Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog

Metal amalgam fillings were the standard for dentists in the past whenever a cavity needed to be removed. Today, advances in dental technology and materials have led to the increased use of white composite filling material, which is not only virtually invisible when applied to your teeth, but also more durable and protective than traditional metal fillings.

Some patients will even choose to have their old metal fillings replaced by white composite fillings because the benefits of this new material are so great.

White fillings hold every advantage over metal fillings. They:

• Are less sensitive to cold and hot
• Do not contain toxic mercury
• Require less removal of your natural tooth tissue
• Strengthen your tooth because of bonding
• Do not expand or contract due to temperature changes
• Prevent new decay from reaching underneath the filling

If you need to have a cavity filled, white fillings are your best option. The only other type of filling that more closely resembles you natural tooth enamel is a porcelain filling. However, porcelain fillings are more expensive and usually take more than one office visit to place.

If you need to have a cavity filled, or are interested in having your old fillings replaced with tooth-colored composite fillings, contact an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area today through the Cosmetic Dentistry Directory.

Depending upon the treatment method you choose, the side effects of teeth whitening can vary. In-house tooth whitening sessions and professional take-home treatments are monitored by cosmetic dentists for their safety, comfort level, and overall effectiveness.

During an in-office tooth whitening procedure, the only side effect to watch out for is a temporarily-increased tooth sensitivity. Experienced cosmetic dentists will have a de-sensitizing gel ready to apply to your teeth if this sensitivity becomes too pronounced. Many take-home whitening kits provided by cosmetic dentists also include a de-sensitizing gel in case patients experience sensitivity. After treatment, some remaining sensitivity is to be expected – especially when consuming hot and cold beverages or foods – but it will eventually fade.

If you choose to try an over-the-counter teeth whitening product, however, your results are not guaranteed, and you can even risk damaging your teeth from over-exposure to the harsh, abrasive chemicals used in various bleaching gels. These store-bought products, such as whitening toothpaste and generic tray treatments, can strip away your teeth’s protective layer of enamel, soon revealing the yellow dentin layer underneath and defeating the entire purpose of whitening treatment.

Having your tooth whitening treatment performed or supervised by an experienced cosmetic dentist makes a difference. If you are interested in professional teeth whitening, contact a cosmetic dentist in your area today using the Cosmetic Dentistry Directory.

We usually associate bad breath with irresponsible dental hygiene, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, bad breath can be the result of disease processes in other areas of the body, such as the liver or stomach. Other times, it is simply caused by oral and nasal-related conditions.

The technical term for bad breath is halitosis. The four sources of halitosis include:

• Your mouth (teeth, gums, tongue) – the most common source.
• The upper part of your airway (tonsils, throat, larynx, sinuses, nasal cavities)
• Your lungs (lung infection, disease)
• Your stomach (Acid Reflux Disease)

Cosmetic dentists have access to state-of-the-art tests which can accurately diagnose the source of your bad breath. Once identified, you can begin an effective treatment plan to combat your halitosis.

Beyond regular hygiene maintenance, fresh breath treatments can include tongue treatments and specially-formulated dental hygiene products that help eliminate bacteria in the mouth. If your bad breath is the result of gum disease, new dental technologies – such as the Sonicare toothbrush and Irrigator – can greatly help your oral hygiene at home. If your problem is severe, your cosmetic dentist might recommend gum therapy using laser dentistry to carefully disinfect inflamed tissue.

If you have chronic bad breath no matter how well you brush and floss every day, it can be treated. Contact an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area today using the Cosmetic Dentistry Directory.

If you have an uneven gum line that covers too much of your teeth’s surface, you may be the victim of a problem commonly referred to as a “gummy smile.” Excess gum tissue can make your teeth seem overly small or else disproportionate, hiding what could otherwise be a natural, attractive smile.

Gum recontouring is a cosmetic dentistry procedure designed to correct this issue. Note that gum recontouring does not change your teeth’s shape; it is simply the process of re-shaping your gum line so that excess tissue is removed from the front surface of your teeth. If your teeth themselves really are too small – for example, if you have gaps between underdeveloped teeth – you may want to consider porcelain veneers.

The gum recontouring process is a short and simple procedure, generally requiring only one office visit. Certain dental offices use the traditional incision technique to reshape your gum lines, but with advances in modern technology, most cosmetic dentists now use a soft tissue laser to complete the procedure. Soft tissue lasers allow for greater symmetry and precision in reshaping your gums. As an added benefit, they produce far less pain and discomfort in the patient during the procedure.

If you are interested in a gum recontouring procedure to help your natural smile shine through, please contact an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area today through the Cosmetic Dentistry Directory.