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Tooth decay occurs when bacteria that are present in the mouth act on the food that you eat producing acid that eats away at the outer layer of the teeth. This gradual erosion of the outer layer starts to produce a cavity, which if not treated can get larger and deeper, affecting the gums too.

When you start getting cavities, it means that tooth decay has already set in and you will have to go to the dentist to get it treated. Instead, it is best to take measures that can help prevent tooth decay.

Two Best ways to prevent tooth decay

1. Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing are the two main aspects of dental hygiene. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day will help get rid of food particles in the mouth, reducing the amount of nutrition available for the bacteria to feed on and produce more acid. However toothbrushes have their limitations in that the bristles cannot always reach all of the places in between the teeth, especially so for the back teeth. This is where flossing works well to do a thorough job of cleaning in the gaps between teeth and drastically reducing the likelihood of cavities forming in these gaps.

2. Regular Dental Checkups: Dentists recommend that every person should get their teeth checked up at least once a year by a qualified dentist. This is because it is difficult for anyone to check their own teeth so we never know whether or not there are any cavities. We only know that we have a cavity when it has reached an advanced stage and starts to pain. At a dental checkup, the dentist will do a thorough checkup of the whole mouth area, including the gums and teeth. This way, any cavities can be identified right in the early stages itself and they can be treated to stop any further damage.

What are the factors that cause tooth decay?

Being aware of the main causes of tooth decay can help you be more careful about what you should and shouldn't do in order to keep teeth decay at bay.

Neglecting to maintain oral hygiene

Weak enamel or crevices that give bacteria easy access to thrive and grow

Eating too much sugary foods, which provide the bacteria with plenty of nutrients to grow

Acidic foods and drinks which tend to erode the outer layer of the teeth, weakening the layer and making it easier for the bacteria to attack it.

RCT!! I have seen a huge range of responses to this most commonly done dental treatment at my practice. Most common one is "oh no!! I can't take up that pain."

Whereas few others jump from their chair and say "doctor please take out my tooth. I cannot take an injection"

Some have a sigh; others show anxiety but are ready for the procedure.

But there are many who feel happy as they know pain will be relieved and they can still save their ailing tooth.

Yes, believe me. The current technology assures people of painless Root canal treatment commonly known as RCT. The only pain you would have to bear is that of anaesthesia and that lasts for just 2-3 seconds. Does that sound good?

Okay, coming back to the point, as a dentist with more than a decade of experience after treating thousands of patients, I would say, RCT can definitely save that pearl in your mouth. A well done Root canal treatment procedure ensures that tooth functions just like any other natural tooth and restores your chewing capacity. Not only that. It also helps in retaining that healthy bone architecture around the tooth which is quite crucial in providing proper shape to your face.

Now tell me, would you love to save your tooth or ready to lose it and thus handicap yourselves for ever and affect rest of the teeth??

When is Root Canal Treatment indicated?

Root canal treatment is the dental treatment procedure done for teeth which have infected, injured or exposed pulp tissue.

The tooth can get infected because of deep cavities or an injury to the tooth might expose pulp tissue. Many a times during an accident the injured tooth might have not shown any surface distortion but the pulp would be dead. This becomes obvious as the affected tooth shows discoloration over a period.

Root canal treatment is also done for healthy teeth during some cosmetic dental procedures when they are not in the proper arch form or do not have proper shape.

Root canal treatment Procedure

To begin with, the tooth which requires the procedure will be anaesthetied.

This ensures a painless procedure. In case of an acute infection when patient is suffering from severe pain, antibiotics are administered and the treatment is done once the infection is under control.

• RCT is done either with hand instruments called files or with motor driven rotary instruments once the dentist gains access into the pulp chamber of the affected tooth.

• Advanced system of Rotary Endodontics or Rotary RCT is done with motor driven instruments which ensure minimal treatment time and better comfort for the patient.

• Fine instruments are used to reach root canals and to clear the root canals of infected tissue. These are called reamers, files and are available in various dimensions. Files of suitable sizes are used for mechanical cleaning and shaping of the canals. The files used can vary from 0.06 mm to 2 mm in diameter. To give you an idea, the thickness of human hair varies from 0.02 mm to 0.2 mm, so a dental file is finer than a thick strand of human hair.

• This mechanical cleaning of the canal is always coupled with irrigation from saline and other antibacterial solutions which help in flushing out debris, infected tissue and organisms from the canal.

• This mechanical preparation with irrigation from antibacterial solutions drains the pus out from the root tips and makes the tooth infection free and relieves pain.

• Once the tooth is made infection free, it is filled with root canal filling materials called gutta percha along with root canal cements which are predominantly zinc oxide based.

• With rotary RCT the treatment is usually completed in 1-2 appointments and is back in action.

• Further this tooth needs to be covered with dental crowns commonly called tooth cap. The root canal treated tooth loses its water content and becomes brittle. It can fracture under chewing forces. Hence protecting it with dental cap is very much required.

Do you see the point now? Anyways you still have not got the complete picture of the procedure. Let's play a video which explains the procedure. We will also listen to an expert in this domain. I am sure now you are ready for saving your tooth.

