Archive for June, 2009

« Older Entries

Porcelain Veneers

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

Porcelain veneers are thin wafers of ceramic material that are applied over the surface of the natural tooth. Porcelain mimics the tooth structure more closely than any other restorative material. Porcelain veneers are used to cover worn tooth enamel, to correct uneven tooth alignment or spacing and to cover chipped and cracked teeth. The porcelain veneers available today provide a totally more natural appearance than those veneers available in the past.

The placing of porcelain veneers usually involves three steps:
• Diagnosis and treatment planning
• Preparation
• Bonding

In the diagnosis and treatment planning phase, the dentist will discuss goals and what you hope to achieve with this procedure, examine your teeth and devise a treatment plan customized to fit your specific needs. The preparation phase involves preparing your natural teeth to accept the porcelain veneers. During the bonding phase the final adjustments are made to the porcelain veneers and they are permanently placed.

The placement of porcelain veneers requires artistry and skill. A highly trained cosmetic dentist has the skill and artistry needed for the expert placement of porcelain veneers. It usually requires three visits to achieve the desired results. Porcelain veneers are custom fitted and made specifically for your teeth, so you can improve the color of your smile, and cover chipped or crooked teeth all at the same time.

Who is a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?

A good candidate for porcelain veneers will:
• Have good oral hygiene
• Want to improve their appearance
• Be well informed about the procedure
• Have realistic expectations of the results

Porcelain veneers are resistant to staining from coffee, tea or tobacco products. A porcelain veneer should last from 10 to 50 years, and are flossed, brushed and treated as you would your own natural teeth. Properly fitted porcelain veneers are indistinguishable from your natural teeth, except for their perfection.

ArrivaCostaRica.com is the primary web site for information about plastic surgery and dentistry in Costa Rica. See www.arrivacostarica.com

Tags: , ,
Posted in Dental, Porcelain Veneers, Veneers | No Comments »

Restylane

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

Restylane® is a cosmetic dermal filler use to help smooth out lines and wrinkles in the face. A clear, hyaluronic acid-based gel, Restylane® acts in two ways. The gel itself adds volume under the skin to diminish lines and wrinkles. The hyaluronic acid also naturally attracts water, giving natural-looking, long-lasting results.

Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body. Higher levels of hyaluronic acid in children make their skin soft and smooth. As we grow older, the amount of hyaluronic acid diminishes, reducing the elasticity of the skin and causing wrinkles to form.

The hyaluronic acid used in Restylane® is not derived from animals. Instead, it’s produced in a sterile laboratory environment. This means of production greatly reduces chances of allergic reaction. In fact, allergy testing is not required before undergoing Restylane treatment.

The most common areas treated with Restylane® include:

• Nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth)
• “Frown lines” between the eyebrows
• Crow’s feet

Restylane® is also sometimes used to increase the fullness of the lips. This usage is more common outside the US, as Restylane® has not been approved for this usage by the FDA.

Treatment with Restylane® can be done in your doctor’s office and usually takes half an hour or less. Effects are visible immediately. Afterwards, there is no down time, and you can go on about your regular day. You might experience some pain or redness at the injection site, but bruising and swelling is generally minimal or even nonexistent.

The results of Restylane® injections last six to twelve months, after which you’ll need to have additional injections to maintain your more youthful look. Or, if you like the results of the Restylane treatment, you might decide to pursue a more permanent option, such as a facelift, chin lift, or brow lift.

For best results from treatment with Restylane® or any injectable filler, it’s best to work with a board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced with injectables and will be able to deliver the best possible results.

ArrivaCostaRica.com is the primary web site for information about plastic surgery and dentistry in Costa Rica. See www.arrivacostarica.com

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Restylane | No Comments »

Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

Ultrasonic assisted liposuction (UAL) uses high-pitched sound waves to liquefy fat in a specific area before it is removed. UAL is liposuction used for fat removal in difficult to treat areas such as the chin, neck, cheeks, knees, calves and ankles. It most often serves as an addition to tumescent liposuction for people requiring precise body contouring. UAL is used on both men and women.

