What is a dental crown?

19. June 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: crowns

getting a dental crownYou may have heard the term ‘dental crown’ before when it comes to dental restoration and improvement. What are these dental crowns exactly? Why do dentists use them, and what materials are they made from? We will look at all these different questions.

What are dental crowns?

A crown is a type of dental restoration. It fully covers that portion of the dental implant or tooth that is directly at and above the gum line. This means it becomes the tooth’s new outer surface when it is placed. Compare that to a dental filling for example that just repairs or fills a specific portion of that tooth. Dental crowns are permanently fixed into place. The crown will function like a natural tooth and needs to be cared for the same way.

Why are dental crowns used?

There are different reasons that a dentist may recommend a dental crown. They routinely use them for the following reasons:

  • To strengthen or repair already damaged teeth
  • To improve the overall appearance of the tooth, this can include shape, color, and alignment

While there are alternatives options and treatments available, there is no other dental restoration option that has the same advantages and benefits as a crown.

What kinds of material are they made from?

It is common to see dental crowns made from:

  • Porcelain or an alternative dental ceramic
  • A metal alloy, this can include non-precious, semi-precious, or precious alloy.
  • A combination of metal alloy and dental ceramic, for example, porcelain-fused-to-metal

Each of the three different options has their own advantages and disadvantages. This means that each option has its most-suited applications.

How long does it take?

It usually requires two separate dentist visits to install a dental crown. The dentist will make sure that the tooth is able to support a crown and file the tooth down a bit during the first visit. If the tooth is already broken or severely damaged, the tooth may need to be filled first in order to support the crown properly.

After taking an impression of the tooth, the pictures are sent to a dental lab. This means that the permanent crown is made custom to suit your specific needs. After the first visit, the dentist is going to place a temporary crown that is going to protect the tooth temporarily while the final crown is prepared

During the second visit, the permanent crown is fastened using special adhesive. Even though it is going to feel a little strange at first, it will feel and function like a regular tooth over time.

What does a cosmetic dentist do?

02. June 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Cosmetic Dentist

cosmetic dentistUnlike the traditional dentist, a cosmetic dentist does not necessarily focus on the physical health of the patient, but focuses more on the patient’s self-esteem. The focus is on improving the overall appearance of your teeth and gums. There are a number of ways that a cosmetic dentist can enhance your looks. We will walk you through some of the most popular procedures.

Tooth whitening

Tooth whitening or bleaching is a way to get white, brighter teeth. Over time, it is natural that our teeth become stained or discolored. Some of the common reasons behind this include tea, tobacco, and coffee. Using carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, a cosmetic dentist can lighten the color of your teeth. The result is that people are more confident in their appearance.

Veneers

Veneers are the next step in teeth whitening, covering the surface of the teeth completely. These are thin segments of natural colored composite plastic or porcelain fixed on the front teeth. They not only produce a white smile, but can also hide bridge gaps between the front teeth, hide cracks and chips, change the shape of a tooth, or mask small misalignments.

Crowns

This cap fits over the tooth in order to strengthen it or enhance its appearance. Weak, discolored, or damaged front teeth may need a crown. It looks like a normal tooth but is actually made from ceramic.

Bridges

When one or two front teeth are missing, bridges are recommended. Often made from porcelain or precious metal, it bridges the gap between two crowns fixed on the teeth using an artificial tooth.

Dental implants

This is another way to replace a missing tooth, but more expensive than a bridge or denture. There is a titanium rod inserted into the jawbone and there is a crown fixed on top of that titanium rod.

Tooth straightening and gum treatment

Oftentimes cosmetic dentists will use braces to shape and straighten teeth. Invisible braces (made from clear plastic) are a great option when it comes to a straightening process that might take months. A cosmetic dentist can also address gum disease problems for both medical and aesthetic reasons.

There are a number of different treatments you can expect from a cosmetic dentist. Even with extensive damage or disease to the gums or teeth, a cosmetic dentist is often able to give you back full functionality and an attractive smile.

Laser Dentistry for Cavities

09. May 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Dentist

laser dentistWhile most people know that drilling a tooth for a cavity is no picnic, the anticipation and sound the actual drill makes is far worse than anything else could. The sounds emanating from the dental practice can have patients running for the door. So when the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of lasers to treat cavities in 1997, you can understand that many people would be excited about that.

How do lasers work in dentistry?

Just like every other laser, lasers in dentistry deliver energy in the form of light. When used in dental procedures, it can act as a vaporizer or cutting instrument when it is exposed to tissue. It can also help strengthen the bond between the tooth and the filling and dentists can even use it in teeth whitening procedures where the laser enhances the effect of tooth bleaching agents by acting as a heat source.

How can they fix cavities?

The erbium laser is the traditional type of laser used to treat dental cavities. This solid-state laser can quietly remove tiny layers of the tooth and can usually do so without causing any serious discomfort. More often than not, the patient does not need an injection to numb them during the procedure. This type of treatment can be used for small to medium sized cavities and has recently been approved for use in children as well.

What are the benefits and drawbacks?

