Procedures for Improving your Smile
December 29, 2008
With the introduction of many cosmetic procedures that help to improve a person’s smile, more and more people now wish to go through these procedures to perk up their appearance and self-confidence. A major reason for adopting one of these procedures, apart from misaligned or crooked teeth, is discoloration of teeth. Stained teeth are a result of neglected oral hygiene, excessive use of tobacco products and caffeine, and intake of strong medicines on a regular basis. The most common procedure in cosmetic dentistry is undoubtedly teeth whitening which can be performed at home and in the dentist’s office.
Although teeth whitening is the easiest way to get a flashing and bright smile, it is not effective for everyone. Severely stained teeth may require bleaching which is not recommended due to the use of chemicals. Furthermore, bleaching is not for people who have gone through other dental procedures in the past such as fillings and crowns. Similarly, teeth whitening performed at home may not prove to be effective at all because there are countless whitening products available on the market and not all of them are helpful. For these people dental veneers and bonding may prove to be successful and effective.
Many a times, cosmetic dentists perform several procedures to give the patient a complete smile makeover. Tooth reshaping is required to address crooked and broken teeth. Only after the teeth are ready for veneers and other cosmetic procedures, these dental formulas are applied. Usually your dentist will inform you of the procedures you may require in order to improve your smile. Bonding is required to fill the gaps between teeth which consequently also improve the color of teeth. Similarly, dental veneers are placed on the surface of teeth to improve their shape and color. However, veneers can only be placed on front teeth, and if you have broken or chipped back teeth, some other procedures might be required.
Veneers may prove to be practical and effective for a lot of people out there as they are not only long lasting but porcelain veneers also greatly resemble our natural tooth color. Normally veneers can last for 10 to 15 years if they are properly cared for. Bonding can be used as an alternative to amalgam fillings which are thought to be harmful for health. However, this procedure is more costly than simple dental fillings. The type of procedures to adopt not only depends on the condition of your teeth but also your pocket. A complete smile makeover may cost of thousands of dollars, so keep all these things in mind before going to the dentist.
Teeth whitening and dental veneers can also be termed as restorative procedures as they have the ability to restore the natural color of our teeth. Bleaching, on the other hand, is performed to treat excessive staining and yellowing of teeth and therefore it may produce a somewhat unnatural effect. There are pros and cons of each cosmetic procedure so consider all these options carefully and then opt for one or more of these procedures to boost your self-confidence and recover your beautiful smile.
Is It Safe to Have your Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removed?
December 23, 2008
Wisdom teeth usually grow during the age of 16 to 25. At this stage there is normally not enough space left to accommodate the new teeth and therefore they become a source of constant pain, irritation and swelling. It is not only safe to have the impacted wisdom teeth removed, but in most cases it is the only viable solution to help relieve the excruciating pain. Doctors advise having impacted wisdom teeth removed as early as possible to avoid complications and disease. However, the dentist may recommend waiting a few months or a couple of years if the teeth have only partially developed.
Impacted wisdom teeth are removed in the same way as any other tooth would be removed. The patient is normally put to sleep during the procedure so that they would not feel any pain. Swelling and pain may occur for a few days after the operation but it usually goes away in due time. Although the procedure of removing wisdom teeth is fairly straight forward, your dentist may point out some complications associated with this type of oral surgery. Similarly, some side effects may occur as a result of this procedure which in some cases may prolong the healing process.
If you suffer from mouth ulcers or bleeding gums, your dentist may advise you to wait for the problem to disappear before attempting to remove your wisdom teeth. Sometimes it is required to stitch the area that has been operated upon to speed up the healing process. Bleeding usually stops within a few hours after the operation but if prolonged bleeding occurs, you should immediately notify your dentist. In addition to this, side effects like dry sockets may develop if sufficient blood clot fails to form in the socket. If this condition occurs, you should let your dentist know so that they can start the necessary treatment.
