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A perfect smile is priceless. Dentists globally have gone out of their way to ensure that more and more people get to take pride in their teeth. Crowns and bridges have proved to be worthwhile investments in the field of dentistry over the years.

Regardless of the nature of your tooth problem - fractured, weak, discolored or unevenly spaced out - with the right dental advice and care, it is possible to get it fixed depending on your needs. Having a crown or bridge can do the trick for you.

CROWNS

Well, first and foremost, it is important to understand what a crown is. In lay man's language, it is simply a cap for a spoilt tooth. Crowns come in various materials to suit your needs, ranging from porcelain to ceramic. They are made to provide individualized satisfaction.

On the other hand, it is important to get the right crown and the right color to complement your natural smile. Crowns also come made from metals such as gold or silver. If you are one of those bold and adventurous guys, a golden tooth can really do you good.

BRIDGES

Uneven spaces between dentition are a recipe for a bad bite. Bridges keep the teeth in shape and prevent the good teeth from losing shape by growing into the already existing space.

Similar to crowns, bridges come in variety with porcelain and ceramic bridges being the most common. Getting the right kind of dental attention and having the right bridges fitted is the sure way to go.

ADVANTAGES

Caring for your teeth goes a long way when it comes to health. Crowns and bridges form an essential part of dental care and there is need to take a focused interest in their use. One would wonder why the emphasis on such, but the truth of the matter is that they provide a lasting solution to your dental problems.

Here are a few of their advantages:

1. Crowns are permanent hence no need to frequently visit your dentist for reviews. Similarly, bridges are permanent and provide a lifetime solution to your problems.

2. Use of crowns and bridges adds aesthetic value to your overall look by restoring the perfect dentition, giving you a one of a kind smile.

3. Taking care of crowns and bridges is simple; all you need is to wash your teeth thoroughly to avoid plaque formation.

It is important to care for your teeth at all times. Your smile will have a lot of impact in your life including career development, social life and your general well-being. Therefore when there is the need to get a crown or a bridge do not hesitate. It is a decision you will not reg

Hiding your smile from the world just because of the structure of your teeth is not something that you should be doing. There are so many things that can make your teeth look like those of a toothpaste model. Porcelain crowns, inlays and onlays come in handy in this part of dental care. When installed by an expert dental practitioner, you can be sure that you will not be hiding your smile anymore.

Porcelain crowns, onlays and inlays

Simply put, porcelain dental crowns are used to protect a tooth when it needs complete coverage. Crowns usually come in a variety of forms depending on the material used to make them. They can be made from porcelain and ceramic. Porcelain crowns are, however, the most common options that you will find in the market.

Onlays and inlays are very similar. The main difference between them is how much surface they are covering. With onlays, the chewing surface of the tooth is covered. The onlay extends beyond the cusps of the tooth. These two are more like porcelain fillings. However, to achieve the desired effect, they must be installed by a professional dentist. This way, you will avoid spending money and time going to and from the dental clinic.

Which is the best option?

One reason why it is important to seek professional help is so that you can select the best option for your teeth. Porcelain crowns usually give such a natural look to damaged teeth. When you smile, people will not think your teeth are unnatural. Quite on the contrary, they will not even notice that you have crowns installed to protect your teeth.

Dental crowns are usually used if a tooth suffers extensive damage. For example, if a tooth is severely chipped, fractured or completely broken, then porcelain crowns are the best option for you. However, if the damage is not as severe, then you will find that onlays or inlays work perfectly in restoring the beauty of your smile. These two are more conservative options that will fit into a tooth just like a filling.

Inlays usually fit in between the cusps of the tooth while the onlays are fitted over one or more cusps. These two dental restorative treatments also allow a patient to retain the natural structure of their teeth. You will not find yourself running your tongue over a particular tooth time and again because it feels unnatural.

How long do they last?

There are several types of crowns available for your selection. They can also be matched with the specific color of your teeth permitting for a restoration that looks totally original. Normal dental care - brushing andflossing daily - will ensure the durability of the crowns is maintained. Usually dental crowns last for an average of 15 years.

The Medispa Industry

Medical spas, also called medispas, are an increasingly popular way for patients to receive everything from facials to injectables.

Despite the growth of the industry and the demand for these procedures, there has also been increasing concern about an overall lack of regulation and oversight faced by medispas. Media personalities and high-profile people like Dr. Oz have warned the public about going to medispas, saying they need to be vigilant when choosing a facility.

The question for medispa staff members and owners is to determine how they can make their facilities as safe as possible for patients to quell negative stereotypes and provide the very best care.

1.Learn and Adhere to OSHA Standards

Since medispas, in general, are a relatively new concept that infuse elements of medical and spa treatments, many operators may not be aware of all OSHA standards to which they’re expected to comply. If there is an OSHA violation that’s discoveredupon inspection it can result in significant fines for a medispa—usually, these fines begin at around $1,500, but depending on the issue can go up to $7,500. Medispas can not only avoid these penalties but also create a safer environment by gaining a thorough understanding of OSHA regulations, implementing them and training all staff members.

