Here is a list of commonly asked questions about dental maintenance and procedures:
What is Bonding?
The term bonding is used to describe procedures where tooth-colored dental resins
and composites are used. Direct bonding techniques can be used to change the
shapes and colors of teeth as well as to close unattractive spaces. It can also
be used to repair chipped or broken teeth or even to cover up unsightly stains.
Unlike crowns or caps, direct bonding requires only a minimal amount of tooth
reduction thus making it a very conservative procedure.
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How does Bonding work?
After slight preparation, the tooth is etched with a weak phosphoric
acid solution to create a more porous and rougher surface for increased bonding
strength. Next, a composite (plastic) resin in placed on the tooth and shaped,
contoured and hardened with a special curing light. It is then further shaped
and highly polished creating a very natural appearance. The procedure usually
requires only one visit and is not painful.
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How long will Bonding last?
The bonded composite has an average life of four to eight years, and often lasts
longer depending on how and where in the mouth it is applied and how it is maintained.
The area can be touched up and even re-bonded over time as necessary.
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What is Cosmetic Contouring?
Cosmetic contouring (or recontouring) is the reshaping of a patient's own teeth.
This process involves removal of a very small amount of tooth structure to help
achieve a more desirable appearance. Chipped or fractured areas are smoothed
out and specific angles or edges can be rounded or squared to alter the way
your smile looks.
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What can Cosmetic Contouring do for me?
Contouring can create better alignment or create a more feminine or masculine
appearance. It is sometimes done to prevent chipped areas from getting worse.
Recontouring of the teeth is generally done with no discomfort to the patient
and no anesthetic. Often it is done in conjunction with bleaching as a very
conservative and inexpensive approach to a beautiful smile.
What are Implants?
Dental implants are metal anchors placed in the jaw bone underneath the gum
tissue to support artificial teeth where natural teeth are missing. Unlike other
types of tooth replacements, such as removable dentures or fixed bridges that
are cemented to remaining teeth, dental implants are actually placed ("implanted")
into the jaw bone under the gum tissue. These implants are usually made from
a space-age metal called titanium, which is readily accepted by the body, and
artificial teeth that look like natural teeth are then attached to the implants.
Accepted by the American Dental Association, dental implants have been used
for many years, and hundreds of thousands have been placed. Due to a phenomenon
known as "osteointegration" meaning that bone actually attaches itself
to the implant, these anchors provide a strong foundation that allows people
with missing teeth to chew efficiently and comfortably.
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Who needs Implants?
Anyone who is missing teeth and can benefit from increased chewing efficiency,
and improved appearance or speech, is a candidate for dental implants. Implants
can be the solution when it has become difficult or impossible to wear a removable
denture. Portions of the jaw that are missing due to an accident, disease, or
birth defect can often be reconstructed using implants.
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Am I a candidate for Implants?
You are a candidate if:· you have enough jaw bone, and dense enough bone,
to secure the implants · you do not have a disease or condition that
interferes with proper healing after implant surgery (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes,
or radiation/chemotherapy for treating cancer) A discussion with your oral and
maxillofacial surgeon and restorative dentist (the dentist who will make your
new teeth) will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. As a rule,
age is not a barrier to implant treatment if you are in good health. In fact,
thousands of people of all ages are turning to dental implants to replace a
single missing tooth, several teeth, or all teeth.
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What is a Bridge?
A missing tooth or teeth can create an unhealthy situation over time. It is
very important to restore these gaps. When one or more teeth are lost or missing,
the neighboring teeth can shift, tip or even "super-erupt" into the
space. Teeth that have drifted from their normal and healthy position are often
more susceptible to decay and gum disease. Further, this movement can lead to
changes in a patient's bite that can ultimately put stress on the jaws, muscles,
teeth and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Over time this can affect a patient's
ability to chew and may even change the facial appearance depending on the location
and number of missing teeth.
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Is a Bridge permanent?
There are two ways to replace a missing tooth or teeth: fixed and removable.
A bridge is a permanent or fixed replacement, while a denture is a removable
replacement. A bridge consists of replacement teeth (one or more) that are attached
to crowns on the adjacent teeth. The replacement teeth are shaped and contoured
to blend in with the natural teeth in the mouth.
How long does this procedure take?
This procedure takes two or more visits to complete. At the first visit, the
adjacent teeth are reduced, an impression is taken and sent to a dental laboratory
for fabrication. At the second visit, the bridge is fit and placed permanently
in the mouth. Like crowns, bridges can be made from variety of materials for
strength and aesthetic appearance. While it should always be discussed with your
dentist before treatment, a fixed restoration is generally considered to be
the favored solution for tooth replacement.
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Silver fillings are too visible, what are my other options?
Natural tooth-colored fillings have become widely accepted and are often used
in place of metallic restorations where aesthetics is a primary concern. There
are even studies that show that in some cases, use of certain tooth-colored
materials can strengthen a tooth, making it a better choice than the metallic
predecessor - amalgam. Two basic types of tooth-colored restorations are used:
composite and ceramic.