It is advisable to take some preventative measures after the surgery to avert oral complications. Smoking can be injurious to the healing process and it has been found that smoking is also one of the major causes of dry sockets. Avoiding strenuous physical activity can help relive pain and stop bleeding. You should also eat only soft foods which are easy to chew and swallow. Any pressure on the affected area may trigger bleeding and pain. Some people find it difficult to speak or open their jaw after the surgery for a few days. These conditions are normal and will disappear in due time.
Impacted wisdom teeth may cause further problems if their removal is delayed. So, it is strongly advised that if you experience any kind of pain or swelling in that area you should immediately see your dentist. The earlier the problematic wisdom teeth are removed, the better. Normally it is difficult to cure gum disease or cavities in the wisdom teeth because of their position. Although having impacted wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure, some people may not experience any pain or inflammation associated with these teeth during their entire lifetime. Regular appointments with your dentist can help in identifying the status of your wisdom teeth.
Importance of Oral Health during Pregnancy
December 16, 2008
Oral health is often the most neglected form of health during all stages of life. In order to develop completely, your baby needs all kinds of nutrients which are obtained through the mother’s diet. Calcium is very important for proper growth and development of the baby’s bones and teeth. Similarly, adequate amounts of vitamin D are also required to help in maximum calcium absorption during pregnancy. The expectant mother should not neglect the importance of brushing and flossing during the entire period to prevent bleeding and other oral complications. It should be noted here that oral problems such as swollen gums and cavities can have a negative effect on the digestive system and consequently the baby suffers.
Some women develop mouth ulcers as a reaction to strong medicines. These problems should also be controlled through proper oral care. Regularly use a mouth wash or a toothpaste rich in fluoride to prevent and cure these ulcers. After consuming starchy foods, milk or sweets and before going to bed thoroughly brush your teeth. Eat more and more dairy products and other calcium-rich foods such as cheese, yoghurt, green vegetables, almonds and eggnog. Regular dental check ups are also important to prevent serious problems and complications during pregnancy.
It has been found through scientific studies that premature and abnormal births might be connected with some oral problems, particularly gum disease. It is advisable to start caring for your teeth even if you have no plans of becoming pregnant in the near future. Neglected oral care often has long-term effects on our overall health, including the health of the baby during pregnancy. Serious problems like gingivitis and periodontal disease may also occur during this period as a result of neglected oral hygiene. Drink lots of water to keep your mouth clean and rinsed at all times.
It is not recommended to take strong medicines such as antibiotics during pregnancy. Although dental care is very important and should not be neglected, the health of your baby comes first and therefore you should not stress too much on any minor oral problems during this time. Your dentist should also be aware of your condition along with any important information regarding pregnancy-related complications you may have. This is to ensure that you receive proper treatment without having to take strong medicines or any other prescriptions that might not be necessary.
If you are planning on getting dental implants or wish to get your teeth whitened, then wait till the baby is born. Although cosmetic procedures are mostly harmless, it’s better to avoid taking in chemicals you have no knowledge of. It is also advisable to avoid nitrous oxide during pregnancy which is also known as laughing gas and is often used as an anesthetic in sedation dentistry.
Proper oral care and hygiene is of utmost importance during pregnancy to avoid complications. Eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding foods that may cause oral problems, proper brushing and flossing and having your teeth checked on a regular basis are steps to ensure oral health during this time.
Products for Proper Oral Hygiene and Healthier Teeth
December 9, 2008
We should not neglect the importance of oral hygiene for the prevention of various oral disorders including tooth decay, gum disease and periodontitis. Many people are also concerned about their bad breath as it causes embarrassment and humiliation. To solve these problems a range of exciting oral products are now available on the market that consist of different types of toothbrushes, whitening and cleaning gels, oral irrigators, and tongue cleaners. Other products like whitening toothpastes, mouthwashes and sprays should also be used regularly for healthier and whiter teeth. All these products are now easily available over the counter and are not very expensive either.