2. Train All Medical Staff

Training is critical in any medical environment, and this certainly holds true for medispas. Invest the time and money necessary to train both licensed physicians and non-physicians to adhere to a strict set of ethical and safety standards. Make sure that not only everyone is trained comprehensively, but that training is ongoing.

3. Follow HIPAA Standards

As well as OSHA standards there is another set of federal regulations thatmedispas must follow, and that’s HIPAA. Make sure all communications, technology, and staff members are up-to-date on current HIPAA standards and practices to mitigate associated risks and liability.

4. Be Prepared for Unexpected and Emergency Situations

People in the healthcare industry are generally highly trained in dealing with any and all types of emergency or unexpected situations. Professionals in the medispa industry should take the same measures to put emergency guidelines and protocols in place. While emergencies are uncommon in these situations, they do occur.

5. Learn the Standards for Medical Waste Disposal

Central to most medispas is the use of sharps, including a variety of needles and injectibles supplies. Medispas should learn the federal and state guidelines that mandate how this waste is disposed of, to prevent not only potential health hazards but also fines that occur as a result of violations.

An Expanding Industry

According to research compiled by the American Academy of Dermatology Association, the worldwide medical aesthetics market will reach $4 billion by 2017.  The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported there were nearly 12 million minimally invasive procedures on patients in 2010 with 5.4 million of those being the injection of botulinum toxins. 1.8 were soft tissue fillers, and 1.1 million were chemical peels. This level of growth makes it imperative to develop and implement a vigilant patient health and safety strategy in medispas. 

Walnut Hill Dental Group   Dentist Pasadena  is understanding and sensitive to your dental fears or anxiety. We want you to know that we are always here for you, and will handle your anxiety by doing whatever it takes to make you comfortable. We even offer two types of sedation dentistry to relieve you of your worry during your visits. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas is used to relax you for your procedures to make getting help easier. We also offer oral sedation, which is in pill form, as an option as well. Using sedation will help ease your mind, and is available for all treatments. Too often I see new clients come in after avoiding treatment because of previous bad experiences at other offices without knowing our team can provide the solution to their fear. Now those clients are enjoying their dental visits by virtually sleeping through them without any pain or worry at all. Let the best dentists in Pasadena help you get out of pain."

In the last 15 years there have been many advances in cosmetic dentistry. Now dentists have a number of good techniques and procedures that can improve the look of your smile.  Just about anyone can have a beautiful and natural looking smile utilizing materials that are longer lasting and stronger than ever.

invisalign Pasadena

One of the most interesting has been the advent of veneers. Veneers are very thin shells of porcelain or other composite material that are bonded to the front of the teeth. They are less expensive than crowns and are one of the more conservative approaches in that they offer the opportunity to change the shape and color of teeth with minimal removal of tooth structure. Patients who have gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are worn from grinding or chipped may consider veneers.

Crowns Pasadena

However, there are many instances in which they are not appropriate. When a tooth needs to be changed significantly in shape and form, usually a crown is required. The crown is a porcelain jacket that covers the entire tooth and requires a moderate amount of tooth structure removal. If a tooth is cracked, it is a serious condition and does usually require a crown.  Given proper care, your crowns can last a lifetime.

Crowns and veneers are a common aesthetic solution to greatly improve your smile that may help you avoid braces or other orthodontics.  Although we can use orthodontic treatment to move permanent teeth to improve aesthetics. By using veneers and crowns, we can often avoid fitting you with braces or other appliances, and provide you a new smile in one tenth of the time.

Implants Pasadena

Missing teeth are a problem that many of us live with every day. However, with the recent very significant advances in dental implant technology, we can make amazing changes in the appearance of your smile. Dental implants allow us to replace the teeth in a natural looking and long-lasting way. Implants are designed to give you teeth that function, look and feel like natural teeth. Click here to learn more about implants.

Bridges

Bridges which replace teeth by attaching prosthetic teeth to crowns on normal teeth have been around for a long time. Bridges still work well in many situations. It is permanently cemented in place and is not removable. Removable partial dentures are an approach that we rarely use.

Snap-On Smile®

A new approach called the Snap-On Smile® is providing excellent aesthetics and function with a great deal of comfort. removable arch that literally snaps over your own teeth . Those who have an old-fashioned removable partial denture and want a beautiful, more comfortable alternative, and the cost is very reasonable. It’ it a good solution for anyone who is frightened of drilling or  can’t commit to the time and expense of veneers. It is a great way to get a very photogenic smile for a special event like a wedding.

The popularity of silver fillings has been increasing over the years. They are highly favoured options among many individuals. The benefits of installing this filling are just so many. It is one of the oldest forms of dental fillings that are available for your selection. The silver amalgam fillings are popular because they offer a lasting solution to various dental problems such as dental cavities and decay. Silver fillings are basically a mixture of several metals including mercury, silver, tin and copper. Mercury makes up about fifty percent of the amalgam. It is used to bind the metals together providing that strong, hard and durable filling.

How safe are silver amalgam fillings?

The safety of dental amalgam fillings has been called to question for a long time. Mercury has the potential of causing a lot of damage when it is ingested. So why should it be used to make dental amalgam fillings? This is because the mercury that is in dental amalgam is not poisonous at all. When mercury is combined with the metals mentioned above its nature changes. It is practically harmless. On top of that, the mercury that is released into the mouth under the pressure of grinding and chewing is so small. It should not be a cause for alarm at all. As a matter of fact it is by far less than the mercury people are exposed to in food, water and air.