In an ultrasonic assisted liposuction procedure, tumescent fluid is injected into the area to be treated. Tumescent fluid is a mixture of anesthetic, saline solution, and epinephrine. This helps prevent fluid loss during the UAL procedure and makes the fat deposits easier to remove.

During an ultrasonic assisted liposuction procedure, sound waves are produced by a generator. The ultrasonic waves are transmitted to a thin, vacuum-like tube called a cannula. When the cannula comes into contact with fat cells, the fat cells liquefy and then are vacuumed out.

Benefits of UAL

One benefit of ultrasonic assisted liposuction is the ability to treat areas that have denser fat deposits and to remove large volumes of fat at one time. UAL is more precise and tightens the skin during the procedure also.

There is a risk of burns, blistering and scarring due to the heat created during ultrasonic assisted liposuction. A well qualified UAL surgeon will know how to deal with the heat generated, but it should be considered.

Treatment Areas

Ultrasonic assisted liposuction can be utilized in all areas that traditional liposuction is used, but it is especially useful in the abdominal area, the mid-section, male breast tissue, the chin and neck areas. Ultrasonic assisted liposuction has the ability to transform the body when performed by a skilled UAL surgeon.

ArrivaCostaRica.com is the primary web site for information about plastic surgery and dentistry in Costa Rica. See www.arrivacostarica.com

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Liposuction, Ultrasonic Liposuction | No Comments »

Benefits of Plastic Surgery

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

Very few of us were born with “the perfect body.” Supposing for a moment that we were, then we must factor in the negative effects of gravity, aging, childbirth, and other processes that work against our having that ideal physique. The fact of the matter is this: nearly everyone at some point in their life could benefit to some degree from the wide range of treatment options available in the field of plastic surgery.

Being comfortable with your appearance is essential to living a healthy life. Dissatisfaction with one’s own appearance can have many negative social, psychological, and economic effects, many of which may go unnoticed. Every year, millions of Americans who are self-conscious or embarrassed by their figure choose to be proactive about escaping such negative thoughts with the help of cosmetic surgery.

Today’s technology and refined surgical techniques make cosmetic surgery safer, more affordable, and more convenient than ever. In fact, many procedures can be done in less than an hour. Procedures that were only accessible to society’s elite are now available at a cost within the means of the average American.

What can plastic surgery do for you?

Many cosmetic surgery patients report the feeling of being “reborn” after their procedure, and many of them regret not having done it sooner. Most patients will agree that the benefits of cosmetic surgery far outweigh the costs, both in the short and long term. With these benefits in mind, let’s take a brief look at a few of the more popular surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments available:

• Facial augmentation – Virtually anything can be done to enhance your facial features, from ten minute Botox or Restylane treatments to facelifts, eyelifts, forehead lifts, ear reshaping, and rhinoplasty. Get rid of unwanted wrinkles, baggy eyes, and neck fat to restore your youthful appearance.

• Breast augmentation – Multiple options are available to increase the size, firmness, and projection of your breasts.

• Body re-contouring – Spot-treat trouble areas with liposuction or get rid of unwanted abdominal fat and sagging with a tummy tuck.

ArrivaCostaRica.com is the primary web site for information about plastic surgery and dentistry in Costa Rica. See www.arrivacostarica.com

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Myths about Cosmetic Surgery

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

Cosmetic surgery leaves no scars.

Many men and women considering cosmetic surgery often have the misconception that there will be absolutely no scarring after their cosmetic surgery. While cosmetic surgeons work as hard as possible to place incisions in unnoticeable locations, when an incision is made or when skin is removed, it is inevitable that a scar will develop. By choosing an experienced, specially trained cosmetic surgeon, patients can make sure that incisions are made as small as possible and concealed by the natural curves of their bodies.

Cosmetic surgery is dangerous.

Cosmetic surgery is a medical procedure and as with all surgeries, there are risks associated for every patient. Recovery times vary, but dangerous is not an accurate word to describe some of the fascinating procedures cosmetic surgeons perform on men and women of all ages every day. Patients should choose a board certified surgeon with adequate experience and training in the type of cosmetic surgery you are considering.