Cheer up and happy Root Canal Treatment...

If you are wondering that wisdom tooth has something to do with dental philosophy, then you are absolutely wrong. The only reason behind the name is that the third molars erupt at an age when we are shifting to adulthood. That age is the age of wisdom- "mature and wise". Hence, as a creative gesture these tooth were called as 'Wisdom Tooth'.

When & Why?

The obvious questions that come into mind are "Why the wisdom tooth needs to be removed?" & "When is the right time to see a dentist?"

Wisdom tooth brings certain problems like decay, gum disease, infections, plaque build-up and abscess. Due to space shortage, tooth can get stuck at an inappropriate angle causing worries.

If you experience pain and discomfort in the specified region, contacting your dentist should be the immediate option.

What to Expect?

And now to the most important question! Since this whole process is a bit different, how weird or uneasy is the surgery or extraction? The most common dental fears arrive at the scene.

At Dentist's Expectations

Wisdom tooth extraction is the job of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Anxiety is a major player here as to how the surgery is going to take place. The patient has to be prepared mentally for the surgery.

Anesthesia is the major choice to overcome. There are three types of Anesthesia involved here:

Sedation Anesthesia: this is given through an intravenous line (IV) in your arm. This restrains your consciousness. Neither will the pains be experienced nor will you have any memory of the procedure.

Local Anesthesia: the most common option wherein the specific or target region will be administered with injections. Pressure and movement is experienced but not pains.

General Anesthesia: this anesthesia is used in special situations wherein the patient will be unconscious for the entirety of the procedure. There won't be any pain or memory. Sometimes, local anesthesia is also given to help after-surgery discomfort.

There is also another effective method that can be used based on the patient's consent. It is the method of "Laughing Gas" or nitrous oxide. The method won't hurt but seeing and hearing the surgical drill vibrations and chatter might stress you. Also, pressure is a major part of this procedure. However, inhaling nitrous oxide will relax and relieve you of the anxieties.

Procedural Challenges Brief 
Step 1→ incision in gum to expose tooth 
Step 2→ removing bone that blocks access 
Step 3→ tooth division into sections 
Step 4→ tooth removal 
Step 5→ debris cleaning 
Step 6→ stitching the wound close 
Step 7→ necessary gauzing 
Step 8→ after treatment manuals (measures)

After treatment manual is an important step because once treated, following up properly will only help increase the comfort level. Bad breaths, brushing patterns, food intake, pains, swelling, and susceptibility to touch are the most important things to keep in mind.

Steps like incision, bone removal, teeth removal & stitching will surely catch your attention. Anesthesia helps but it is strongly advised to follow certain measures as suggested by the dentist. Also, doing some research pre-treatment won't hurt you either.

One of the most common issues kids experience as they grow up is crooked or misaligned teeth. Misaligned or crooked teeth are caused by biting hard items and chewing while the teeth grow. Because of this, there comes a time when kids need to opt for dental braces. With the use of braces, crooked teeth can be aligned properly in order to provide them with better dental features. Unfortunately, there are some dental problems kids can experience when using braces. Below are the following.

Demineralization

When using braces, there are cases food may be stuck between the braces and teeth which can lead to demineralization since food can attract bacteria which create acids. Because of this, the enamel can be damaged. In order to deal with this issue, it is best for kids to brush regularly. In this way, food debris can be removed immediately. Apart from that, individuals can also make use of interdental brushes to get rid of food debris easily.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a dental problem where gums surrounding the teeth are inflamed. Some of the symptoms of gingivitis are red, swollen gums that often bleed while brushing. One of the best ways to get rid of gingivitis is by flossing. It allows kids to get rid of dirt and debris near the gum line.

Sensitivity

Kids enjoy eating different types of food. However, their appetite can be affected due to sensitivity. It is characterized by a sharp sensation when eating hot or cold food items. The best way to prevent sensitivity is by making use of anti-sensitivity tooth paste. This tooth paste can help the teeth to obtain more minerals which can help prevent sensitivity.

Plaque

Another dental problem kids with braces can experience is plaque. Plaque is the clear sticky film formed inside the mouth. Plaque is caused by bacteria. Neglecting this dental problem can cause serious problems such as tooth decay. Luckily, making use of mouth wash can prevent such problem. This is possible since mouthwash has anti-bacterial substance that can eliminate bacteria easily.

Tartar

Tartar is characterized as the discoloration on the tooth. This dental problem is caused by too much sweet. Other than that, kids with braces are more susceptible to having tartar since there are areas of the teeth that are not cleaned properly.

In case that you are looking for better ways to get rid of all these dental issues, the ideal option is to visit dentists. They can provide the right treatment to ensure that these dental problems are treated properly

Yes, it’s that time of year, the time to make New Year’s resolutions. And, yes, we’re going to offer you some you should make regarding your dental health.