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What is a Composite Restoration?
Composites have been used for many years however their chemical make-up has
changed and improved exponentially. The bonding agents used to make the composites
adhere to the tooth have improved just as dramatically. Because of the improvements,
the use of composites has become widely accepted by dentists and the indications
for their use are more numerous. They are being used to close undesirable spaces,
improve the shape, size and color of a tooth, replace an unsightly amalgam restoration,
cover abraded or worn areas of a tooth (usually at the gum line) and to cover
stains. Composites can also be used to protect thermally sensitive areas and
to repair and strengthen broken teeth.
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How Are They Placed?
Once the tooth has been prepared and all decay removed, chemicals and materials are placed on
the tooth to increase bond strength and to protect the tooth. Next, the composite material is
placed incrementally into the tooth and is hardened by exposure to a special curing light.
The restoration is then contoured to fit the bite and then is highly polished. These fillings
require a bit more time than the silver fillings because of the number of steps involved.
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What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are ceramic or resin indirect fillings. They are typically used for the larger
and more broken down areas. In these cases, more of the tooth's surface needs to be protected.
These restorations are indirect because they require two visits and fabrication by a dental laboratory.
Ceramic restorations are much more durable and will not stain. Naturally speaking, the final result
with ceramics is spectacular.
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What are Veneers?
Veneering a tooth means to cover its facial or front surface. It is actually
very similar to placing acrylic fingernails on top of natural nails. Veneers
are used to enhance shapes and colors of teeth as well as to close spaces between
teeth and to cover up significant stains such as those caused by tetracycline.
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What is the difference between direct and indirect Veneers?
There are two types of veneers: direct and indirect. Direct veneers are done
in a single visit and with a composite or plastic material. Indirect veneers
are usually done in two visits and require a dental laboratory to fabricate
the final restoration. The indirect veneer can be either a composite material
or more commonly, a porcelain material. Due to the advancements in the porcelain
substrates and the bonding materials used to place them, they are often used
in place of crowns for a more conservative and natural looking smile.
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What does Veneering a tooth involve?
First Step During the first visit, a local anesthetic is used and the tooth or
teeth are reduced by approximately 0.5mm Ð 2.0mm. An impression of the teeth
in this state is then taken and sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication
of the veneers. This usually takes one to two weeks to complete. A temporary
restoration may or may not be placed depending on the amount of reduction necessary.
There may or may not be slight sensitivity to hot and cold during this period.
Second Step At the second visit, a local anesthetic may be used for the patient's
comfort in seating the veneers. After thoroughly cleaning and preparing the
teeth, the veneers are then placed with a resin material and cured or hardened
with a special curing light.
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How long will Veneers last?
There are many different variations of porcelains used today and this should
be discussed with the dentist ahead of time. Typically, the porcelains should
last about 15 years, however, with proper care and maintenance, they can last
longer. Porcelain veneers resist staining, reflect light and are among the strongest
and most natural looking restorations available.
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What is Tooth Whitening (Bleaching) and is it safe?
Bleaching is a very conservative and non-invasive approach to creating a brighter
and more appealing smile. Teeth can often take on a darker and unattractive
appearance with age or from contact with staining substances. The discoloration
can be caused by tobacco, coffee or tea, juices, poor hygiene, genetics, and
natural aging.
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How is Tooth Whitening done?
There are two commonly used methods for bleaching: at-home and in-office. Both
begin with an office consultation to determine if the patient is a good candidate
for the bleaching process. The at-home technique is the most popular and least
expensive. The in-office method allows the dentist to place a higher concentration
of bleach over the teeth. At-Home Method A custom mouth piece or "tray"
is made to fit your teeth by the dental office. This tray fits over the patient's
teeth and holds the bleaching material against the teeth for a specified period
of time. There are different concentrations of bleach that are worn via the
tray for one to five hours per day for an average of 10 to 14 days. The regimen
will be determined by the dentist and may differ for each patient. If the teeth
become more sensitive to hot and cold, a "desensitizing" material
may be used in the same tray on alternating days. Results are usually excellent
with this method. In-Office Method The gum tissues are covered to protect them
from being irritated by a higher concentration of the bleaching material. The
bleach is then activated by a high intensity light or a laser to accelerate
the process. This method is usually repeated at separate appointments and is
considerably more expensive than the at-home method. Most patients require a
touch-up after one to five years, depending on the patient's habits and desires.
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What About Over-The-Counter Tooth Whitening Options?
Both at-home and in-office treatments are considerably more effective than the
whiteners available at retail. The over-the-counter products have much lower
concentrations of bleach and sometimes use materials and ill-fitting trays that
can cause damage to the teeth and gums. Reliable Results Bleaching has become
very popular for a whiter and brighter smile because it's fast, simple and inexpensive
with excellent and predictable results.