Shopping for the lowest price on a procedure is the best way to find a cosmetic surgeon.

Cosmetic surgery yields permanent physical results and is serious business. Searching for the lowest price cosmetic surgeon in your area is not the best way to choose a cosmetic surgeon. Patients considering cosmetic surgery should find a cosmetic surgeon who is honest with them about the cost, risk, and results of their procedure. Cost must be considered, but it is more important to have a safe procedure performed by a gifted surgery that produces magnificent results.

All cosmetic surgeons are the same.

While cosmetic surgeons may share similar backgrounds, their skill level, experience, and training varies widely. During your initial consultation you should ask your potential cosmetic surgeon about his background and why he’s the best choice for your particular aesthetic goals.

Cosmetic surgeons only perform breast surgery.

While some cosmetic surgeons concentrate on just one or two specific procedures, many cosmetic surgeons provide patients with a wide array of cosmetic surgery options such as:

• Abdominoplasty
• BOTOX®
• Arm reduction
• Liposuction
• Facelift
• Rhinoplasty

Recovery from cosmetic surgery is very painful.

Most cosmetic surgery patients find that the recovery period from cosmetic surgery is not nearly as painful as they thought. People who are considering cosmetic surgery, but are wary of the pain associated with the recovery, should schedule an initial consultation with a cosmetic surgeon in their area. During an initial consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will inform you of exactly what you can expect before, during and after cosmetic surgery.

ArrivaCostaRica.com is the primary web site for information about plastic surgery and dentistry in Costa Rica. See www.arrivacostarica.com

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Arm Lift, Bicep and Tricep Implants, Blepharoplasty, Body Contouring, Botox, Brachioplasty, Breast Augmentation, Breast Enhancement, Breast Enlargement, Breast Implants, Breast Lift, Breast Reconstruction, Breast Reduction, Breast Surgery, Brow Lift, Buttocks Augmentation, Buttocks Contouring, Buttocks Fat Grafts, Buttocks Implants, Buttocks Lift, Buttocks Microfat Grafting, Buttocks Reduction, Calf Implants, Cheek Implants, Chin Implants, Chin Improvement, Corrective Ear Surgery, Cosmetic Surgeon, Cosmetic Surgery, Ear Correction, Ear Surgery, Endoscopic Brow Lift, Eyebrow Lift, Eyelid Surgery, Eyelids Removal, Facelift, Facial Plastic Surgery, Facial Rejuvenation, Flankplasty, Forehead and Brow Lift, Gynecomastia, Hair Micrograft, Hair Replacement, Hair Transplant, Hand Rejuvenation, Hand Surgery, Laser - Dermatology, Lip Augmentation, Lip Reduction, Lipectomy, Liposculpture, Liposuction, Nasal Surgery, Neck Liposuction, Nose Job, Nose Surgery, Otoplasty, Plastic Surgeon, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Platysmaplasty, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Reconstructive Surgery, Rhinoplasty, Rhytidectomy, Saline Breast Implants, Scalp Lifting, Scalp Reduction, Silicone Breast Implants, Submental Liposuction, Thigh Reduction, Thigh lift, Tram Flap Surgery, Tumescent Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Ultrasonic Liposuction, Vibroliposuction | No Comments »

The Ideal Age for Breast Implants

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

As breast augmentation grows in popularity, women from an increasingly diverse demographic and age range are opting for the surgery. When considering this procedure, it is important to determine if the surgery is right for you at the current moment in your life. While you might be a viable candidate for breast enlargement, you may find that based on your circumstances, it might be wiser to wait a few years.

Technically, all women ages 18-50 are potentially candidates for breast augmentation. However, the decision to get breast implants is a very personal one, and the ideal age varies depending on the woman.

Implants for Teenagers

Breast augmentation for teenagers is on the rise, as each year, many parents are surprising their daughters with implants as a birthday or graduation gift.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only approves breast enlargement for women over 18. However, many 16 and 17 year old girls are still opting for the procedure, ignoring the recommendations of the FDA.