Will you follow our suggestions? Quite possibly. Will you keep these resolutions if you make them? Quite probably not! Still, trying is better than not trying, and if you follow the four resolutions listed below for at least 30 days, you very well may be able to say to friends and family in mid-February, “Why, yes, I did keep my New Year’s resolutions, thank you very much!”

And then smile broadly and show off those beautiful and healthy teeth your kept resolutions are helping you protect.

1. I resolve to brush and floss my teeth at least twice a day (brushing) and once a day (flossing).

This is perhaps the easiest, quickest and best way for you to keep your teeth and gums healthy. It takes just two minutes or so each morning and evening. It’s inexpensive (toothpaste and floss should last for weeks at a cost of less than $10 for the two of them), and it’s easy to do.

Brushing and flossing is critical to good oral health because brushing and flossing removes the plaque (a film of bacteria that grows on your teeth) from on and between your teeth that if left alone eventually will cause cavities, gum disease and even tooth loss. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste also is important because fluoride makes your teeth more resistant to decay and helps remineralize (build up) your teeth.

2. I resolve to visit my dentist at least twice a year for a professional dental cleaning and checkup.

You should do this even if you brush/floss your teeth religiously because even brushing/flossing simply can’t remove all of the plaque from your teeth. Visiting your dentist for a regular cleaning also allows your dentist to check for any issues that may have cropped up between visits.

3. I have real anxiety about visiting my dentist, so I resolve to speak to him about the different ways he can help relieve my stress and fear.

Most people who fear the dentist do so because they are worried a procedure will be painful. Others become stressed because they are worried an anesthesia may not work. Still others are just plain afraid of the needle that injects pain medication.

There’s nothing to be embarrassed about if this is you: between nine and 20 percent of Americans have some anxiety or fear regarding the dentist. 

Because so many people are anxious or downright panicked about visiting a dentist, modern dentistry has come up with many ways to make sure you feel no pain at all while undergoing any procedure.  The best way to alleviate your worry is to speak to your dentist and let him know about your specific fears so that he can work with you to find the best ways to make your more comfortable and less anxious.

If you’re really serious about your oral health, consider this last resolution:

4. I resolve to quit smoking or chewing tobacco.

Smoking can make you twice as susceptible to tooth loss than your non-smoking friends and family members. Smoking and tobacco chewing can do a big number on your oral health: smoking/chewing tobacco can result in cavities, discolored teeth, gum loss, gum disease, and throat, lung and oral cancer.

Image courtesy of sscreations/sFreeDigitalPhotos.net

When you wear traditional orthodontic braces to align your teeth or correct some other dental problem you may have, you will experience certain changes in your life. Certain foods that you love to eat such as beef jerky and other tough and stringy food items will have to disappear from your diet since consuming them will just be a big problem for you. You will also have to visit your dentist more often than you normally should since the braces will have to be adjusted from time to time.

Your regular oral hygiene routine will also change. You will have to learn to brush more properly and thoroughly to get around the wires and brackets. If you found flossing an easy and simple task to do before, once you have braces, you will have to thread around this task more carefully.

So how do you floss properly and thoroughly when you are wearing traditional braces? Below are some useful tips you can follow:

Use waxed floss. Generally, unwaxed floss is made up of strands that catch easily on braces and get left behind in your mouth. As such, it is better to use waxed floss, since this glides easily between teeth and doesn't tear so you won't have to worry about floss residue.

Invest in some easy-to-use dental tools. When flossing, you can use a floss threader. This is a small, plastic needle that will help you floss between the wires and your teeth. You simply thread a 12-to-18-inch piece of floss onto the needle and use the needle to get the floss effortlessly behind the wires. Ask your dentist if he or she carries this dental tool. If not, you can always check the various medical, health, or dental supplies brick-and-mortar stores and online ones.

Learn how to manipulate your hands to floss under the wires. When you have the floss behind the wires, use your hands to manipulate the floss. Carefully move it up and down along the wires to remove food particles from the wires and your teeth.

Don't forget to floss between your teeth. Floss between your teeth as you normally would, before you got your braces. Gently move the floss up and down between your teeth, using a clean, unused section of floss for each tooth.

Rinse after you floss. Finally, gargle with water after you have finished flossing your teeth. This will help remove the small food particles that were removed when you flossed but are still hovering on your mouth, tongue, gums, or teeth.

Millions of elderly Americans depend on Medicare as their main health care, which is why upcoming changes have them in a panic. Premiums are scheduled to rise for Part B enrolls as early as December. This is going to cause prescription costs to skyrocket. In addition to health care, the elderly need dental and vision as well, even more than ever.

While original Medicare has never covered "most" dental care, it also doesn't cover vision. These are two important coverage especially for elderly enrolls. Some Medicare options offer limited coverage, but there is an extra expense. That's why many are checking recent changes in 2015, and as a result they are searching elsewhere for coverage.

Secure a Stand-alone Plan

For those that want both dental and vision benefits and they carry the original Medicare, it may be smart to check into a plan that only covers these options, and leave the Medicare for medical coverage only. This method has proven to save individuals a great deal of money.