Benefits of amalgam

Perhaps the main benefit of silver amalgam filling is the strength that it has to offer. If there is a dental filling that is strong then it has to be the silver amalgam. This has been in use as a dental solution for a very long time now- more than one hundred years. Tooth decay and mechanical damage to teeth does not have to be such a problem while you can access this fantastic treatment method.

Secondly, you can always trust silver amalgam to last for a very long time. Unlike most other dental fillings, this solution lasts for very long. You can keep the silver for more than thirty years without needing to do anything to it. The durability of silver amalgam fillings makes them a very popular choice among patients.

Alternatives to dental amalgam

There are several alternatives to silver amalgam fillings. They include composite resins, porcelain and cast gold restorations. The thing with these alternatives is that they are very expensive. Gold and porcelain restorations for instance take a long time to make and need as many as dental appointments. The porcelain and composite resins do take some time to install. They are aesthetically appealing but they are not nearly as durable as silver amalgam.

Oral hygiene is part of daily grooming, and clean teeth are an important part of one's body. Keeping your teeth intact may necessitate the need to adopt artificial implants. Crowns are a perfect example of such implants.

Crowns are protective of teeth. They are like caps that are meant to protect the broken or decayed tooth. The list of dental implants in use is so long and cannot be enumerated on paper, but crowns form one of those that are commonly used and go a long way when it comes to adding aesthetic value to your teeth.

Crowns are made from a variety of materials such as porcelain, and they are meant to cover the visible portion of your tooth up to the level of the gum. Picture it as more or less armor or a shield that protects your teeth from damage.

Crowns are suitable for both adults and kids, and they have myriad advantages, especially when it comes to the kids.

KIDS

Crowns safeguard a child's milk teeth from decay, especially when maintaining oral hygiene is a problem. In addition to this, they save the stress of having a damaged tooth frequently being filled or worked on by the dentist. This reduces the risks of subjecting the child to anesthesia.

When it comes to children, having a crown made of steel is fairly okay, but one made from stainless steel is a better option. Essentially, protection against plaque, bacteria that grow on the teeth, works best with the stainless steel crowns.

ADULTS

Importance of having a crown goes a long way to giving you a perfect dentition to complement your looks. Crowns are also a great way to align your dentition as they can be used to cover teeth that are not of the right shape. They also provide a better alternative to dental bridges.

On the other hand, crowns also go a long way in protecting other dental implants and can also hold a dental bridge in place. In addition to these, crowning is important, secondary to other dental procedures, as it re-enforces the longevity of fillings while protecting the filled teeth.

Crowns not only maintain the general appearance of the teeth, but also contribute to the regeneration of the teeth by protecting them from wear and tear which warrants improved strength of the teeth.

The list to the benefits of crowns is endless. However, the whole idea of having a crowned tooth or crowned teeth is focused on 3 s':

• Shape

• Strength

• The size of the teeth.

These are the main contributors to healthy teeth and improving the general appearance of teeth. The answer to your question on whether or not crowns are the best implants for you is yes. Crowns are the very best the market has to offer.

One thing that most people fail to recognize is the fact that teeth are an asset. This statement is subject to opinion, therefore every man or woman can speak for themselves. However, having the perfect kind of teeth goes a long way when it comes to boosting your overall confidence.

Teeth whitening is a procedure that truly serves as a testimony to the dynamism that is the field of dentistry. Over time, teeth whitening has become one of the most common procedures performed by dentists, and now dentists have gone further to ensure you can do it at home at your own convenience.

Discoloration of teeth comes from a variety of sources such as ingestion of high amounts of fluorides, tetracycline or certain drugs such as cannabis. The source of discoloration is not the priority now, but how to sort out your discoloration issues is the focus.

AT THE DENTIST

Getting professional help for any kind of dental problem is important. When it comes to whitening, it is important to seek dental advice first, before going into the procedure, as there are many factors to consider like the amount of bleach to use so as to get the perfectly white teeth.

There are different kinds of procedures that a dentist can do to warrant you nice, clean, white teeth. The choice entirely depends on the extent of damage and the amount of correction desired. Just to mention, some of the procedures done by the dentists include:

• Light accelerate bleaching

• Internal bleaching

• Teeth bleaching

The nature of the procedure entirely depends on the damage to your teeth.

AT HOME

There are always other alternatives to teeth whitening that are less invasive and may be more comfortable for you. Well, seeing a dentist prior to taking up a home remedy for your whitening needs can guarantee a smooth process on your part.

Dentists have gone further to ensure they provide cheap and affordable solutions to the problem of discolored teeth. Some of the solutions to teeth whitening currently available in the market include use of:

• Chewing gums

• Toothpastes

• Gels

There are other alternatives to medical help for your do it at home teeth whitening. Looking into the use of natural products would prove beneficial for you. However, the expected results are subject to opinion and a question that needs extensive research.

Apples and carrots have proven to greatly contribute to strengthening teeth and have proven to be invaluable to the general state of healthy teeth.