There are three types of toothbrushes that can be used to remove sticky food particles from the teeth. These include disposable brushes, regular brushes and electric brushes. Disposable toothbrushes are quickly gaining in popularity as they are very easy to use. They are also known as pre-pasted toothbrushes. If you use regular brushes you should select an effective tooth-paste and brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Electric toothbrushes are good for elderly people who find it difficult to clean their teeth with a manual one. There are many varieties available on the market and you can choose one according to your requirements. One can also use miswaak for cleaning their teeth which is a natural toothbrush. Miswaak has been found to be very effective as it contains mint and other natural agents for cleaning teeth and preventing various oral disorders. It is easy to use and does not require a paste or any other cleaning solution.
Whitening gels are employed to get rid of stained and discolored teeth. These gels contain a peroxide agent which serves to lighten the shade of the teeth. Gels can also be used in connection with whitening trays for better results. Doctors recommend wearing these trays for a period of 30 minutes everyday for brighter teeth. Other than gels, you can also check out various whitening systems and at-home whitening treatments to get rid of yellow and stained teeth.
Oral irrigators and tongue cleaners are very useful for oral hygiene and healthier teeth. If you hate to floss, you will love an oral irrigator, also known as a water pick. This product uses an electric water jet to remove plaque from areas where toothbrush fails to work effectively. An oral irrigator is often recommended to people who wear braces or other orthodontic devices to clean their teeth properly.
If you are a victim of bad breath, you should start using tongue cleaners. Many types of tongue cleaners are available on the market and are very easy to use. People often use different kinds of mouthwashes to get rid of bad breath. However, they are mostly not very effective because they provide a temporary solution. For removing plaque from the surface of tongue which is a number one cause of bad breath, you should use an effective tongue cleaner, also known as a tongue scraper. The most useful tongue cleaners available out there are made of pure metals like silver and copper. Avoid using scrapers that contain metal alloys to avoid irritation and allergy.
Different Options Available for Teeth Whitening
December 2, 2008
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure used to improve the color of teeth. The procedure works best for healthy teeth with no cavities, and gums that do not bleed. There are basically three options available for teeth whitening. These are whitening toothpastes, whitening strips and trays, and power bleaching. Many different products are available on the market for at-home bleaching and whitening treatments. However, some people prefer power bleaching which is performed by a dentist. Power bleaching is often employed as a procedure to restore the natural color of teeth in smile makeovers. All these methods are harmless and can be applied easily at home.
Whitening toothpastes are specially made for the purpose of imparting white color to the teeth. They contain certain chemicals or cleaning agents that quickly remove stains. However, since these toothpastes do not contain bleach they do not prove to be effective for severely stained or tarnished teeth. Whitening toothpastes can be used for mildly yellow teeth.
Whitening strips and trays are two different products but both are used for at-home bleaching. Again, there are countless varieties of these products and you can choose one according to your requirements. Strips are usually made of cellulose loaded with bleaching gel and are very easy to apply. You just have to peel them off and place on the surface of teeth for 15 to 20 minutes everyday.
Some strips act fast and bring positive results in a matter of days, while others show results in weeks. Gels can also be used independently with the help of a brush. Usually a two-week period is required for the treatment if you are using only whitening gel to brighten your smile. Whitening gels and strips are definitely more effective than toothpastes.
Trays are of two types: those that are custom-made at home by softening them in hot water and placing them over the teeth, and those that are provided by the cosmetic dentist during treatment. The second procedure is more expensive as it produces a perfect mold for your teeth. You can find various products in this category which consist of pre-filled trays as well as professional whitening systems for faster and long lasting results.
Whitening trays contain a peroxide bleaching agent and are therefore more effective than whitening gels or strips. All these options that can be used at home are very inexpensive and anyone can use them without any reservations. However, teeth whitening performed by a dentist also known as power bleaching, is more expensive as it requires some additional steps to ensure proper treatment.
Special instructions are given for using whitening gels, strips and trays. Hydrogen peroxide bleaching agents are not to be applied for an extended duration of time. Whitening gel can be refrigerated for longer use.
For those who are looking for a reliable teeth whitening option, power beaching assisted by a professional cosmetic dentist is recommended. The dentist uses certified and approved equipment and therefore in-office bleaching is one of the most effective ways to brighten your smile.