Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog

Over time, your teeth can all too easily become discolored and stained. This is not always the result of external substances affecting your teeth; sometimes, discoloration can be caused by natural changes in the tooth material itself.

In general, cosmetic dentists separate instances of discoloration into three main categories:

• Intrinsic discoloration – Too much fluoride exposure as a child or the use of antibiotics with tetracycline can cause your tooth’s inner structure (the dentin) to darken, taking on a yellow tint.
• Extrinsic discoloration – Your enamel can become stained by coffee, soda, wine, nicotine, and other commonly-consumed substances.
• Age-related discoloration – Both extrinsic and intrinsic factors apply. Stains that have been caused by foods, beverages or smoking are present, and your dentin has also yellowed naturally over time. Your enamel typically thins with age, allowing the yellow layer beneath to show through more.

Various cosmetic dentistry procedures can help you whiten your smile, such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. Some stains, such as those caused by tetracycline, can be permanent and non-responsive to teeth whitening. In these cases, porcelain veneers can help cover up the discoloration, restoring your smile to a beautiful natural white.

To find out more about cosmetic dentistry options for whitening your smile, contact an experienced cosmetic dentist today through the Cosmetic Dentistry directory.

If you lose an adult tooth, the area of your jawbone where the tooth is missing will gradually become reabsorbed; in other words, you will begin to lose bone at the site of your missing tooth, which will make the ridge of your jawbone thin over time. If you experience too much bone loss, you will not be able to have dental implants placed, since implants must directly bond to your jawbone during a process called osseointegration.

Usually, patients with too little bone to support dental implants are required to turn to alternative tooth replacement treatments, such as dental bridges. In certain cases, however, cosmetic dentists may recommend that patients undergo a bone grafting procedure in order to re-grow and restore bone in the area of their jaw where an implant is needed.

Bone grafting is an effective and safe method of increasing the volume of your jawbone where it has thinned, allowing cosmetic dentists to place dental implants of the proper width and length. The functionality of your bite and smile will be restored, and future bone loss will be prevented with this method.

If you have a missing tooth (or teeth) and are interested in dental implants, contact an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area today to see if you are a candidate.

Porcelain veneers and dental bonding are both popular cosmetic dentistry treatments that address many of the same dental problems, leaving some patients to wonder which procedure would best fit their needs. Some of the issues these two procedures can correct are:

• Permanently stained teeth
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Gaps in your smile
• Misshapen teeth

Dental bonding is generally more affordable than porcelain veneers, making it the preferred procedure for patients on a budget. Bonding also takes less time to apply than veneers: the entire process can be completed in a single office visit.

Although tooth bonding is a versatile treatment with several advantages, the composite material used in bonding does require repair work and/or replacement more often than porcelain veneers. In addition, bonding is not as stain-proof as veneers. The resin used in the composite material yellows more easily when exposed to substances like coffee, tea, and nicotine. Smokers in particular might find porcelain veneers a more worthwhile procedure.

If you have further questions about the benefits of either of these procedures, contact an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area today to schedule an initial consultation.

Most of us are responsible about brushing our teeth in the mornings and evenings, but all too few of us stick to a regular habit of flossing. It might surprise you to know that most dentists consider flossing even more important to dental hygiene than brushing. Flossing is a key way you can prevent the onset of several different dental problems, including:

• Tooth decay
• Periodontal disease (gum disease)
• Tartar build-up
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Tooth loss

People usually separate dental health and general health, believing them to be two separate issues. However, your mouth is the entrance to your body: how well you take care of your teeth, gums, and oral health can have a significant impact on your general health as well. Recent studies show that advanced periodontal disease can potentially trigger the release of chemicals that have been known to cause heart disease.

Flossing is such a simple step. It may be a chore, but it is also an effective tool for prevention that can help you preserve your health now and into the future.

If you would like to improve both the health and beauty of your smile, contact an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area today using the Cosmetic Dentistry Directory.