Teeth whitening are a procedure that has gained popularity over time. Owing to the fact there are cheaper and less invasive alternatives, over time, it has become the best option when it comes to discolored teeth.

Now that you are informed, there is no need to worry about your discolored teeth. Getting the right help is an investment that is worth your time and money.

Discolored teeth can be a real nuisance and a source of emotional pain in terms of low self-esteem. Teeth whitening, also known as bleaching is a procedure done by dentists all over the world. It is a great solution to the problem of discolored teeth.

Depending on the level of discoloration, whitening may be a home based procedure or it may necessitate that you pay your dentist a visit. There are many alternatives available for your own 'do it at home' whitening. Gels, rinses, strips and toothpaste that help you sort out this problem.

The basis of teeth whitening or bleaching is the use of hydrogen peroxide, which is corrosive by nature. Hydrogen peroxide is an important reagent for the removal of stains and for this reason, it is ideal to whiten your stained teeth.

Toothpaste, gels, strips and rinses contain only mild to moderate amounts of peroxide and therefore it takes quite some times for the effects of the whitening to be seen. This demands a lot of patience from your side.

There are other alternatives to home based whitening, like visit your dentist and getting a bleaching procedure done. Zoom! In-office whitening is one of the most recent procedures invented in the world of dentistry and it is a great way to sort out your discolored teeth.

Visiting your dentist for your whitening needs is a great way to go. It is easier and more rewarding since you receive professional advice and services. A procedure like Zoom! In -office whitening leaves your teeth up to 8 shades lighter yet it takes only 45 minutes.

There is more to teeth whitening than what meets the eye. Therefore, it is important to consult your dentist even when you opt for home remedies.

On the brighter side, whitening is essential when it comes to personal grooming. It restores the once lost confidence and it is a great way to relive your younger days when you did not have to worry about discolored teeth.

On the other hand, it is important to know what causes teeth discoloration because ultimately prevention is better than cure. Some of the common things that cause teeth discoloration include:

• Nicotine found in cigarettes

• Too much caffeine

• Tetracycline antibiotics during childhood

• Too much fluoride

• Poor oral hygiene

Having discolored teeth should not be a headache. It a common thing experienced by many people all over the world. All you need is to get information and to make the right choices in terms of what is the right kind of treatment that suits your need.

Teeth whitening is a painless yet worthwhile procedure, one that you can never regret. All you need is to walk into a dental clinic and watch your smile transformed.

Although it does not have the lengthy track record of metal braces, Invisalign has emerged as a viable alternative to the old standby. Introduced in the year 2000, the transparent teeth straightening system has been winning new converts ever since. But could it ever really replace dental braces? Let's find out!

Tale Of The Tape

If this were a boxing match, picking a winner wouldn't be easy. Both systems do an excellent job of straightening crooked smiles; they just go about it in different ways. As we all know, dental braces use wires, tiny rubber bands, and metal brackets to pull unruly canines, molars, and incisors into place. Invisalign, on the other hand, uses clear plastic aligner trays that gently move teeth into their proper positions. How do they compare on key points?

Comfort

Even after you get used to them, dental braces can irritate, scratch, even cut the inside of your lips. Smooth, plastic aligners are, by comparison, far more comfortable. When properly fitted and used, they should not cause any oral irritation.

Price

Although they both cost about $5,000 for the average patient, there are some cases where metal models are considerably less expensive. But since the price of Invisalign is set by the manufacturer, the cost has remained consistent since its introduction.

Effectiveness

While it is true that both options are effective for most patients, dental braces are superior for complex cases. If, for instance, a patient has serious spacing or crowding issues, orthodontists generally recommend metal models.

Aesthetics

While it's true that some folks prefer a metallic smile, most patients prefer models that aren't as noticeable. Although they can be spotted close up, Invisalign is widely considered the far more attractive option. We should also mention that clear plastic aligners don't get food stuck in them like traditional models.

Maintenance

Dental braces can be adequately cleaned through regular brushing alone. Because plastic aligners get dirty from normal use, they should be brushed and rinsed in lukewarm water on a daily basis. Generally speaking, it takes more time to care for the latter because it requires an extra step.

Treatment Time

Because you must remove the aligners before eating and drinking anything (except water), patients wear Invisalign for an hour or two less than braces each day. As for the total treatment time, both systems take an average of about two years to achieve the desired results.

Dental Appointments

Another area where these two systems are more or less the same is in the dental visits department. Both require patients to see their dentists or orthodontists every month to six weeks. The only real difference is that the plastic aligners rarely require much, if any, adjustment during these visits. The same cannot be said for metal models, which generally have to be adjusted each and every visit.

Conclusion

The choice of a tooth straightening system really does come down to personal preference. Both options we discussed today can get the job done. It is up to you to decide which one is right for you based on your individual preference.

An abscess occurs when a particular tooth suffers from a lot of decay, resulting in an infection spreading to the pulp chamber. The pulp chamber refers to the inner chamber of the tooth. If the infection cannot be fought off, the bacteria will multiply in the pulp chamber and then spread from the root of the tooth into the bone. This can be a very dangerous situation because this bacteria or infection can then attack the jaw or lead to gum disease. In some cases, it could even spread to the neck and cause a swelling in the airway.

