» Cosmetic Dentistry

BRIDGES

admin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:37:10 +0000

Few incidents have greater impact on dental health and personal appearance than tooth loss. When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining teeth can drift out of position, which can lead to a change in the bite, the loss of additional teeth, decay, and gum disease.

When tooth loss occurs, your dentist may recommend the placement of a bridge. When placing a bridge, the teeth (abutments) on both sides of the space are covered with crowns (caps/retainers), and an artificial tooth (pontic) is attached to the crowns.

Initially, the dentist prepares teeth on each side of the space to receive crowns and makes an impression of the entire area.

Fits a temporary or transitional bridge made out of plastic or metal.

In a subsequent visit, the dentist:

Removes the temporary bridge, places, adjusts, and cements the fixed bridge.

Be sure to follow the special home care instructions provided by your dental professional.

Source: http://www.dentalcare.com/

Anderson Dental Group

CROWNS

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:14:52 +0000

When a tooth is fractured, has a large old filling, or is severely damaged by decay, your dentist may recommend the placement of a crown or cap. Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your smile. Types of crowns include the full porcelain crown, the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, and the all-metal crown.

Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to the dentist’s office. Initially, the dentist:

Removes decay, prepares and shapes the tooth.

Makes an impression.

Makes and fits a temporary or transitional crown made out of plastic or metal.

In a subsequent visit, the dentist:

Removes the temporary crown, fits and adjusts the final crown, and cements the crown into place.

Your dentist will match the crown color to the color of your teeth. If you are considering whitening your teeth, you should talk to your dentist about tooth whitening options before the crown is made. Since bleaching products do not affect the color of crowns, it is important that your natural teeth are whitened first so the dentist can match the crown color to the color of your teeth after they are whitened.

Source: http://www.dentalcare.com/

Anderson Dental Group

Stains on Teeth

admin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:15:40 +0000

INTRINSIC STAINS

Stains beneath the tooth enamel are known as intrinsic stains. This type of staining is commonly caused by:

Aging
Defects within the tooth
Use of certain antibiotics during tooth development
Smoking

Also, your diet can affect the brightness of your smile. The following foods and beverages often contribute to tooth stains on or beneath tooth enamel:

Tobacco products
Coffee
Tea
Red wine
Colored juices
Curry
Soy
Cola drinks
Minerals in well water

WHITENING OPTIONS

If you are concerned about the color of your teeth, ask your dentist or hygienist about various options for tooth whitening, including:

CREST PROFESSIONAL WHITESTRIPS

Whitening Technology that gives you noticeably whiter teeth

Crest® Whitestrips contain hydrogen peroxide, which gets at stains beneath the tooth surface

Thin, clear, flexible strips adhere directly to teeth

Just 30 minutes, twice a day for 3 weeks

Color improvement over 21 days’ use

KEEPING TEETH WHITE

After any whitening procedure, daily care is key in keeping teeth bright. Brushing with a whitening toothpaste like Crest® Vivid White will help to maintain whiter teeth and ensure good oral health. Sodium hexametaphosphate, a key ingredient in Crest Vivid White, provides stain removal and protection benefits.

Source: http://www.dentalcare.com/

Anderson Dental Group