Looking for coverage is easier now, as there are several online plans. Seniors can easily get help searching the web to find affordable dental and vision plans. Thankfully, the plans are open to all including those with per-existing conditions. Plans start at very affordable prices as low as $8 per month!

As an added bonus, many of these plans include vision and prescription discounts. Enrolls may find they are saving even more than they did on Medicare alone, and receiving even more benefits.

Why Senior Dental Care is Important

Though dental and vision plans are important for everyone, they are especially important for seniors who want to continue to enjoy their standard of living. There are a much larger percentage of older adults that have cavities that are left untreated. This can lead to oral surgery including root canals, which are much more painful than a simple filling. For some reason, older adults tend to avoid having toothaches checked, and it may be in part to lack of insurance coverage but it's also because nerves shrink making the gums less sensitive to possible issues. Therefore, the only way to find them is via a regular exam.

The mouth changes as we age, and if oral health care is overlooked it can mean a whole host of issues that are directly related to periodontal disease. This disease is rampant in people ages 65 to 75 and associated diseases include:

• Diabetes 
• Heart disease 
• Stroke 
• Respiratory issues

Because of this, nearly 30 % of adults end up losing their teeth. No one wants to go through that! That's why securing dental and vision plans is very important.

Avoid High Costs

Since Medicare doesn't cover most dental work and coverage is limited preventive care ends up being the expense of the elderly patient. That's why securing supplemental dental and vision plans is smart. Look for a plan that has no limits, as those can be eliminated by just a few cleanings or x-rays.

Fillings can be near $100 and root canals thousands. Seniors don't need to be stuck in a situation where they owe more than they can afford on their retirement budget. Thankfully, there are plenty of options. 
See it All

Dental and vision plans are a great deal because not only is oral health secured, but vision is too. Eye exams and glasses are a huge expense, so having regular exams and discounts on frames can be a huge relief for those on a budget.

Not being able to afford glasses could mean the end of many freedoms for the elderly, such as driving. Vision is definitely not something to be taken for granted.

Boy, I sure am glad I'm addicted to reading labels! Over the years I found my favorite time to read labels is waking up in the early morning with that first cup of java in an attempt to get the blood circulating to my brain. Well, one day just before brushing my teeth while still partially dazed, I scanned over the ingredients list on my toothpaste tube and nearly gagged. Sodium laurel sulfate? Eckkkk.....

Sodium laurel sulfate is an artificial "foam booster" used in many products from garage floor cleaners and other industrial cleansers to store bought soaps and shampoos. In a concentrated form it is not only an irritant, but some studies have even linked it to cancer. Some debate the fact that it may pose a threat to our health and environment, and I can be open minded enough to agree that the amount used in most products is within a concentration appropriate for the product's purpose that certainly won't kill you overnight if the product in question is used as directed. (Although I personally prefer to avoid products with it.) However, in my mind, I can't justify the reasoning of it being used in a product that's to be used in my mouth several times a day!

I decided to do some further research on ingredients commonly used in toothpaste and the results have surprised me. It turn out that sodium laurel sulfate wasn't the only thing I should be worrying about.

One of the of the concerns I had already been aware of was with fluoride. There have been studies proving that over-exposure could cause forms of cancer in time. What's interesting is, in my research I actually came across one point of view that was a big 'ol "so what? Everything causes cancer nowadays." Ordinarily, I'd almost agree. The difference is toothpaste is easily ingested and even if you rinse well trace amounts are sure to get left behind. Multiply that by three times a day for the rest of your life...

Then the real shock sets in! There are now studies that prove fluoride has very little to no effects in the prevention of tooth decay! Alright then.... It seems like an entirely pointless risk to me now.

A newer ingredient that has been added to toothpaste as an antibacterial agent is triclosan. It's formulation and structure has been compared to some of the most toxic known chemicals. Some argue that it is in fact safe, but setting the chemical's composition aside, there are also other concerns. Being an antibacterial agent, it takes exercise away from our immune systems. Just like the theory of the overuse of antibiotics- bacteria and viruses will eventually build stronger and stronger resistances which will make it harder to treat more serious conditions in the future. Antibacterials don't discriminate either. "Good" bacteria could also be killed, creating an imbalance.

Some toothpastes also contain "hydrated silica". Now this, I already knew, was pretty much sand. What I am still trying to figure out, is why one would want it in there toothpaste?

There were a couple of other questionable additives that I have read about, more than half of what I've read about are additives also used in pesticides. It sounds like there's yet another product on the market that ruffles up interesting debates in regards to safety.

Am I saying, "everyone hurry up and throw out your toothpaste before you die!" Absolutely not. I simply think people should be informed so that they can make their own decisions and in the very least, have the opportunity to know it's a good idea to have an extra good rinsing after brushing your teeth. The only thing I do strongly encourage is that if you have small children- please keep this in mind and keep an extra eye out for them while brushing! I remember how much I loved the taste of my Sesame Street toothpaste as a kid, so most of my worries are for them. Ingesting enough of this stuff can easily be toxic for a small child.

