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Who is a Good Candidate for Professional Tooth Whitening?

May 03, 2010 @ 07:41 PM — by admin
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Are you a good candidate for professional tooth whitening? Are you teeth stained or discolored? This article has all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Professional Tooth Whitening – Common Questions and Concerns

May 03, 2010 @ 07:40 PM — by admin
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Thinking of whitening your teeth, but have a little trepidation? No problem! Here are the answers to some common questions and concerns about professional tooth whitening.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Dental Implants and Implant Dentistry

March 31, 2009 @ 06:04 PM — by unknown
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Dental implants are often the cure that is used to solve the problem of missing teeth, and in this article we will answer frequently asked questions about the procedures involved with these implants.

Q: What is a dental implant?

A: A dental implant is a metal screw that is made of titanium and placed directly into the jaw bone. It is used as an anchor for a dental crown or for a larger dental restoration. Basically, it allows for a new replacement tooth to be placed into the mouth when there is a lost tooth or when a few teeth are removed.

Q: Can anyone get dental implants?

A: Anyone who needs to have a tooth replaced, and who is in good health, can become a candidate for dental implants. Usually only those who are dealing with a lost tooth or a few lost teeth are the ones who go to their dentist asking if they can have dental implants, as there is usually no reason for someone with healthy teeth to need them.

Q: How successful are dental implants?

A: In the majority of cases, dental implants have a 95% success rate.

Q: Are there any complications to worry about?

A: If you've got a talented dentist who is experienced in placing dental implants, there is very little to fear. There are some situations in which complications can occur, however, and it is good that patients understand the risks. Occasionally, dental implants can fail to integrate into the bone and have to be removed, and sometimes there can be an infection that can occur during the procedure. Usually these complications, however, account for less than 5% of all dental implants that are placed.

Q: Is it painful to have dental implants put in?

A: The procedure is done under anesthesia and isn't painful. There can, however, be some discomfort after the anesthesia wears off, and swelling and bruising may occur. There should not be any prolonged pain, and if there is, the patient should speak with their dentist as soon as possible to ensure that an infection has not developed.

Q: Is it expensive to get dental implants?

A: Quite often, insurance will kick in a certain amount for dental implants, but for those who do not have insurance, dentists are now making procedures such as getting dental implants much more affordable than ever before.  This can be a great solution for a lost tooth or teeth that have gone missing.

Cosmetic Dentistry Guidelines - Who is Eligible?

January 19, 2009 @ 09:24 PM — by unknown
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Cosmetic dentistry is available to help people who have problems with their teeth. There are many different procedures that can help to hide discolored, chipped, cracked, broken, or misaligned teeth and other common dental problems. There are new dental techniques used every day that can help fix and repair teeth with a lot less difficulty then before. New dental materials have made it possible for people to have a better looking appearance with more self esteem. People that need cosmetic dentistry have teeth that with gaps and cavities, crooked teeth, stained and discolored teeth, and chipped teeth. When trying to make up your mind if you should get cosmetic dentistry, it is important to note that most of these procedures are usually not covered by dental insurance. Many of these procedures cost thousands of dollars so this is an important factor to keep in mind when thinking about getting cosmetic dentistry. Most people will have trouble affording it and will have to save in advance for procedures that will cost a lot of money. You will also need to know that these procedures may only last a number of years and may need to be reapplied after awhile. Cosmetic dentistry includes such services as tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, fillings, bridges, crowns, breath treatments, restorative dentistry and much more. Before getting any kind of dental procedures you should always talk to your dentist about which procedures will be right for you. If you have good dental health, your dentist will talk to you about your options in cosmetic dentistry but if your have poor dental health you may not be able to get cosmetic dentistry until you have your dental problems resolved. With the help of cosmetic dentistry, you can have the teeth and smile that you have always wanted.

Reasons to Undergo Cosmetic Dentistry

December 08, 2008 @ 02:15 PM — by unknown
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There are as many reasons to undergo cosmetic dentistry procedures as there are unique smiles.  Cosmetic dentistry treatments can be performed to conceal or repair a number of aesthetic flaws, ranging from the minor to the conspicuous.  Gaps between teeth, genetic discoloration, stains, chips, cracks, dullness and wear, and other aesthetic problems in teeth can be addressed with a minimal investment of time on the part of the patient.  When performed by an experienced cosmetic dentist with an artistic eye, treatments such as porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, teeth whitening, and dental bonding can make it appear as though a patient was simply born with a brilliant, gleaming smile full of white, uniform teeth. In many cases, a treatment performed mainly to correct an aesthetic flaw can have a profoundly positive effect on a patient's overall oral health.  For example, a dental bridge used to replace a missing tooth will not only restore the beauty of a patient's smile, but it will prevent adjacent teeth from shifting toward a gap, thereby maintaining the structural integrity of the patient's mouth.  Likewise, a porcelain crown can be used to conceal even the most severe structural damage to a tooth while strengthening that tooth and reducing or eliminating the pain associated with tooth breakage. While many people turn to cosmetic dentistry simply to refine their smiles, a good number are hoping to completely reinvent their appearance.  A smile makeover, comprised of several customized dental treatments strategically combined, can produce dramatic results, transforming even the most damaged smiles into dazzling masterpieces.  Ultimately, the reason for undergoing cosmetic dental treatments is a highly personal one; there is no reason more compelling than any other.  As long as the patient has a clear goal in mind and realistic expectation, cosmetic dentistry can be a life-changing, transformative experience.

Porcelain Veneers Can Give You a Great Smile

October 13, 2008 @ 11:24 PM — by unknown
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There are many ways in which porcelain veneers can improve the appearance of your teeth. When using porcelain veneers to repair or improve the aesthetics of a tooth, the procedure can be done quickly, and with little drilling or anesthetic. Porcelain veneers are commonly used for cosmetic purposes; for example, to resurface the teeth, making them appear straighter and better aligned. They may also be used to fix broken or chipped teeth. In addition, cosmetic dentists may use porcelain veneers to improve the appearance of discolored teeth, or close gaps between teeth. With porcelain veneers you can achieve a full restoration of the teeth for a Hollywood style makeover. Some advantages that porcelain veneers have over other methods of cosmetic dentistry include the fact that they are stain resistant, and will last much longer than bonding, up to 15 years. The only real disadvantage to porcelain veneers are the cost, as well as the potential that the porcelain may crack, though this is somewhat rare. The cost of porcelain veneers is about $1,200 per tooth; so this is a very expensive option. Only those with fairly healthy teeth are good candidates for porcelain veneers, they cannot be used on teeth that have significant structural damage or enamel loss. It is also important to understand that teeth with porcelain veneers are still susceptible to decay. If tooth decay should occur the entire tooth may need to be covered with a crown after being repaired. Consult your cosmetic dentist to discover if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers.