal substructure could provide the necessary strength to withstand biting and chewing forces.
While porcelain fused to metal crowns are still favored for their durability, attractiveness, and longevity in restoring damaged, decayed, misshapen, worn down, undersized, or root canal-treated teeth, they do have certain drawbacks. One such drawback is that the thin metal margin found at the collar of a PFM crown may be visible at the gumline, especially if the gums have receded. Additionally, due to the presence of the underlying metal shell, porcelain fused to metal crowns cannot replicate the way natural teeth or dental ceramics interact with light.
In conclusion, modern all-ceramic crowns have surpassed their previous reputation as “porcelain jackets” and now offer exceptional strength, durability, and aesthetics. They are a viable option for restoring teeth that require full coverage restorations, providing a natural appearance and effective functionality. Unlike porcelain fused to metal crowns, all-ceramic crowns do not show a visible metal margin at the gumline
Extractions
Teeth extractions are necessary occasionally. There are several possible causes for this. Extractions are commonly performed in cases where a deciduous “baby” tooth is reluctant to fall out, a severely broken down and non-restorable tooth is present, or “wisdom tooth” is poorly positioned and unable to fully erupt into place.
Fillings
Restorative materials that are both strong and durable and aesthetically pleasing are now widely available for the filling and repair of teeth damaged by dental injuries or decay due to advancements in dental science and materials.
Composite fillings, also known as “white fillings” or “tooth colored fillings,” are made of a finely ground filler material that resembles glass mixed with biocompatible resins. The full spectrum of natural-looking shades available in composite fillings make them a more aesthetically pleasing option than traditional “silver” fillings. Dental composites are frequently used to restore missing tooth structure in teeth that have been damaged or decayed. They can also be used to change the color or shape of a tooth to significantly enhance its appearance.
Home Tooth Whitening
Teeth whitening, commonly known as bleaching, is a procedure aimed at making teeth visibly whiter. It is a safe and non-invasive process that aims to enhance the appearance of teeth that have become stained, discolored, darkened, or yellowed. Introduced to the public in the 1980s, the popularity of teeth whitening products and treatments has skyrocketed. A survey carried out by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry revealed that when individuals were asked about the aspect of their smile they wished to improve the most, whiter and brighter teeth ranked as the top response.
For those seeking a customized approach, a home whitening system provided by a dentist, along with custom trays that perfectly fit the individual’s teeth, can be an excellent option. These custom trays ensure that the bleaching agent remains in direct contact with the teeth, preventing contact with other areas of the mouth. Although a home whitening system may require a longer duration for maximum results compared to in-office procedures, it can be used independently or as directed by the dentist for maintaining or perfecting the outcome of an in-office treatment.
Implants
Dental implants are the latest and most advanced solution to replace missing teeth. Invented in 1952 by Per-Ingvar Brånemark, a skilled Swedish surgeon, dental implants now offer a highly effective and durable way to restore a fully functional and attractive smile. These implants are versatile and can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even all of the upper and/or lower teeth.
A dental implant is a small and biocompatible post that is carefully placed beneath the gums into the jawbone using a minimally invasive procedure. Once the implant is fixed and integrated with the bone during the healing process, it functions similarly to a natural tooth root. This provides essential support for a visually pleasing dental crown or bridge. It typically takes about 3 to 6 months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. During this period, the jawbone gradually integrates with the implant, ensuring a strong and stable foundation for the replacement tooth.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a condition that negatively affects the soft tissues and bone surrounding the teeth, which provide support. The primary cause of this disease is the buildup of bacteria, mucus, plaque, or tartar between the gums and teeth. The severity of periodontal disease can vary, ranging from a mild gum inflammation called gingivitis to more severe inflammation of the periodontal tissues. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause considerable damage to the tissues and ultimately lead to tooth loss.
Veneers
If you have teeth that have imperfections which cannot be addressed through teeth whitening procedures, but they are not severely damaged enough to require crowns, dental veneers can offer the perfect solution for cosmetic improvements. Dental veneers are customized facings that are designed to enhance the appearance of teeth that have minor chips, gaps, wear, slight crookedness, irregular shapes, or deep staining. These veneers provide a conservative and aesthetically pleasing means to improve the look of your teeth.
With dental veneers, you have the ability to make positive changes to the color, shape, size, and length of your teeth. They are securely bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth, allowing you to enhance the appearance of a single tooth or multiple front teeth.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of permanent teeth that form in the mouth. They are the final ones to emerge into their proper position. However, it is common for many wisdom teeth to encounter obstacles preventing them from correctly growing, causing problems for the nearby teeth and surrounding oral tissues. Consequently, oral and maxillofacial surgeons often assess and remove impacted or troublesome wisdom teeth when necessary.