If you are interested in safer solutions you can always check out your local health food store for more natural toothpastes, but as many of times products such as these tend to cost a little. For a thriftier approach, I know many that use plain baking soda on their toothbrushes. Some even drip just a few drops of hydrogen peroxide on their brushes before the baking soda.

For myself, personally, I've had a hard time adjusting to these methods so I have found a few more tolerable solutions. Sometimes mixing a few drops of a natural orange, lime, or peppermint essential oil makes the experience easier to deal with in regards to plain baking soda. My favorite method by far is making my own natural homemade recipe for toothpaste. What I do is take a small container of baking soda and slowly mix in natural vegetable glycerine until it reaches a similar consistency to the toothpaste that we're all commonly used to. Then I sparingly add a few drops of my essential oils to taste. Glycerin is naturally sweet and mildly antibacterial, so if you make a little at a time there's no concerns of it spoiling. Oddly enough, not only does this taste surprisingly decent, but my teeth are actually whiter than ever!

An Easy-to-Score Index Offers A Reliable Glimpse into Your Dental Future

Losing teeth due to untreated periodontal disease, the most severe form of gum disease, can cause serious consequences like sunken cheeks, chewing and speech problems as well as reduced confidence. But periodontists now have a reliable tool to help predict if a patient will keep their natural teeth.

The new Miller-McEntire Periodontal Prognostic Index is based on 35 years of data collected by renowned periodontist Preston D. Miller, Jr., DDS. This valuable tool scores seven independently confirmed factors essential to periodontal status and health.  By looking at age, smoking status, diabetes A1C levels (average blood sugar), molar type, tooth pocket (probing) depth, tooth mobility, and furcation (bone loss), the index can be used by trained periodontists to predict the exact probability of overall tooth loss in 15 and 30 years.

Scoring Examples

According to the index, smokers of more than a pack a day score a hefty “4,” where non-smokers score “0.” Smoking is so closely related to periodontal disease that smokers increase their chances of losing their teeth by 246%! According to the index, overall scores less than 4.32 mean the patient should never lose a tooth.

A “Criteria for Success” patient checklist that accompanies the index reminds patients to follow regular dental maintenance, including cleaning the tongue. Research indicates that 80% of bacteria in the mouth resides in the back of the tongue.

Revolutionary Tool

The findings of the Miller-McEntire Periodontal Prognosis Index are revolutionizing the way periodontists render treatment. Decisions on whether to keep a natural tooth or not can be more accurately made with quantitative data as opposed to just qualitative prognoses.  Gone are the guesswork days of “Doc, how long will I keep my teeth?”

Equally as important, the index allows patients to become better educated about their individual conditions.  Patients can track their own progress and identify the areas they can directly manage in conjunction with their periodontist. It’s hoped the information provided will motivate patients to complete suggested periodontal treatment, to quit or cut back on smoking, to better monitor blood sugar levels and to practice better oral hygiene. A lower index can mean an improved prognosis and less chance for losing teeth.

It’s exciting to forecast plans for a patient’s dentition in the 15 to 30 year range, and with such great certainty.  This allows the patient, periodontist and hygienist to have more complete understanding of their roles as team members in the care and maintenance of dentition.

Dr. Miller personally trained Drs. Robert A. Levine and Philip L. Fava of The Pennsylvania Center for Dental Implants and Periodontics. Their practice is located at Einstein Center One, Suite 211-212, 9880 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19115. The Center offers “All-on-Four™ dental implants, SameDay Smile®, esthetic (or “Smile Zone”) dental implants and crown and bridge implant restorations in addition to laser treatment of periodontal disease and reconstructive dental surgery. For more information, visit www.padentalimplants.com.

What is a Dental Assistant?

An assistant is sometimes referred to as dental nurse who has taken up and graduated a dental assistant training. The assistant's duty is to serve and assist the dentist by giving out health care to patients. The dental nurse carries out duties in the dental office.

What is a Dental Hygienist?

The dental hygienist also assists the dentist in carrying out procedures and treatments. The hygienist is licensed and can perform treatments and procedures themselves, which a dental assistant is not allowed to perform.

Duties of a Dental Nurse or Assistant

The dental nurse is the one who takes the duties in the dental office. He or she is concerned of making each patient comfortable. He or she receives the patients and assists them during the treatment. He or she obtains the patients' information, taking note of the signs and symptoms of the illnesses and diseases afflicting them, and asking them about their medical history. The dental assistant is the one in charged of sterilizing and disinfecting the equipment and instruments in the dental clinic.

Duties of a Hygienist

The hygienist is also an assistant to the dentist. He or she performs tasks to help the dentist in certain procedures and operations. They also do the cleaning of the patient's teeth. He or she also checks the teeth and gums of the patients and making it sure that they do not have any disease. The dental hygienist could also take and process dental x-rays and help out with the fillings. He or she also applies fluoride on the patients' teeth after cleaning.

Salary of an Assistant

An assistant's average pay in an hour is around $14-$17 (US). Some of the dental assistants enjoy the privileges of coverage of dental procedures and other health services.

Salary of a Hygienists

The hygienist's average pay per hour is around $30. This is about twice as big as the assistant's salary.