As with any procedure, there are pros and cons. When it comes to using laser dentistry for cavities, these are the most important factors:

Benefits

  • They do not produce the noise of the conventional drill nor do they heat up
  • They may cause less pain in many instances
  • Patients afraid of the dental drill will no longer have to be as anxious
  • Soft tissue treatments produce less swelling and bleeding
  • When removing a cavity, it is possible to preserve more of the healthy tooth

Drawbacks

  • You cannot use them if there are fillings already in place
  • The need for an anesthetic is not completely eliminated
  • It can be more expensive

Because of the large investment, many dentists are apprehensive about investing in laser technology. However, those who have done so already often get rave reviews from their patients. The fact that it can do the job quietly is a tremendous benefit for many patients who may not be comfortable with the drill.

Academy of Laser Dentistry

Invisalign vs. traditional braces – what are the benefits?

24. March 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: braces

Most people have had, or have at least seen, the traditional metal braces that were standard until a few years ago. Nicknames such as “brace-face” and “metal-mouth” may still haunt some people today. You can probably understand why many people treat the almost complete invisibility of Invisalign braces as a great option for both children and adults. We look at a number of different factors that may determine what the right option is for you or someone close to you.

Oral hygiene and tooth decay

Perhaps the most easily identifiable problem is the fact that the traditional braces are placed directly on the tooth. Add in the fact that they come with bands, springs, small elastics, and metal bars, and you understand why flossing is difficult if not impossible with the traditional braces. Oftentimes orthodontists will recommend that a patient avoid certain foods, including apples and corn on the cob.

The Invisalign aligners are removable and allow the patient to floss, brush, and eat normally. The patient must ensure that he or she wears the Invisalign aligners for 20 hours every day; this means that the patient has four hours daily for normal cleaning and eating without the retainers.

Overall comfort

The traditional braces can be uncomfortable or painful because of pointy or sharp edges of the wires or brackets. However, it has to be said that in due time, the tissue that initially became irritated will become stronger and thus hurt less while wearing traditional braces. However, it cannot compare to the comfortable, smooth edges of the Invisalign system. Most patients do not feel any sense of irritation.

The length of treatment

With traditional braces, the severity of the case will decide the treatment length. For example, those with minor to moderate crowding will have far shorter treatment periods than patients who have rotated teeth or severe crowding. On average, the length of treatment is about two years when using metal braces.

The method used with Invisalign braces is slightly different. The number of trays the patient wears determines the length of treatment. A patient will wear a tray for two weeks before replacing them with the next set of trays. Using computer technology, Invisalign decides how many trays are needed to move the teeth. In simple cases this can take anywhere between four and six months, but severe crowding cases can take upwards of a year or even longer. The average treatment is ten months to a year.

Price

For some the ultimate decision maker is the price of the treatment. For those people, the traditional metal braces will probably be preferred over Invisalign. While not by much, the traditional braces might be slightly cheaper.

Ultimately, you should decide the orthodontic treatment that is going to provide you with the best results. Have a professional evaluate your teeth, discuss your cosmetic goals, and determine what the right option would be for you.

How to select a dentist that is right for you

02. March 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Dentist

select a dentistWhile you will probably not spend too much time with him or her every year, it is important to select the right dentist for you. However, if you need a new dentist, for whatever reason, how can you make sure to narrow down your options to find the best one for you?

 

Know what you need

Some dentists brand themselves as “family dentist” or “cosmetic dentist” to indicate that they are able to treat your whole family or offer cosmetic dental treatments, but remember that the American Dental Association does not consider these recognized dental specializations. The specialists that they do recognize include:

 

  • Pediatric dentists – dentists who work with children, also known as pedodontists
  • Endodontists – these specialize in root canals
  • Oral and maxillofacial surgeons – These perform oral surgery or tooth extraction
  • Prosthodontists – These are considered restorative specialists
  • Periodontists – Specialize in treating gum disease
  • Orthodontist – Perhaps the most famous of the specializations, a bite specialist

 

Most of the time you will need a comprehensive dental exam from a general dentist before you can see a dental specialist.

 American Dental Association

Other important factors

Other factors might help you decide between two or three good options. These include the following:

 

  • The office location – First you want to consider everyday convenience. How long is it going to take you to get to and from the dentist’s office? Secondly, you might want your dentist somewhat near to you in the event of a dental emergency.
  • Office hours and emergency care – You should always ask whether that particular dentist also works as an emergency dentist. Are they available on the weekends and do they work evening hours?
  • Your comfort level – You want to make sure that the office has the amenities you want to make your treatment most comfortable. Technologies may include Waterlase®, CEREC®, or sedation dentistry.
  • Fees and payment plans – You can find a great dentist, but you probably want to make sure that your dental insurance covers your appointments there. Determine how much your out-of-pocket expenses are going to be, you would not be the first to find a large, unexpected bill in their mail.

 

Remember that referrals online or from friends can also be a great way to narrow down your options. By keeping these tips in mind, you are sure to find the best dentist that matches what you are looking for.