There are a number of ways in which a tooth can get abscessed. Slow decaying over time, sudden forceful injury to the mouth or continuous clenching and grinding of teeth can all damage the tooth and leave the root open to infection.

Signs of an Abscessed Tooth

The first sign for most people is the pain that they feel in their mouth. This pain could come on while eating or when you press your tooth. It may even be felt in the jaw (which means that the infection could already be spreading). The next sign is the darkening of the color of the tooth, which usually becomes darker than the other teeth surrounding it. Swelling is also a common sign of an abscess. The swelling can be of the jaw and neck or you may find a pimple on the gum that is usually filled with pus. This is an obvious sign of an infection.

Diagnosing and Treating an Abscess

The first person who has to realize that something is wrong is either the patient or the dentist. Those who go for regular check-ups will usually get diagnosed quicker. Tests are then conducted to determine whether there is an abscess or not. X-rays are usually taken to confirm the diagnosis. Once that gets done, the area needs to be cleared from the infection. Infection is cleared by draining the tooth and the surrounding areas.

Oral antibiotics are also prescribed to get rid of the infection. Once this is done, the dentist does a root canal so that the entire tooth gets cleaned out and then the open space is sealed with a rubber metal so that it is protected from any further infections.

If an abscessed tooth is not treated in time, it can get dangerous for the person. The infection can spread beyond the area and affect the jaw and the bone. In rare cases, it can even cause a swelling in the neck that can affect the airway. This will not only mean that you will need a lot of treatment, possible surgery and cosmetic surgery but it could also be life threatening. That's why it is necessary to see the signs early and get them checked as soon as possible.

Generally people grind their teeth while they are sleeping but there are two other reasons why grinding occurs - Stress and Anxiety. The stranger fact is that when people grind their teeth they do not know that they are doing it intentionally as it happens when they are sleeping and because of this it results in headache and a sore jaw.

Although teeth grinding is harmless but still if it is done regularly it can result in fracturing and/or loss of teeth. This is called as chronic grinding. You need to be really cautious if in case you feel that you suffer from Chronic Grinding because then there will be need of Root Canal, Bridges, Crowns, Implants or complete dentures. It can not only result in tooth loss but it will also affect your jaws and the worst part - it may affect how your face looks like. Scary it is!!

Every problem has a solution. So there is a solution for Bruxism as well. The moment you feel that you suffer from Teeth Grinding see your dentist immediately. He/she can fit a mouth guard which helps in preventing teeth from grinding. But in case of stress you have nothing to do but attend some stress relieving sessions or start off with some sort of exercises. You can use some muscle relaxants but try to avoid getting into medications in case of stress. There are certain foods as well which if avoided can help in reducing teeth grinding. So let me take you through these:

1. Any food that contain caffeine such as chocolate, cola and coffee 
2. Alcohol is not good in any respect and it intensifies grinding even more 
3. As kids or even as adults we have an intricate habit of chewing on anything which is not even food. We tend to chew on pencils; pens etc. but avoid doing that. 
4. Before going off to sleep you can use a warm wash cloth on your face. This will relax your jaws.

It is not just we adults who have this problem. Our kids also face the same problem. As far as kids are concerned you will be surprised to know that nearly 15% to 35% kids grind their teeth and mostly during the time when their baby teeth are coming out or when their permanent teeth are developing. Why they grind their teeth? Well no one knows the exact reason but speculations say that it might be due to improper teeth alignment or improper contact between upper and lower teeth. In case your kid complains of headache or jaw pains immediately consult your dentist.

So try these simple hacks in your daily to avoid deformation of face and teeth. Maintain that beautiful smile always. Keep Smiling.

Smile is the ability of the person to express range of emotions and this also determines that how well a person function’ in the society. Smile design helps people to maintain good oral and physical health of the teeth. There are some cosmetic dentistry procedures that can help to design your smile. With composite bonding, tooth implants and teeth whitening, you can get the smile of your dreams. All you need to do is go for the smile designing cosmetic procedure. It is important that an organized and systematic procedure is followed to get a smile makeover. This is possible in the cosmetic dentistry field and one can take certain treatments to design their smile.

Goals of smile designing:

The final result will not just be about good looks but in proper smile designing treatment, the ultimate goal will be to achieve a pleasing composition in smile by creating appropriate arrangement of several esthetic elements. The teeth, muscle system, skeletal structures, etc, will move in harmony with each other after this cosmetic treatment. Achieving a successful and functional result, your dentist will need to have a proper understanding about the relationship between the supporting oral structures, occlusion, joints, bones, muscles, etc.

A few aspects of your smile that need to be reviewed by the cosmetic dentist:

There are various aspects of your smile and these can be improved with a smile makeover which includes the tooth color, alignment and spacing, missing teeth, etc. Teeth whitening will help to improve the color of the teeth. Tooth color is also considered for a number of preparations and procedures which includes putting the teeth braces, invisalign, crowns, bridges and much more. Dark or discolored teeth suggest an aged mouth. White teeth assure you have a well shaped and white smile and this will also improve you overall appearance.