Other Information about a Dental Assistant and a Dental Hygienist

The hygienist takes more courses and is required of higher education compared to the dental assistant. The dental nurse or assistant training is a precursor to becoming a dental hygienist. Before anybody could become a dental hygienist, one must learn to perform all the tasks of an assistant. The hygienist must be an assistant first. Both of them perform and work for and with the dentist. They both assist the dentist; however, there are times that an assistant works under the supervision of a dental hygienist. Nonetheless, both of them perform a very essential role in the dental clinic. The training that is required of from the dental hygienist is also about twice as of the dental assistant. The hygienist trains for at least two years at school. Aside from such training, the hygienist is sometimes required of associate degree to be able to work as a dental hygienist. The degree could be that of a bachelor's degree or sometimes a master's degree. If you are planning of being a dental hygienist, an excellent dental assistant trainings a good start for your training.

Employees nowadays are very much particular about the kind of benefits that they are offered. Dental insurance is one employee benefit that is considered to be very important in an employee's overall health plan. Employers are aware that dental problems can mean financial loss.

Dental problems and their treatments are low risk compared to almost all other health conditions. This is the reason why offering a dental plan to your employees is a sound decision. Dental health concerns can often be prevented through prophylaxis and only involve minimal costs. Once a dental problem is diagnosed in its early stage, treatment can immediately be administered. Early treatment is considerably less expensive than treatment during advanced stages. Financial factors are important considerations when deciding on which health benefits are to be included in your employees health plans. Dental insurance plans are the most cost effective of all the health benefits plan.

How to Choose the Right Dental Insurance Plan

There are a lot of factors to be considered when choosing a dental insurance. But before we go through these factors let us first discuss in detail what a dental insurance plan is. A dental insurance plan is an agreement between a company and an insurance provider. This agreement is comprised of several details pertaining to the benefits that a company's employees will receive.

There are dental insurance companies that give partial reimbursements for dental expenses and exclude certain types of treatments in their plans. A company looking a dental insurance company should carefully sift through all the offers that they receive from various companies to find one that will best benefit their employees. Choosing a dental insurance provider is similar to finding the right dentist for you and your family. You have to consider several options before deciding on one that best suits your needs and provides the best services.

A lot of plans do not cover dental conditions that have been existent before insurance coverage was purchased. There are also plans that do not cover implants and other procedures. These conditions may mean that dental treatment may only be paid partially or an insurance parlance may be availed for the Lease Expensive Alternative Treatment (LEAT).

Dental insurance companies have their own way of determining the UCR level (usual, customary, and reasonable) for each geographical area. Companies operating within the same geographical area may not necessarily have the same UCR level. This means that the UCR level defines a patient's liability because in some plans a patient may receive more benefits while in another plan he may have to pay more. This all depends on the type of dental plan that is offered by the employer.

Some Important Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Dental Benefits Plan

Ask yourself these questions as you evaluate your dental plan options:

Will you have the freedom to choose your own dentist?

Will you have a say in the type of treatment that will be administered?

Will routine and preventive dental care be covered? Will it cover orthodontic treatment, oral surgery, placement of dental caps and crowns, root canals, treatment of periodontitis and other dental conditions?

Will it cover services that are diagnostic and preventive in nature such as sealants and fluoride treatments, and x-rays?

Will major dental care such as implants, dentures and treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) be covered?

Will specialist referrals be allowed? Will you be allowed to choose your own specialist or will your choice be limited to a list?

Will emergency services be covered? Will you be provided emergency provisions when on tour?

Will a large percentage of monthly premiums go into actual care and not into administrative expenses?

Every employee should carefully consider these factors before deciding on a dental plan. Additionally, when deciding on getting treatment, patients should consider their dental plan but not solely base their decision on it.

What are the Various Dental Insurance Plan Models?

There are two dental insurance plan models:

a. Managed Care

This type of dental plan is a restricted form of dental insurance which aims to reduce costs and reimbursements. Coverage in this type of model is restricted, and access to care if limited as a list of preselected dentists, specialists, treatments and hospitals is provided. Types of treatments and their frequency are also limited and usually indicated in the coverage policy.

b. Fee-for-service

This type of dental plan gives patients the freedom to choose their dentist, specialists and treatments. Fees are paid in full as determined by the service provider. 
Types of Dental Insurance Plans 
1. Managed Care Dental Plans 
There are two kinds of plans under this type:

a. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

This is a plan wherein a patient can only go to a dentist that is included in the preferred provider list provided by the insurance company. In this agreement, the dentists in the list have agreed to give the insurance company discounted pricing for the fees. However, some PPO plans allow patients to choose their own dentists but are subject to penalties. This type of plan is cheaper than other types of plans in this category.

Ask yourself these questions when evaluating a PPO dental plan:

What percentage of the premium will be used for administration?

What effect will the discounts have on the decision for choosing a dentist? How will the discounts affect the treatment options?

What will we be the liability of the employer when something happens to an employee in the hands of a preferred dentist?