Getting implants while you are a teenager may be a bit premature. Most girls’ breasts continue to develop into their early 20’s. It is much better to wait until your breasts are fully formed before undergoing surgery. Otherwise, you run the risk of complications.
Implants for Women Ages 20-35

Most of the women getting breast augmentation fall into this age range. While this may make sense, since these women are in their most vibrant, youthful stage of adulthood, there are still a few factors to consider before deciding to go ahead with the procedure.

Women in their early 20’s may have breasts that are still developing. Breast enlargement at this stage in a woman’s development can adversely affect the results of the surgery.

Many women in this age range still plan on having children at a later date. This is a very important factor to consider when deciding on breast implants. It is generally a good idea to wait until after childbirth to get an enlargement, since the surgery can potentially affect your ability to breast feed. Also, the change in size of a woman’s breasts during pregnancy can lead to sagging, misshapen breasts if implants have already been inserted.
Implants for Women Over 35

This is also a very common age for women to get breast augmentation. In many ways, this is a good time in your life to opt for the surgery. Your breasts will be fully formed, eliminating any complications as a result of inserting implants when you are too young. Also, most women in this age range have already had their children, making complications related to pregnancy irrelevant.

Whatever your age, the most important factor in this decision is whether or not you feel breast enlargement is right for you at this particular stage of your life. It is important to discuss your medical history and goals for the procedure with an experienced cosmetic surgeon who can help you through this decision.

ArrivaCostaRica.com is the primary web site for information about plastic surgery and dentistry in Costa Rica. See www.arrivacostarica.com

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Breast Implants, Buttocks Augmentation | No Comments »

Periodontal Therapy

Thursday, June 11th, 2009

A beautiful smile requires more than just healthy teeth. Your gums play a large role. The importance of gum health goes beyond cosmetics. Gum disease is painful, can cause you to lose teeth, lead to deterioration of your jaw bone, and to other health problems. Periodontal therapy treats and prevents gum disease, for a beautiful, healthy smile.

Healthy gums for a beautiful smile

Gum disease can cause your gums to be red and puffy. It can cause your gum line to recede making you look older than you really are. It will eventually affect the health of your teeth and you may even lose teeth. Periodontal therapy protects your gums and gets rid of gum disease. If you already have permanent damage to the look of your gums you can also have a procedure called gum recontouring to restore the beauty of your gums after the disease has been treated.

Gum disease

Poor oral hygiene will cause gum disease, but even if your oral hygiene is great other factors can cause the problem. Genetics, poor nutrition, a weakened immune system, diabetes, a misaligned bite, and even stress can lead to gum disease. Brushing too vigorously and using a brush that is too hard can also damage your gums.

Gum disease can usually be prevented by proper oral hygiene at home, but when bacteria get trapped deep inside your gums your normal routine cannot reach it and get rid of it.

It starts with plaque that gets beneath your gum line. This causes your gums to be inflamed and allows the bacteria to spread. Next, your gums pull away from your teeth creating pockets. The bacteria get trapped in these pockets and your gums become infected. Your gums continue to be irritated allowing more bacteria to enter and keeping the process going.

During this process you will notice pain in your gums, a tendency to bleed when you brush or floss, redness and swelling, and if left untreated, your gums will begin to recede.

Eventually, this can lead to tooth loss and even damage to your jawbone.

Types of gum disease

You have probably heard of gingivitis which causes redness, swelling, and bleeding, but there are several other types of gum disease including:

• Chronic periodontitis causes progressive gum detachment, receding gum line, inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth, and bone loss.
• Aggressive periodontitis causes rapid detachment of the gums and bone destruction
• Necrotizing periodontal diseases cause death of the gum tissue, periodontal ligament, and the alveolar bone.
• Periodontitis that is caused by systematic diseases.

The solution

Periodontal therapy removes the bacteria from deep inside of your gums. This stops the infection, irritation, and inflammation ad allows your gums to heal so the pockets can close keeping the bacteria out.

ArrivaCostaRica.com is the primary web site for information about plastic surgery and dentistry in Costa Rica. See www.arrivacostarica.com

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Dental | No Comments »

Porcelain Crowns

Thursday, June 11th, 2009

Porcelain crowns, sometimes referred to as caps, can save teeth that are very damaged or have large areas of decay. Most people are familiar with gold crowns, which can be visible even in the back of your mouth. Did you know that you can now have crowns made of porcelain that look just like your natural teeth?