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What is plaque?
Many of the foods you eat cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids.
Sugared foods, such as candy and cookies, are not the only culprits. Starches,
such as bread, crackers, and cereal, also cause acids to form. If you snack
often, you could be having acid attacks all day long. After many acid attacks,
your teeth may decay.
Plaque also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red, tender
or bleed easily. After a while, gums may pull away from the teeth. Pockets form
and fill with more bacteria and pus. If the gums are not treated, the bone around
the teeth can be destroyed. The teeth may become loose or have to be removed.
In fact, gum disease is a main cause of tooth loss in adults.
One way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease is by eating a balanced diet
and limiting the number of between-meal snacks. If you need a snack, choose
nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese or a piece of
fruit.
What is daily oral health care?
The best way to remove decay-causing plaque is by brushing and cleaning between
your teeth every day. Brushing removes plaque from the tooth surfaces. Brush
your teeth twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your
brush should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily. Use a toothpaste
that contains fluoride, which helps protect your teeth from decay. When choosing
any dental product, look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance,
an important symbol of a dental product's safety and effectiveness.
Cleaning between the teeth once a day with floss or interdental cleaners removes plaque from between the teeth, areas where the toothbrush can't reach. It is essential in preventing gum disease.
By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile your entire life.
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How do I brush my teeth?
· Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
· Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
· Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing
surfaces of the teeth.
· Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of
the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
· Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
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How do I floss my teeth?
· Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of
your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the
opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty. Hold
the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
· Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never
snap the floss into the gums.
· When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against
one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
· Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the
tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
· Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.
· Don't forget the back side of your last tooth.
People who have difficulty handling dental floss may prefer to use another kind
of interdental cleaner. These aids include special brushes, picks or sticks.
If you use interdental cleaners, ask your dentist about how to use them properly,
to avoid injuring your gums.
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How often should a child see the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental check-up at
least twice a year for most children. Some children need more frequent dental
visits because of increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns or
poor oral hygiene. Your pediatric dentist will let you know the best appointment
schedule for your child.
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Why visit the dentist twice a year when my child has never had a cavity?
Regular dental visits help your child stay cavity-free. Teeth cleanings remove
debris that build up on the teeth, irritate the gums and cause decay. Fluoride
treatments renew the fluoride content in the enamel, strengthening teeth and
preventing cavities. Hygiene instructions improve your child's brushing and
flossing, leading to cleaner teeth and healthier gums. Tooth decay isn't the
only reason for a dental visit. Your pediatric dentist provides an ongoing assessment
of changes in your child's oral health. For example, your child may need additional
fluoride, dietary changes, or sealants for ideal dental health. The pediatric
dentist may identify orthodontic problems and suggest treatment to guide the
teeth as they emerge in the mouth.
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What happens in a dental check-up?
The pediatric dentist will review your child's medical and dental history. He
or she will gently examine your child's teeth, oral tissues, and jaws. The teeth
will be cleaned and polished, followed by the application of a fluoride solution.
Your pediatric dentist won't talk just to you about dental health, he or she
will talk to your child with easily understandable words, pictures, and ideas.
Your child will be motivated to take responsibility for healthy smile.
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Will X-rays be taken at every appointment?
No. Pediatric dentists, acting in accord with guidelines from the American Academy
of Pediatric Dentistry, recommend X-rays only when necessary to protect your
child's dental health. For example, X-rays maybe needed to diagnose tooth decay
or abnormalities. Or, they may be required for orthodontic treatment. Your pediatric
dentist will discuss the need for X-rays with you before any are taken.
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How can I help my child enjoy good dental health?
The following steps will help your child be part of the cavity-free generation:
1. Beware of frequent snacking
2. Brush effectively twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
3. Floss once a day
4. Have sealants applied when appropriate
5. Seek regular dental check-ups
6. Assure proper fluoride through drinking water, fluoride products or fluoride
supplements
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My Child sucks his thumb, what effect can it have on the bite?
Most children stop sucking their fingers between the ages of three to five.
If your child continues this habit past the time of the eruption of the first
permanent tooth, then it can have a permanent effect on the adult bite. The
habit should be stopped before these teeth come in. From a preventive point
of view, infants should be given pacifiers, as they will do much less harm than
finger habits, and most children will discontinue their use earlier.
Will dentures change how I speak?
Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating
troublesome words will help. If your dentures "click" while you're
talking, speak more slowly. You may find that your dentures occasionally slip
when you laugh, cough or smile. Reposition the dentures by gently biting down
and swallowing. If a speaking problem persists, consult your dentist.
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How often should I schedule dental appointments?
Your dentist will advise you about how often to visit. Regular dental check-ups
are important. The dentist will examine your mouth to see if your dentures continue
to fit properly. The dentist also examines your mouth for signs of oral diseases
including cancer. With regular professional care, a positive attitude and persistence,
you can become one of the millions of people who wear their dentures with a
smile.