What are the factors considered when choosing a preferred dentist?

What provisions are given for emergency treatments? Are there provisions for emergencies that will occur outside the geographical area?

Does the PPO plan allow for specialist referrals? Are the choices limited to a list of preferred specialists?

b. Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO)

In this type of dental plan patients are not burdened with financial payouts when availing of treatments. In this type of agreement, insurance companies pay the dentists a fixed amount per month for every individual or family enrolled, regardless of whether or not they come for a visit within a month. Then dentists provides certain types of treatments to enrolled patients at no additional costs. For other types of treatments, co-payment is required. DHMO plans encourage dentists to provide good service to patients while keeping the costs low. This plan is considered to be the cheapest of all options.

Ask yourself these questions when evaluating a DHMO:

What percentage of the premium will be used for administration?

How will the employer know how many employees avail of treatments from a certain dentist or specialist?

What is the average waiting period for each employee to get an initial appointment? What is the average period between every appointment?

What is ratio between dentist and patients?

How are the preferred dentists chosen?

How many dentists are present within a geographic area?

What is the average acceptance rate for dentist applying to participate in the DHMO?

How many dentists have already withdrawn from the program?

Are the dentists compensated fairly? Is the compensation package at par with the work load?

What are the provision given for patients needing specialist care? Are there enough specialists within a geographic area?

Are there provisions for emergency treatments? Are there provisions for emergencies that will occur outside the geographic area?

2. Fee-for-Service Dental Plans

a. Direct Reimbursement Plan (DR)

This type of dental plan is a self-funded wherein a patient is reimbursed for actual cost of treatment or service. Reimbursements are made regardless of the type of treatment availed. In a DR plan, patients are given the freedom to choose their own dentists. Employers pay for a percentage of the actual cost of treatment, but they are not required to pay for monthly premiums. Which means that employees who do not need any dental treatment will not receive any dental benefit. Additionally, employers are responsible for determining which type of treatments their employees need. The American Dental Association highly recommend this type of dental benefits plan.

Dental insurance plans are a little more complicated than an auto insurance. This is because insurance companies allow you to add (or subtract) dental procedures so that it fits your current situation. For instance, a young man in his 20s would not really need to be insured for dentures unless he is active in a physically taxing sport that involves body contact. He might prefer to be insured for preventive maintenance, diagnostics, root canal, extractions, and treatment for gums.

If this is allowed by the insurance company, and it usually is, then the payments scheme will probably decrease. Thus, a young man will be able to afford the dental insurance plan with his current financial status.

Dental insurance plans are also categorized according to premiums. Premiums in this case refers to the dental procedure. There are minor premiums and major dental premiums. Most, if not all, minor procedures are covered by the basic package by about 70%. This means you should the remaining 30%. Most major procedures fall under the 50% rating, which means there is a monetary responsibility on your part to shoulder the balance. Some insurance companies shoulder the total costs of minor procedures if the policy can allow for it. This is the kind of dental insurance plan you should aim for.

Regarding payment, you have a choice of paying monthly or annually. Some insurance companies even allow quarterly payments. If you compute the monthly charges, the total amount would be more than the amount you would pay if you chose the annual payment scheme. The advantage of the monthly payment scheme is that it is easier to manage.

All insurance companies will put a limit to the number of procedure you can have in a year, as well as in your lifetime. Ask your insurance agent about this. It is referred to as the Annual Benefit Cap and the Lifetime Benefit Cap.

These are just some of the basics of dental insurance plans. As you delve deeper into the details, you will discover that it gets easier to understand.

With discount dental plans now being offered by finance companies as an alternative to dental insurance, more and more people are beginning to see hope. Hope, that is, in being able to afford to get expensive dental treatments at a discounted rate.

If you want to find the best discount dental plan, finding one online will make the process easier for you. You save on time and effort because most of the important information is already posted on the web. Keep in mind though that the features of discount dental plans will differ depending on the company that is offering it. Thus, you will need to compare and contrast the plans against each other to find the one that you feel will work best for you.

There are many advantages of discount dental plans such as the unlimited charges in discount dental plans, and the savings in discount dental plans. The fee you will pay for one year will be more than covered by the savings in discount dental plans. This is because the discount rates ranges from 10 to a whopping 60% off from the regular rates. You can just imagine how much that is at the end of the year.

There are some conditions you must meet to avail of the discount. First, you need to be updated with your payments. Second, you will need to pay in cash. Third, you will have to use the services of qualified dentists in the list of the finance company. You cannot use your own qualified dentist unless he is on the list.

If you compare the conditions and terms against the advantages of discount dental plans, you will not even spare a second thought, especially if you compare it with dental insurance. Dental insurance terms can be very rigid and uncompromising because it has a limit on the number of times you can get maintenance procedures, as well as be required to submit existing dental conditions. This is because existing dental conditions cannot be covered by dental insurance.

Thus, with the availability of discount dental plans so easy with the internet, finding a good one will not pose a problem at all. 
If this is allowed by the insurance company, and it usually is, then the payments scheme will probably decrease. Thus, a young man will be able to afford the dental insurance plan with his current financial status.