What is a crown?

A crown covers the entire outside of your tooth. A crown is made to match the shape of your original tooth, to meet up and work with the opposing tooth, and to function just like a regular tooth. They can be placed in the front or back of your mouth. Porcelain crowns are color matched to your other teeth, so they look just like your natural teeth.

When are crowns used?

A crown is used when your tooth is severely damaged or has a large area of decay. It can preserve a tooth that is weak and cracked.

If you have an area of decay that is too large for your tooth to support a filling, a porcelain crown can be used instead. If you tooth has been damaged by an old metal filling, the filling can be removed and a crown can be used to strengthen and repair your tooth.

A crown is also used after a root canal. Endodontics and a crown can preserve your tooth even when decay has reached its root.

A crown can also be used with a dental implant to replace a missing tooth. The implant replaces the root of your tooth and is made of titanium. It permanently fuses to your jawbone. A porcelain crown, made to look like your original tooth, is attached to the implant.

The beauty of porcelain crowns

Gold crowns are unsightly. Even in the back of your mouth a gold crown is visible when you talk and laugh and can look like a rotten tooth. Older tooth-colored crowns were often made of porcelain that was fused to metal. This is an improvement, but still does not look natural. This type of crown does not reflect light in the same way as your natural tooth enamel and can look dead and flat. They also tend to develop a dark line by the gum line.

All-porcelain crowns interact with light I the same way as your real tooth enamel, and they are color matched to your remaining teeth. The porcelain itself is strong and durable, and it is resistant to staining.

If your existing tooth is misshapen or discolored, a porcelain crown can correct that, too. An all-porcelain crown will look and act just like your natural tooth or even better.

Preserving your tooth

A crown can preserve your natural tooth, even when there is extensive damage. While there are some cases when a tooth must be removed, it is preferable to save the tooth if at all possible. Crowns are a very long-lasting solution as long as you care for them with the same good oral hygiene that you use to care for the rest of your teeth.

ArrivaCostaRica.com is the primary web site for information about plastic surgery and dentistry in Costa Rica. See www.arrivacostarica.com

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Bonding, Bridges, Caps, Cosmetic Dentistry, Crowns, Dental, Dental Implants, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Oral Surgery, Periodontal Surgery, Porcelain Crowns, Porcelain Veneers, Teeth Implants, Tooth Bonding, Veneers | No Comments »

Why Do Teeth Darken?

Thursday, June 11th, 2009

Some amount of dulling and darkening of your teeth is just a natural part of aging. What we eat and drink and how we care for our teeth will affect how much staining and discoloration occurs on the outside of our teeth. Other factors, some beyond our control, can cause teeth to stain on the inside. Most staining can be corrected with tooth whitening. Stubborn, resistant discoloration can be covered with other procedures, giving you beautiful, white teeth again.

Aging

As we age, the enamel of our teeth thins. When the enamel thins the dentin shows through. Dentin is yellow and as it becomes more visible your teeth lose their bright whiteness. Brushing and good oral hygiene cannot stop the dulling of your teeth caused by aging. Tooth whitening can reach and lighten the dentin.

Darkening on the outside of your teeth

Staining on the outside of your teeth is called extrinsic staining. This is the type of darkening that you have the most control over. Your personal habits play a large role in extrinsic staining, but are not the only factor.

Proper brushing and flossing will minimize this type of staining. However, that doesn’t mean you should go crazy with aggressive brushing and using abrasive products. If you damage your tooth enamel your teeth will stain more easily.

Obviously, what you put in your mouth can stain your teeth. Staining foods and beverages include dark berries, coffee, tea, sodas, and red wine. Smoking and smokeless tobacco use will also stain your teeth.

Dental damage such as chipped teeth and tooth erosion leave areas unprotected by tooth enamel and they can darken quickly. Tooth erosion can be caused by many things including drinking sodas. It is common in swimmers due to excessive exposure to chlorine.

