Five Types Of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry is a method of professional oral care that focuses on improving the appearance of your mouth, teeth and smile. And although cosmetic dentistry procedures are usually elective, rather than essential, some cases of treatment also provide restorative benefits.

The most common procedures used in cosmetic dentistry are fairly simple, whereas others are more complex and require specialized care.

Inlays and Onlays

These are also known as indirect fillings, which are made by a dental laboratory, and they are used when a tooth has mild to moderate decay or there is not enough tooth structure to support a filling. Provided there is no damage to the tooth cusps, according to Choice One Dental Care, the inlay is placed directly onto the tooth surface. When the cusp or a greater portion of the tooth is damaged, however, an onlay is used instead to cover the tooth’s entire surface.

Inlays and onlays are made in a dental laboratory from composite resin material and attached to the teeth with adhesive dental cement. They provide support to strengthen teeth, restore their shape and avoid any further decay or deterioration.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding refers to the repair of decayed, damaged or discolored teeth using material that resembles the color of tooth enamel. Your dentist drills out the tooth decay and applies the composite onto the tooth’s surface, then “sculpts” it into the right shape before curing it with a high-intensity light. Also referred to as simply “bonding,” per the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, this effectively covers the damage to the tooth and gives the appearance of a healthy tooth in its place. Bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures available to patients with tooth decay, chipped or cracked teeth and worn-down edges.

Dental Veneers

Typically manufactured from medical-grade ceramic, dental veneers are made individually for each patient to resemble one’s natural teeth, according to Bruce Wilderman, DDS. They look exceptionally realistic and can resolve numerous cosmetic problems, ranging from crooked teeth, to cracked or damaged enamel to noticeable gaps between two teeth. The dentist applies the veneer to the front of each tooth using a dental adhesive.

Teeth Whitening

One of the most basic cosmetic dentistry procedures, teeth whitening or teeth bleaching can be performed at your dentist’s office. Whitening should occur after plaque, tartar and other debris are cleaned from the surface of each tooth, restoring their natural appearance. Teeth can also be bleached to achieve an even lighter shade than this original color, according to the American Dental Association (ADA) Mouth Healthy site.

Over the years, teeth become stained and worn from food, drinks, medication and personal habits such as smoking. Whitening coats the teeth and this procedure can be done in the dental office or at home. Additionally, patients can use toothpastes such as Colgate® Optic White® Platinum to achieve the same effect in a one to two week period. This product is available in four different formulas, and works to whiten teeth more than three shades over a period of two weeks and for optimal results within four weeks.

Implants

Dental implants are used to replace teeth after tooth loss. The dentist inserts a small titanium screw into the jaw at the site of the missing tooth, which serves as the support for a crown. These implants are almost indistinguishable from the surrounding natural teeth, and once the bone and supporting tissue fuse to the implant, they are permanently secured into place. Patients need to practice diligent oral hygiene during the implant placement period to clean plaque and food debris from the area.

If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry procedures, it’s vital to find a cosmetic dentist who specifically offers the option you’re interested in. Talk with family and friends to find out if they can refer to you a dental professional.

Orginally posted by  : www.colgate.com

DENTAL BRACES: TREATMENT & COSTS

What are Dental Braces?

Dental braces, or orthodontic cases, are devices used by dental professionals to straighten crooked teeth or correct a misaligned bite. Braces help to reposition the teeth with an aim to adjust the bite and result in a beautifully straight smile.

Braces work by placing constant pressure on each tooth to move them to the desired position. The braces are tightened at each returning visit to the dentist, applying slightly more pressure to the teeth to continue to move them into their proper position.

What Are the Different Types of Braces?

There are four main types of dental braces – metal, ceramic, lingual and Invisalign or invisible braces.

Metal Braces

Metal braces consist of metal brackets and wires. While the thought of these braces may initially make you think of the words “metal mouth”, modern metal braces are much smaller and less noticeable than those of the past. These days, they even feature heat-activated archwires that use your body heat to assist in moving teeth faster and less painfully.

Ceramic Braces

While these are the same size and shape as metal braces, they feature tooth-coloured or clear brackets to blend in with the teeth for a less noticeable appearance. Some even have the option of tooth-coloured wires for further subtlety.

Lingual Braces

These braces are the same as metal braces but are placed on the inside of the teeth. This makes them invisible from the outside, but it can also make them more difficult to keep clean. They can be more uncomfortable at first and adjustments can be more time-consuming than regular braces.

What is the Cost of Braces treatments?

The cost of braces treatment is dependent on your individual circumstances. Factors that will have an influence on the price of your dental braces, including the fitting, adjustments, retention visits and removal are:

• The type of braces required for your treatment
• The complexity of your orthodontic problem
• Where you are purchasing your dental braces
• Whether you have heath care funding
• The reputation and experience of the dental practice.