Dental insurance plans are also categorized according to premiums. Premiums in this case refers to the dental procedure. There are minor premiums and major dental premiums. Most, if not all, minor procedures are covered by the basic package by about 70%. This means you should the remaining 30%. Most major procedures fall under the 50% rating, which means there is a monetary responsibility on your part to shoulder the balance. Some insurance companies shoulder the total costs of minor procedures if the policy can allow for it. This is the kind of dental insurance plan you should aim for.

Regarding payment, you have a choice of paying monthly or annually. Some insurance companies even allow quarterly payments. If you compute the monthly charges, the total amount would be more than the amount you would pay if you chose the annual payment scheme. The advantage of the monthly payment scheme is that it is easier to manage.

All insurance companies will put a limit to the number of procedure you can have in a year, as well as in your lifetime. Ask your insurance agent about this. It is referred to as the Annual Benefit Cap and the Lifetime Benefit Cap.

These are just some of the basics of dental insurance plans. As you delve deeper into the details, you will discover that it gets easier to understand.

With discount dental plans now being offered by finance companies as an alternative to dental insurance, more and more people are beginning to see hope. Hope, that is, in being able to afford to get expensive dental treatments at a discounted rate.

If you want to find the best discount dental plan, finding one online will make the process easier for you. You save on time and effort because most of the important information is already posted on the web. Keep in mind though that the features of discount dental plans will differ depending on the company that is offering it. Thus, you will need to compare and contrast the plans against each other to find the one that you feel will work best for you.

There are many advantages of discount dental plans such as the unlimited charges in discount dental plans, and the savings in discount dental plans. The fee you will pay for one year will be more than covered by the savings in discount dental plans. This is because the discount rates ranges from 10 to a whopping 60% off from the regular rates. You can just imagine how much that is at the end of the year.

There are some conditions you must meet to avail of the discount. First, you need to be updated with your payments. Second, you will need to pay in cash. Third, you will have to use the services of qualified dentists in the list of the finance company. You cannot use your own qualified dentist unless he is on the list.

If you compare the conditions and terms against the advantages of discount dental plans, you will not even spare a second thought, especially if you compare it with dental insurance. Dental insurance terms can be very rigid and uncompromising because it has a limit on the number of times you can get maintenance procedures, as well as be required to submit existing dental conditions. This is because existing dental conditions cannot be covered by dental insurance.

Thus, with the availability of discount dental plans so easy with the internet, finding a good one will not pose a problem at all.

Although modern orthodontics was not invented until the early 17th century, dental braces date back to ancient times. Aristotle, Hippocrates, and other historical figures contemplated and devised early systems to help people fix or straighten their teeth. Instead of the metal bands that are used today, early orthodontists used catgut, a natural fiber made of animal intestines, to straighten and close gaps in teeth.

Luckily, the field moved onto more effective methods. Braces were invented in the early 19th century. Since that time, metal braces have been the teeth straightening system of choice for dentists and orthodontists around the globe. They can be used to fix a myriad of problems, from overbites and malocclusions to diastemas (gaps) and other aesthetic issues. Both parents and their children abhor them, but for different reasons.

Parents can't stand them because they're expensive, and kids hate them because they are uncomfortable and unsightly. Just about every wearer has been called a "brace face" or a "metal mouth" at one time or another. Kids can be cruel, and metal braces give them all the ammunition they need to launch an unprovoked attack.

Cosmetic alternatives to traditional metal have existed for decades. The clear plastic versions, for example, are cemented onto the backside of the teeth instead of the front, making them invisible to observers. In addition to being pricier, however, clear braces are also far more likely to cause tongue irritation since the brackets and wires are on the insides of the teeth and near the tongue.

What Is Invisalign?

As we have seen, braces have limitations. The traditional system is unsightly and the more modern alternative causes oral irritation, which may result in soreness, cuts, and even infections. Fortunately, there is another option that does not rely on metal brackets and wires-Invisalign.

Invisalign is a tooth straightening system that utilizes custom-made aligners that gradually shift your smile into its proper place. These aligners are made of smooth, comfortable, and almost undetectable plastic that is worn over your teeth until the treatment is complete.

How Do They Work?

With traditional metal models, dentists must make regular adjustments based on your progress. In most cases, the wires must be tightened periodically to expedite the straightening process. But that is not necessary or even possible with Invisalign. Instead, the patient is simply given a new set of aligners when needed-sometimes as often as every two weeks. Simply pop them in and wear them until your teeth shift enough to require a new set of aligners.

In addition to the obvious aesthetic advantages, Invisalign is also functionally superior. You won't have to worry about your favorite foods getting caught in wires or brackets, which makes them even more of an eyesore. Because the aligners are removable, this new system allows you to eat the foods you like at any time. You can also brush and floss normally, which can be a chore with regular braces. Last but not least, the smooth plastic Invisalign trays will not irritate your gums and cheeks as traditional metal often does.

Because Invisalign does not require regular orthodontic adjustments, cosmetic dentists may offer this option to their patients