Metal (silver amalgam) fillings can become tarnished and stain your teeth. They can be replaced with beautiful, tooth-colored fillings.

Darkening on the inside of your teeth

When your teeth become dark on the inside it is called intrinsic staining. This typically starts in childhood and is beyond your control. The most common cause of intrinsic staining is tetracycline use while your teeth were developing. Tetracycline is a very common antibiotic.

Intrinsic staining

Staining inside of your teeth is called intrinsic staining. Intrinsic staining is very resistant to whitening. Your cosmetic dentist can determine if your teeth will respond to tooth whitening, and if not, he can recommend alternatives. Even if you have dark intrinsic staining, you can still have a beautiful, white smile.

If you were exposed to excessive fluoride while your teeth were forming you may have white fleck and/or brown stains in your teeth due to dental fluorosis. Public water supplies often have added fluoride. You can help protect your children from dental fluorosis and the health risks of excessive fluoride by giving them bottled water or installing a high quality water filter in your home and having use fluoride-free toothpaste until they are at least three years old.

An injury to a tooth can cause it to darken. This can happen very slowly after the trauma occurs.

Some intrinsic stains respond to whitening, but in most cases you will need to cover the stained teeth with porcelain veneers or tooth bonding. Even the toughest stains can be covered giving you beautiful, white teeth again.

ArrivaCostaRica.com is the primary web site for information about plastic surgery and dentistry in Costa Rica. See www.arrivacostarica.com

Tags: , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Teeth Bonding

Thursday, June 11th, 2009

Teeth bonding can correct minor dental flaws in one quick and easy procedure. It is sometimes used instead of porcelain veneers. Today’s bonding is tooth colored and produces beautiful results. It can be used to fill small holes, seal and protect your teeth, and to correct cosmetic flaws.

What is bonding?

Bonding refers to the substance used and to the procedure itself. Bonding material is a tooth colored paste. Your cosmetic dentist applies the bonding and shapes it while it is still soft. It can be sculpted and more can be added until just the right shape is achieved. Then it is hardened with a special light.

What is bonding used for?

Bonding can be used to create small, tooth-colored fillings for cavities.

Cracks and tooth erosion can be covered and sealed. Cracks and erosion can cause pain and sensitivity, tooth decay, and discoloration. Bonding restores the beauty and comfort of your smile, while protecting your teeth from further damage.

Bonding can be used to cover correct the look of small chips. Small gaps between your teeth can be filled by building up the surrounding teeth to close the gap.

The look of crooked and misshapen teeth can be corrected with bonding, by sculpting a new shape onto your teeth. Discoloration that is resistant to whitening can be covered.

Dental bonding vs. porcelain veneers

Dental bonding and porcelain veneers can be used to correct many of the same problems. There are advantages and disadvantages to choosing bonding over veneers.

The advantages of bonding include:

• Bonding gives you faster results than veneers; bonding only requires one visit, veneers require two.
• Bonding is less expensive than veneers.
• Sometimes, bonding can be used to build up a larger portion of your tooth than veneers.

There are also some disadvantages to bonding:

• Your bonding will match the color of your natural teeth and restore the beauty of your teeth, but it is not quite as beautiful and natural looking as veneers.
• Bonding is not as stain resistant as veneers, so you have to be more careful about what you eat and drink to minimize discoloration over time, just like you do with your natural tooth enamel.
• At home you will care for your teeth just like you always have with bonding, but when you have your teeth professionally cleaned you will need to see a hygienist who has experience with bonding or your bonding could be damaged.

Fillings

Dental bonding can be used to create fillings for small holes in your teeth in one quick office visit. For larger areas of decay, your cosmetic dentist may recommend porcelain inlays or onlays. Inlays and onlays are created in a lab, so they require two office visits. The results, however are beautiful, blend seamlessly with your tooth, and strengthen your tooth.

ArrivaCostaRica.com is the primary web site for information about plastic surgery and dentistry in Costa Rica. See www.arrivacostarica.com

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Bonding, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental, Porcelain Veneers, Tooth Bonding | No Comments »

« Older Entries