What are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment gives you more than just an aesthetically pleasing smile. You can also enjoy other benefits such as:

• Teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of plaque build-up, gum disease and tooth decay
• Breath is improved
• Reduced risk of teeth wear
• Improved chewing functionality
• Eliminated stress and pain of jaw joints.

 

Originally posted by: smile.com.au

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT & COSTS

A root canal is a treatment of the pulp of the tooth that is inflamed, infected, or dead. The pulp is a soft substance in the center of the tooth.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is used to save a tooth with an infected or dead pulp and prevent the infection from spreading.

Pulp exists inside each tooth, providing the tooth with nerves and nutrients. The pulp tissue can sometimes die if it is damaged or diseased. A root canal saves the affected tooth by cleaning out the diseased pulp and reshaping the canal.

Once the pulp is removed, the root canal is cleaned and sealed for protection. A crown is then placed over the tooth to increase its strength.

What are the Symptoms of Pulp Tissue Damage?

• Individuals may experience symptoms differently, but these are the most common symptoms of an injured or damaged pulp:
• Pain when biting down and chewing
• Oversensitivity of teeth with hot or cold food or beverages
• Facial swelling.

These symptoms can also be a sign of other oral health issues, so they may not always indicate that you require root canal treatment. It is recommended that you consult a dentist if you are experiencing pain or discomfort.

What is the Root Canal Procedure?

A root canal is usually a simple procedure with little or no discomfort. It involves one to three visits to a dentist.

Here is a step-by-step guide to how the procedure saves your tooth:

Your dentist makes an opening through the top of the tooth down to the pulp chamber.
The injured or dead pulp is taken out and the root canals are irrigated and medicated.
A temporary filling is placed in the opening at the top of the tooth in order to protect it between procedures. Alternatively, the tooth may be left open to drain for a couple of days.

The temporary filling gets removed and the pulp chamber and root canal(s) are cleaned then filled.

A crown is placed over the tooth. The endodontist performing the treatment will advise you to see your dentist to complete this last step.

Most patients report that having a root canal treatment today is as unremarkable as getting a filling.

What Are the Benefits of Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is a simple and painless procedure that offers many benefits, including:

• Relief of pain and discomfort
• Prevention of spread of infection
• A healthy restored tooth that lasts a lifetime if properly cared for
• No interruption or changes to other teeth
• Normal biting and chewing sensation
• You get to keep your natural smile!

Are There Any Alternative Options to Root Canal Treatment?

The only alternative is to have the tooth extracted. Unfortunately, this can affect the surrounding teeth, often causing them to move and leaving you with a bad bite. Although having your tooth pulled out may cost less initially, the space left will require an implant or bridge to be fitted, which can ultimately be more expensive than root canal treatment.

Originally posted by: smile.com.au

What is cost of wisdom tooth removal

Wisdom Tooth Removal : Treatment & Costs

Are your wisdom teeth causing you pain and discomfort? Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that assists to eliminate the pain caused by problematic wisdom tooth development. If left in place, difficult wisdom teeth can cause severe pain, infections and serious damage to the surrounding jawbone and teeth.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, or third and final molars, are the four last teeth to erupt, generally coming in during the late teen years or early twenties. Because the jawbone has fully grown to its adult size during the late teen years, the jaw is often too small to accommodate the new wisdom teeth comfortably. This is why the development of wisdom teeth commonly causes pain and discomfort, and can lead to more serious issues that require wisdom teeth removal.

Do I Need to Get My Wisdom Teeth Out?

Depending on the size of your jaw and how your wisdom teeth develop, you may not experience any issues with your wisdom teeth. The best way to determine whether you require wisdom teeth removal or not is to visit one of our approved dentists for a professional evaluation and assessment.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

Here is an outline of what you can expect during your wisdom tooth removal:

• Your dentist will use either local, sedation or general anaesthesia in order to numb your mouth and/or suppress your consciousness during the surgery
• An incision will be made in the gum to expose the tooth and bone
• If any bone is blocking access to the root of the tooth, it will be removed
• If the tooth is difficult to remove, it may be divided into several pieces
• The tooth is removed
• The extraction site is cleaned and any remaining debris is removed
• The site is stitched up if required for healing
• A gauze is placed over the site to control any bleeding and assist the formation of a blood clot.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Costs

The cost of wisdom teeth removal is dependent on your individual circumstances. Factors such as which anaesthesia was used and the nature of the extraction can have an impact on the overall price of the procedure. As a Smile member, you will receive a guaranteed saving of at least 15% on all dental procedures in comparison to regular patients.

Orignally posted by: smile.com.au