COSMETIC TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR YOUR SMILE

1.  BONDING

                Bonding involves applying tooth colored filling materials to the tooth, and in some cases can be considered a reversible procedure.  It is used to mask deep stains in the tooth structure, close gaps between teeth, repair chips and/or  cracks in teeth, cover exposed root surfaces to help protect from cavities/sensitivity, or to fill in small cavities.   This procedure is usually completed in one appointment and usually does not require the use of local anesthetic.  Because tooth colored filling material is NOT as strong as tooth enamel, it is important to remember that it could be more prone to chipping and/or staining, resulting in the need for it to be replaced or repaired periodically. 

2.  RECONTOURING AND SHAPING

                Recontouring of the teeth involves polishing, filing and smoothing of the tooth enamel.  It can be used to smooth rough areas on a tooth, to change the contour on a tooth surface or to change the shape of a tooth.  This procedure is generally completed in one visit and does not require the use of local anesthetic.  Recontouring is very commonly used when a patient has worn small chips on the edges of his/her front teeth, in order to very easily remove these rough spots and give a more cosmetic smile.

3.  WHITENING

                Whitening, or teeth bleaching, is any procedure used to lighten, and brighten, the tooth structure along with helping to remove any surface staining.  It can be done in the dental office or with one of the many at home whitening products.  There are some stains that are inside the tooth structure (internal tooth stains) which will NOT be affected by these external whitening products.  Because of this, it is important to discuss with your dentist whether you are a good candidate for external tooth whitening.  Some patients may experience some tooth sensitivity while bleaching his/her teeth.  Usually this sensitivity is of a temporary nature and can be decreased by using sensitivity toothpaste both before and during the bleaching process.

4. GUM SURGERIES (Gingivoplasty)

                Gingivoplasty is a minor gum surgery which is done to reshape healthy gum tissue around the teeth.   A gingivoplasty can be used when the gum line on adjacent teeth is not even, as a means to make the gum line even and more cosmetic.  This procedure is usually done in one appointment that requires the use of local anesthetic, with a follow-up appointment about 7-10 days later to check on healing.  Minor discomfort is normal and expected for a few days after this procedure.  Some patients may benefit from a combination of gingivoplasty and gingival graft.  If you do not like how your gum tissue looks along the teeth, talk to your dentist to find out what your different treatment options are.

5.  ORTHODONTICS

                Orthodontic treatment is used to move the teeth into a more desirable position.  It can be used to align crooked teeth, to help close spaces between teeth, to correct bite discrepancies and to help reduce symptoms from TMD.  Orthodontic options range from comprehensive orthodontic treatment, which is used to get the patient to an ideal bite with their back teeth along with straight front teeth, to more short term orthodontic treatment with the primary goal of aligning the visible teeth without any predictable change in the patient’s bite.  The orthodontic treatment options available utilize metal braces, tooth colored/ceramic braces, clear plastic aligners or retainer type aligners or any combination of the above.  The treatment time, depending on each patient’s desired outcome, can range from a few months to a couple years.  If you are interested in your orthodontic options, it is important to talk with your dentist to find out the advantages and disadvantages of all orthodontic treatment options based on your individual chief complaint and oral situation.

6.  VENEERS

                Veneers are a thin coating made of porcelain or resin material that fits on your front teeth in order to change the appearance of your smile.  They are custom made, and because of this usually require two appointments to make.  They can be used to cover teeth that are discolored due to medication or age, repair front teeth that are worn or chipped, close existing spaces between teeth, or give a straight appearance to crooked teeth.  They are cemented to the front and sides of your teeth.  Because they are NOT as strong as tooth enamel, they may be more prone to staining or breakage than your natural tooth structure, so care must be used with your veneers.  It is important to talk to your dentist if you are interested in veneers, because not every patient is a great candidate for veneers.

7.  CROWNS

                Crowns (or caps) are made of porcelain, metal or some combination of the two, to create a custom fitted “cover” for your prepared tooth.  Crowns may be the best recommended treatment for a tooth with a larger cavity, a cracked or broken tooth, to replace an existing poor fitting crown, to cosmetically change the shape/appearance of a tooth, to make crooked teeth appear straight or to make a tooth/teeth taller in order to change a patient’s bite.  Making a crown usually requires two appointments and the use of local anesthetic.  Crowns on front teeth can usually be made of all porcelain to ensure a superior shade match to your natural teeth, while some crowns for back teeth will require a porcelain-metal crown or an all metal crown, due to the limited space and the increase in biting forces on these back teeth.

8.  IMPLANTS

                Dental implants are usually made of titanium and are used to replace a missing tooth or to create a support structure replacing multiple teeth.  They can be used to support crowns, bridges, partial dentures and dentures.  They require multiple visits with the dentist/oral surgeon in order to have the minor surgical procedure to place the implant, followed by regular visits to monitor healing.  Not everyone is a candidate for implants, so it is important to discuss the different treatment options you have for replacing teeth with your dentist.  Even though a dental implant cannot get a cavity, they do not have a 100% success rate, and maintaining regular dental checkups along with quality home care is of the utmost importance.

FLUORIDE

FLUORIDE FACTS

            -fluoride is a natural mineral

            -it hardens tooth enamel and protects teeth by neutralizing the acid that causes decay

            -most of us get fluoride from the tap water that we drink

            -almost all of us get fluoride from toothpaste and fluoride rinses

            -children and some adults receive fluoride treatments at the dental office

            -it is inexpensive, safe and effective

FLUORIDE BENEFITS

            -fluoridated water can reduce tooth decay by 50-60%

            -fluoride gels given at your dentist’s office twice a year can reduce tooth decay by 40%

            -regular use of fluoride toothpaste can reduce tooth decay up to 25%

            -it can help rebuild areas of tooth demineralization (softening)

            -it decreases the amount of plaque bacteria in your mouth

HOW IT WORKS

            -it hardens the enamel on teeth thus reducing the risk of decay

            -it can stop and reverse the progress of newly formed cavities

            -it can help to reduce root surface temperature sensitivity

            -fluoride in tap water is used by your body cells that build your teeth to make the enamel stronger

            -topical fluoride that is applied to the teeth, makes the crystals that form enamel more durable

            -topical fluoride makes the enamel crystals more resistant to acids in your diet

FLUORIDE AMOUNTS

            -fluoride intake should be strictly monitored in patients under the age of 6

                        -ingesting too much fluoride before the age of 6 can cause a condition of the permanent teeth called fluorosis which

                        appears as white or brown lines or spots on the permanent teeth

            -when mixing powder formula for your baby, use water that is fluoride free to help reduce any chance of fluorosis

            -until your child understands to spit out the toothpaste and not swallow it (usually around age 3), have him/her use

            fluoride-free toothpaste to help reduce any chance of fluorosis

             -be sure to watch and help your child with brushing his/her teeth to help ensure that toothpaste is not swallowed

             -when using fluoride toothpaste, whether you are a child or adult, it is only necessary to use no more than a pea-sized

             amount of toothpaste twice daily

            -in areas that do not have fluoride present in tap water, it may be necessary to use a fluoride supplement at home

             depending on your age and risk level for new cavities

                        -talk to your dentist for more information

To find out if you and your family are getting enough fluoride, talk with your dentist or hygienist.  There are some risks present such as fluorosis of the teeth or fluoride toxicity if guidelines are not followed and a patient ingests fluoride in very high amounts.  As long as the guidelines of fluoride intake and topical fluoride use are followed and administered or instructed by a dental professional, its use along with regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups and a diet low in sugars and acidic foods can result in strong, healthy teeth.