Alignment and spacing of teeth is equally important like tooth color. The overlapping teeth, crooked or teeth with gaps can be aligned properly with orthodontic treatment and the use of veneers. Missing teeth also impacts the appearance of your teeth and this need to be fixed with the help of dental implants, bridges, etc. cosmetic design will need to work on the missing teeth so the bite is improved and there is no risk of tooth decay. So, all aspects of smile designing need to be considered appropriately by the dentist.

The gummy smile need to be re-contoured and uneven, chipped or cracked teeth should be bonded cosmetically. It improves the overall look of the smile. A cosmetic dentist will work closely on all the smile aspects which will also include fuller lips, smile and cheeks and thus redesign your smile aesthetically giving it a graceful touch.

One of the most important things that you should take care of when you just relocated to a new place is to find a trusted and reliable dentist. Finding a dental clinic that you can go to whenever you have dental or oral problems is such a relief. A trusted dentist is just like a family who can certainly help you in times of need.

Your dentist can help you with the following which are listed as the most common dental problems:

- Stains and discolorations - Yellow or stained teeth are unpleasant to see and can definitely take away from an otherwise attractive smile. Teeth whitening offered in many dental clinics is very much in demand as it's the easiest thing to stain the teeth. You can suffer from discolored teeth just from drinking certain beverages like coffee, soda, wine and eating certain foods like ketchup, beets, berries and chocolates.

- Cavities - If you're besieged by tooth decay, you'll need to go to a dentist, probably for a filling if it only involves a minor case. In severe cases of tooth decay, an extraction may be necessary. A root canal is another option.

- Chips, cracks, and breaks - If there's structural damage to your tooth, you may go for a veneer for superficial issues or an outright crown for more substantial damage.

- Gaps - If you have missing teeth, you'll probably go for dentures. If you want something more long-lasting and low maintenance, dental implants would be the answer. What if it's just one tooth? A common solution for this is bridgework, which is like a combination of crowns and dentures.

- Malocclusions - Crooked teeth can be a turn off, but they can also cause problems other than the social kind. They could affect speech and cause discomfort. Malocclusions are normally corrected using braces, but treatment with braces has to be done by a dentist who has specialized in orthodontics.

Many of these issues could be interrelated as well. Dental crowns and bridges, for instance, may be called for in cases when tooth decay has led to bigger damage that necessitates caps to regain the normal appearance of the teeth. There are many other possible issues about which you could consult a dentist. It's certainly a good thing that we live in a time of advanced dental technology. And because of all these dental problems, you really need to find a reliable dentist to help you maintain your oral health.

Cavities, aging, coffee, drugs and tobacco are some of the main factors that stain teeth. The cool thing is that there are many ways in which you can get rid of the unsightly stains. Some of these ways include:

Whitening Toothpastes

There are many whitening toothpastes that you can go for. When making the purchase you need to ensure that you buy the right ones. As rule of thumb you should only buy a toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).

You should carefully read the ingredients on the packet and ensure that the toothpaste has beneficial ingredients. One of the ingredients that you should look for is blue covarine. Blue covarine binds to teeth thus creating an optical illusion that makes teeth appear less yellow.

Visit Your Dentist

There are a number of things that your dentist can do to whiten your teeth. One of the things is to place a rubber guard on your gum to protect them from irritation. The dentist will then put peroxide gel into a tray and place it on your teeth in order to remove present stains.

Another thing that the dentist can do is to use laser or bright light to bleach your teeth. To protect your teeth the dentist places a rubber shield over your gums.

Whiten At Home

There are many ways in which you can whiten teeth at home. One of the ways is using baking soda. Although, the American Dental Association says that baking soda is too abrasive for teeth whitening, it has been shown to have stain-lifting properties.

You should create your own paste by mixing baking soda with water. You can also sprinkle a small amount of it on your toothpaste and use it to brush your teeth.

Research studies have shown that adding a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to baking soda increases the whitening effect. To avoid damaging your teeth you should only mix the two after consulting your dentist.

Conclusion

These are some of the ways in which you can whiten your teeth. After whitening your teeth you need to change your lifestyle in order to keep them white for a long time. One of the things that you should do is to avoid tobacco products. You should also cut on other liquids such as black tea, grape juice, red wine and coffee.

Dentists recommend that you should brush your teeth after every meal and floss once a day.

When it comes to dental problems, one of the most common ones is wisdom tooth. Wisdom teeth are normally removed because they're located too far at the back of the mouth, making them a great source of discomfort. They are also often hard to reach with a toothbrush hence they're prone to developing cavities.

Anyway, most people want to have them removed even if the process can be quite complex because these teeth serve no real good purpose. The actual wisdom teeth removal is definitely a big production but since it's performed by highly trained dentists, patients simply rest in assurance that the procedure will go smoothly.

The concern is usually focused on the recovery period because that's when complications may arise and it's the responsibility of patients to prevent those. If you're up for wisdom teeth removal, dentists have instructions on how to manage the after-effects of the procedure and reduce the risk of complications.

To control bleeding which mostly occurs on the day of the removal but may also happen when food or outside objects makes contact on the affected area, rinse first with water, avoid spitting too much and then cover the "open" sockets with small cotton logs until bleeding stop and blood clots. Also to prevent bleeding, stay away from hot beverages and drinking with a straw within 24 hours since the extraction. If you smoke, abstain for as long as you can as well.

