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Restoring your smile to its original
beauty is easier than it has ever been. That's because modern dental materials
are more versatile, stronger and longer-lasting.
Today's materials have hard finishes that keep your smile bright. They retain polish better and are highly stain-resistant to coffee, soda and lipstick. They can keep your smile looking good for years. Better materials help us reach our ultimate goal -- the healthy, happy, beautiful smiles of our satisfied patients!
Tooth-colored Fillings and Crowns
Research into dental materials
has produced a ceramic filling compound which is as durable as silver
![]() Even badly destroyed teeth can look natural when crowned with ceramic crowns instead of ceramic and gold crowns. A crown is an artificial tooth cemented to your original, living tooth base. We'll crown a tooth if you have a cavity that's too large to fill, or if your tooth is cracked. After a root canal, it is frequently necessary to crown the tooth. Crowns also work well to restore badly chipped teeth or ones that have lots of restorations.
You'll want your crown to last a very long time, and the best way to guarantee that is to use the same good oral hygiene on your crown that you do on your teeth. Brush and floss the crown's base carefully and make sure you have periodic checkups to make sure the crown, the underlying tooth and the gum surrounding your crowned tooth are all in the best shape possible. crowns can be used
to correct
Even if your teeth are healthy,
their color can still be affected by the things you put in your mouth --
But there is something we can
do about stained and discolored teeth. Through the use of a thin, soft
plastic tray filled with a safe oxidyzing (bleaching) agent,
Discus Day White 2,
you can brighten your teeth yourself. And do it during the day for two one-half hour periods.
From an impression of your teeth
which we will take during your office visit, we will custom build your
bleaching tray. This individually created tray ensures you a comfortable
fit, a very important consideration if you are to
be comfortable during the bleaching process.
Based on the health of your mouth
and the amount of discoloration of your teeth, we will try to determine the number
of weeks you will need to use your bleaching tray. For most patients,
this will be between two and six weeks.
You'll find it hard to stop grinning,
once you've seen your bright and sparkling smile in the mirror. And maybe
your smile will make someone else smile, and that person will bring laughter
to someone else and, before you know it, your smile could just make the
world a little brighter. You never know.
crowns, veneers, and
bleaching agents
A bridge, which is a combination
of crowns and artificial teeth, is often the answer. A bridge not only
fills the space attractively, but can serve as a first-line defense against
gum disease. Bridges help return your mouth
to normal health and function by restoring your bite, and keeping teeth
where they belong. A bridge is an effective and attractive
dental choice, but it still needs proper care. Brushing and flossing are
important, particularly around the bridge and surrounding teeth.
bridges can be used
to correct Thin-skin porcelain veneers can make a nice smile
great -- in just two visits! These custom-made coverings can really improve
your appearance if you have chipped, discolored, or uneven teeth.
Veneers can be applied to the surface of the tooth by removing a very small amount of enamel into which the veneer is inset, allowing the veneer and the natural tooth to merge seamlessly.
They're sturdy, easy to care for, and look natural. On your first visit, we choose a color that matches your tooth. We take off a little enamel to get a good fit. Next, we take an impression to make a model of your tooth. At your second visit, we make sure your veneer fits, then we cement it in. We harden the veneer and the material that holds it in place with a high-intensity light. Look in the mirror. That even, beautiful smile is yours! veneers can be used
to correct
Dental implantation isn't an unusual therapy; it's a widely accepted alternative to dentures and other restorative work. Patients who have loose lower dentures, several missing teeth, or a single missing tooth can benefit from the security and convenience of dental implants. Implants consist of several parts;
the artificial teeth, the metal framework that holds the teeth in place,
and an anchoring device. Some implants are surgically anchored to the jawbone,
while others rest on top of the bone.
implants can be used
to correct
Remember when your dentures were new? It probably took a while to become used to them. Maybe they rubbed your gums or cheeks, or felt clumsy when you talked. Soon, though, your mouth and gums adjusted and your dentures became trusted, familiar friends. Even if you have no problems, it is wise to get your mouth and dentures examined annually.
Whatever the cause, poorly fitting
dentures are not Schedule an appointment for a dental checkup today. Rock-hard enamel protects your teeth, but your gums are soft, sensitive tissue. Without strong gums, your teeth wouldn't have the support they need. That's why periodontal care is not elective. It's fundamental!
Thorough brushing and flossing will prevent gum disease, which is a major cause of tooth loss. Gum disease comes from out-of-control bacteria that build plaque. Plaque can form faster than you think, so brush after meals and floss as soon as you can. Plaque can inflame gums and may eventually cause periodontal tissue infection. Dry mouth, tobacco use, hormones, and denture neglect may also contribute to the problem. Warning Signs of Periodontal (Gum)
Disease:
Because we believe periodontal care is fundamental to your good oral health, we will examine your gums for signs of periodontal disease as carefully as we examine your teeth for decay. If we find evidence of gum disease, we'll discuss treatment plans with you, which will usually include professional cleaning in the office to remove plaque, and more rigorous oral hygiene at home. Millions suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
problems which center in the joint that connects your jawbone and your
skull.
Statistics show that twice as many women experience TMJ problems as men, and women are six times more likely to be treated for TMJ disorders. Do You Think You Have TMJ?
If you observe any of these symptoms lasting for any duration of time, be sure to let us know. TMJ is not something to ignore! Snoring From every side, we hear the same complaint, "I'm exhausted. I'm always tired." It's hard enough for people to sleep with the pressures that come from today's fast pace of life. That's why it's important to protect the rest you need so badly. But what can you do when the person sleeping beside you snores? Won't some people ALWAYS snore? The answer to that question, luckily, is no. To stop snoring, you first have to understand WHY someone snores. During the night, the muscles and soft tissues in the throat and mouth relax. This relaxation can restrict the width of the airway through which you breath. To get the same amount of needed air into the body through this smaller airway, the body takes in air faster. The speeded up air can vibrate the soft tissues such as the soft palate and the uvula. That vibration is called "snoring." Excess weight and alcohol consumption and some sedatives have been found to aggravate the constriction of the airway.
Silent Night is custom laminated with heat and pressure to conform to the shape of mouth. It moves the lower jaw into a forward position, which increases the airway space. If you're having trouble sleeping because your partner is snoring, or if you're the snorer in the family, yourself, come talk to us and we'll tell you whether you're a good candidate for a Silent Nite snoring preventive device. |
Diagrams have been used from the following dental publications:
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