To manage the pain, take acetaminophen like Tylenol or the prescription medication provided by the dentist according to specified dosage instructions. A non-toxic option is to hold a cold pack against your jaw - this is usually effective in numbing the pain. For bruising and swelling, an ice pack will definitely help; just hold it over the area and your swollen cheeks will reduce in size in two to three days. Bruising takes longer to heal though but an ice pack will remain to be your trusty aid.

Drink lots of cold water as well for not only will doing so help wash away any food particles in your mouth but h2O also plays an important role in preventing infection and promoting speedy healing. Avoid physically exerting yourself too much - the rush of blood may loosen the blood clot from the socket. For a week after the procedure, rest as much as you can for a faster complete recovery. To prevent the sockets from getting "disturbed," eat soft food for the first 24 hours. Mashed potatoes, carrots, applesauce - mostly baby food and ice cream should comprise your diet for the day.

Lastly, avoid brushing your teeth 24 hours after the procedure; just use a pH balanced mouthwash. But, if you really need to brush, be careful not to disturb the wound and rinse using warm water with a pinch of salt.

Oral cancer affects over 45,000 Americans every year, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. At least 8,650 people will die from it every year. The five-year survival rate after a diagnosis is 57 percent. As with most cancers, early diagnosis is key in receiving the appropriate treatment and reducing the mortality rate. How can you spot the early signs or even prevent it from occurring?

What Is Oral Cancer?

This type of cancer can strike the following parts of the mouth: the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, tonsils, interior surfaces of the jaw and salivary glands. The classification is a subgroup of head and neck cancers.

Risk Factors for Development

Those who smoke tobacco and drink alcohol on a regular basis are more likely to develop this cancer. The disease is also more prevalent in men than women. If you have been infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), you are more likely to develop the disease as well.

Spot the Earliest Signs

The early signs are often confused with other oral health issues. If you notice any of the following indications, talk to your doctor or dentist immediately:

• An ulcer or sore inside your mouth that will not heal
• Mouth inflammation persisting for over three weeks
• Painful swallowing or lasting sore throat
• Any unexplained lumps in the mouth
• Jaw and neck pain
• Loosening teeth
• Red or white patches on the tongue or inside the mouth

The danger of this cancer type lies in its lack of early detection. The reason for high mortality rates in oral cancer diagnoses is due partly to patients not discovering the health problem until the cancer is in its later stages, after the primary tumor has metastasized.

If the dentist suspects oral cancer is developing, he or she may refer the patient to an oncologist or ear, nose and throat specialist. The medical professional will take a biopsy of the tumor or surface lining while the patient is under general or local anesthesia. Once it is diagnosed, further testing is required to determine how much the disease has spread. They may conduct an endoscopy of the throat or utilize X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to investigate the extent and stage of the cancer and decide on the appropriate treatment, which could involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, drug treatment or other measures.

Prevention Strategies

First, to reduce the chances of developing this disease, quit using tobacco and reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. Follow guidelines for general wellness, including eating a healthy, balanced diet including fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly. Wear sunblock on your lips and face and limit exposure to sunlight in general.

Take your dental health seriously. Follow through with your twice-yearly dental checkups and alert your dentist to any signs of discomfort or abnormalities in your mouth and the surrounding tissues. Brush and floss twice a day. Once each month, examine the inside of your mouth using a light source and a mouth mirror and tell your dentist if you see suspicious patches or bumps.

Neglecting your teeth only does your body a disservice in the long term. Always remember to schedule your twice-yearly examinations to identify and put a stop to any cancer development.

How do you keep strong, functional, and good-looking teeth?

There is no short cut to attaining this goal. In order to retain your healthy teeth, you will need to follow a proper dental care guide. Something that helps you prevent the pains and diseases brought about by poor dental health and will avoid you the costly dental care.

Here are some easy and effective tips to care for your teeth:

Do the basics of dental care.

Healthy teeth and gums starts with good dental hygiene. Never forget the basics of dental care. Brush and floss as instructed and you can prevent your teeth from getting damaged.

• Ideally, brushing should be done twice a day. The right technique is to brush gently in oval motions the inside and outside chewing surfaces of your teeth. Brush your tongue as well.
• As for flossing, clean between the teeth in a rubbing motion but never snap the floss into your gums as it may damage this sensitive part of your mouth.
• Rinsing with mouthwash every after meal can kill germs. Fluoride mouth rinse can reduce and prevent tooth decay.

Include calcium in your diet.

Your teeth and gums are healthy if you get enough calcium in your diet. Some foods rich in calcium are soybeans, yogurt and cheese. Including them in your meal every day not only will improve your dental health but your overall health as well.

Avoid too much sugar.

More sugar means more tooth decay and weaker teeth. Sodas, desserts, and other sweets are tempting but remember that these foods contain too much sugar. Sugar can convert acids in your mouth that cause decay so it is best to reduce you intake on this.

Eat fruits and veggies.

These foods have high water content and they are good as they promote saliva production. Did you know that bacteria in your mouth can be prevented by your saliva? Aside from that, it also cleans your oral cavity. So grab some fruits and veggies and include them in your diet.

Clean your teeth with natural toothbrush.

Firm or crisp foods like apple, raw carrots, and celery can clean your teeth. If you have no way of brushing your teeth, use this natural toothbrush.

Use your teeth for eating only.

Some people have the habit of using their teeth to chew ice, open bags of chips, loosen knots, and other actions that are actually bad for their teeth. Avoid using your teeth for anything else other than eating.

Give up alcohol and smoking.

Alcohol and cigarettes are bad for your teeth. You are at a risk of oral cancer with excessive alcohol. Smoking on the other hand increases your risk of gum disease and tooth loss.

Visit your dentist regularly.

Your dentist has the best dental tips and recommendations that will ensure good dental health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9119703

When it comes to good oral hygiene, following the basics is really all you need to do. There’s no need to follow gimmicks or new fads. Practicing the essential oral hygiene habits truly are all you need to do to enjoy good oral health for your entire life.

Below are what we believe to be the quintessential – and easy – oral hygiene habits everyone should follow:

1.      Brush twice a day, floss at least once a day. Repeat. Every day.

You know the drill: brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing your teeth once a day are the bedrock of good oral hygiene.  Doing so removes bacteria and plaque that could eventually erode your teeth, causing cavities, and/or lead to gum disease, possibly resulting in tooth loss. Your dentist is always telling you to brush and floss for one simple reason: they work!

Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and make sure you brush all surfaces of all your teeth, both on the outside and inside sides of the teeth.

2.   Get a professional checkup with your dentist at least twice a year.

Flossing and brushing get most, but not all, of the bacteria and plaque buildup from your teeth. Your dentist will get rid of the rest. If you tend to excrete more plaque than other people, your dentist may recommend that you have a professional checkup more than twice a year. If so, heed his advice if at all possible. The 70-year-old you will thank you.

3.  If you want whiter teeth, use some hydrogen peroxide.

Don’t use a lot and don’t let it get on your gums. Just pour a bit of the liquid into its bottle cap and dip your toothbrush in it. Brush your teeth (being careful regarding your gums) and then rinse the toothbrush and brush your teeth again with fluoride toothpaste.

4.   Get a tongue scraper and use it on your tongue.

Plaque and bacteria also build up on your tongue and a scraper will help get it off. Scrapers are pretty easy to find and aren’t that expensive. But if you can’t find one, brush your tongue with your toothbrush every time you brush your teeth.

5.   Brushing is best, but in a pinch, rinse your mouth after eating.

Not everyone can always brush their teeth after eating. But most of us can certainly rinse our teeth. Doing so will help remove sugars, food bits, plaque, and bacteria from our teeth. Follow up with brushing/flossing in the morning and evening.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Everyone wants whiter teeth. When asked what the number one thing you would change about your smile, it almost always includes whiter teeth. People who whiten their teeth are often inspired to take better care of their teeth to maintain their new smile. Studies have even shown that whitening your teeth makes people more confident in themselves and to the people around them. To top it off, whitening your teeth can make you look 5-10 years younger because yellowing teeth is a sign of aging.

The first step in getting a brand new, whiter smile is to start with a professional cleaning! Brushing and flossing everyday has it's obvious benefits, but even still, calculus (hard deposits) builds up on your teeth in those hard-to-reach places that your hygienist can get off during a cleaning. At that appointment your dentist will usually check for any cavities and want to fill them and do any other work before moving on to the whitening process.

Why Do Teeth Get Darker Anyway?

To understand how whitening your teeth works, knowing why they get stained is a good place to start. Teeth have layers; the hard, outer layer being enamel. This layer of our teeth is porous allowing for staining agents to get down into the teeth and build up over time causing the teeth to appear darker. Hydrogen peroxide (or carbamide peroxide which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide) breaks up those particles by oxidation and makes the teeth appear whiter again. Whitening is completely harmless to the teeth, though it may make them a little hot/cold sensitive for a couple days.

Choosing Your Whitening System

• Take Home Bleach (bleach trays): After any work has been completed on your teeth, impressions can be taken of your teeth and custom trays are made.
• Tubes of bleach are available to buy for your trays and range in their potency.
• The higher the percentage of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, the faster it will work, but may also cause more sensitivity
• With this system, you can whiten your teeth as much or as little as you want until you get to your desired shade. The process may take a little time, so be patient. Take a before picture so you can compare. Because it can be a gradual change each time, it's hard to tell how much you really HAVE whitened over time.

In-Office Whitening

• This type of whitening uses a higher percentage of hydrogen peroxide and lasts about 30-60 minutes
• Depending on the amount of stain you have, you may need multiple sessions still, but stain is removed at a much faster pace
• Patients stay in the dental office for this procedure

The Bottom Line

Everyone's teeth can be whitened, but everyone will whiten at a different pace. Both bleach trays and in-office whitening have pros and cons, but both will give you the same results. Bleach trays allow for you to do touch-ups down the road for years to come, but take longer at first to get white. In-office whitening is much faster, but is a one-time thing and is often more expensive than trays.

Decide what works better for you and you can be on your way to your new, pearly whites!