Archive for the ‘Dental’ Category

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What is a dental bridge?

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

A dental bridge is a false tooth or teeth, known as a pontic, which is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth or teeth. The two crowns holding it in place that are attached onto your teeth on each side of the false tooth. This is known as a fixed bridge. This procedure is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Fixed bridges cannot be taken out of your mouth as you might do with removable partial dentures.

In areas of your mouth that are under less stress, such as your front teeth, a cantilever bridge may be used. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the open space. Bridges can reduce your risk of gum disease, help correct some bite issues and even improve your speech. Bridges require your commitment to serious oral hygiene, but will last as many ten years or more.

How is dental bridge accomplished?

Your cosmetic dentist will prepare your teeth on either side of the space for the false tooth. You will be given a mild anesthetic to numb the area, and the cosmetic dentist will remove the an area of each abutment (teeth on either side of the space) to accommodate for the thickness of the crown. When these teeth already have fillings, part of the filling may be left in place to help as a foundation for the crown.

The dentist will then make an impression, which will serve as the model from which the bridge, false tooth and crowns will be made by a dental laboratory. A temporary bridge will be placed for you to wear while your bridge is being made until your next visit. This temporary bridge will serve to protect your teeth and gums.

Your cosmetic dentist may have you use a Flipper appliance. A Flipper is a false tooth to temporarily take the place of a missing tooth before the permanent bridge is placed. A Flipper can be attached via either a wire or a plastic piece that fits in the roof of your mouth. Flippers are meant to be a temporary solution while awaiting the permanent bridge.

On your second appointment, the temporary bridge will be removed. Your new permanent bridge will be fitted and checked and adjusted for any bite discrepancies. Your new bridge will then be cemented to your teeth.

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

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Tooth Bonding

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Bonding is a composite resin filling placed in the back teeth as well as the front teeth. Composites are the solution for restoring decayed teeth, making cosmetic improvements and even changing the color of your teeth or the reshaping of teeth. Bonding will lighten any stains you may have, close up minor gaps and can be used to correct crooked teeth. Basically, bonding will cover any natural flaws applying a thin coating of a plastic material on the front surface of your teeth. After this, your cosmetic dentist will apply a bonding material and sculpt, color and shape it to provide a pleasing result. A high-intensity light then hardens the plastic, and the surface is finely polished.

How long does tooth bonding last?

While the traditional silver fillings last about seven years, these composites should last about seven to eleven years.

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

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Teeth Whitening Safety Tips

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Dazzling smiles seem to be within everyone’s reach, thanks to the booming teeth whitening business. From over-the-counter whitening strips to dentist office professional treatments, there seems to be no reason to put up with stained or darkening teeth.

Side effects aren’t common when these products are used as directed, but can occur. Before you embark on a do-it-yourself whitening regimen, here are some teeth whitening safety tips to keep your mouth and gums healthy.

See Your Dentist First

Get a professional cleaning and mouth exam, even if you decide to whiten your teeth at home using over-the-counter strips or gels. It could be that all you need is a thorough cleaning to restore your teeth’s sparkling good looks.

The exam can also detect any cavities. Getting the cavity treated first is crucial to keep teeth whitening safe.

Your dentist will assess the health of your gums. If they are inflamed, it’s wise to postpone the whitening.

Ask your dentist for advice about which over-the-counter system to use. Ask your dentist how much lightening you might expect. Teeth do darken with age, and the range of color varies from person to person.

Shop Wisely for Teeth Whitening Products

At-home teeth whitening products contain peroxides, typically carbamide peroxide, in various concentrations — often 10% to 20% or so.

Choose a product with a mid-range bleaching agent — not the lowest concentration and not the highest.  If you tolerate it well but aren’t getting the lightening effect you want, you can choose a higher concentration.

Some home teeth whitening products have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Follow Directions to the Letter

Leaving the strips or gels on longer than advised can irritate the gums. More isn’t better and could lead to problems.

For instance, many over-the-counter teeth whitening strips suggest using for 30 minutes a day for about two weeks. Using longer can increase the risk of gum inflammations and later problems.

After the teeth whitening session, avoid acidic beverages such as soda or sports drinks for a couple of hours to protect your teeth.

Be Realistic

To be on the safe side, pregnant women or nursing mothers should postpone teeth whitening.

Crowns won’t whiten, as products caution. So if you have crowns that show when you smile, teeth whitening might produce an uneven appearance of color.

Be on the Lookout for Sensitive Teeth

Mild and temporary tooth sensitivity can occur with many teeth whitening products. If inflammation or sensitivity are bothersome, discontinue the treatment and speak with your dentist.

If the trays don’t fit well, they can irritate the gums. If you notice that effect, it’s also wise to stop the teeth whitening product.

If your teeth and gums are in good shape, sensitivity is less likely to be an issue.

Don’t Become a Whitening Addict

With the affordability and variety of do-it-yourself teeth whitening products, some consumers think more is better.

How much is too much? After following the directions for whitening, and getting a good result, a once a month preventive or touch up session is usually enough.

When your teeth reach a realistic shade, you only need to repeat the multiple bleaching sessions about twice a year or less.

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

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What you need to know about Dental Implants

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?

There are many advantages to dental implants, including:

  • Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
  • Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that your teeth might slip.
  • Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
  • Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
  • Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
  • Improved oral health. Dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving your long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
  • Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
  • Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing your dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep your dentures in place.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care (see below), implants can last a lifetime.

Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?

In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders – such as diabetes or heart disease – or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis. If you are considering implants, talk to your dentist to see if they are right for you.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?

In general, dental implants are not covered by dental insurance at this time. Coverage under your medical plan may be possible, depending on the insurance plan and/or cause of tooth loss. Detailed questions about your individual needs and how they relate to insurance should be discussed with your dentist and your insurance provider.

What Is Involved in Getting a Dental Implant?

The first step in the dental implant process is the development of an individualized treatment plan. The plan addresses your specific needs and is prepared by a team of professionals who are specially trained and experienced in oral surgery and restorative dentistry. This team approach provides coordinated care based on the implant option that is best for you.

Next, the tooth root implant, which is a small post made of titanium, is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process can take from 6 to 12 weeks.

Once the implant has bonded to the jawbone, a small connector post – called an abutment – is attached to the post to securely hold the new tooth. To make your new tooth or teeth, your dentist makes impressions of your teeth, and creates a model of your bite (which captures all of your teeth, their type, and arrangement). Your new tooth or teeth are based on this model. A replacement tooth, called a crown, is then attached to the abutment.

Instead of one or more individual crowns, some patients may have attachments placed on the implant that retain and support a removable denture.

Your dentist also will match the color of your new teeth to your natural teeth. Because the implant is secured within the jawbone, the replacement teeth look, feel, and function just like your own natural teeth.

How Painful Are Dental Implants?

Most people who have received dental implants say that there is very little discomfort involved in the procedure. Local anesthesia can be used during the procedure, and most patients report that implants involve less pain than a tooth extraction.

After the dental implant, mild soreness can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol or Motrin.

How Do I Care for Dental Implants?

Dental implants require the same care as real teeth, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups.

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

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Take Years Off Your Appearance With Teeth Whitening Treatments

Monday, December 7th, 2009

Professional Teeth whitening is one of the most convenient and effective ways to shred years of your appearance. We all want radiant smiles but often stained or discoursed teeth can prevent us from having that perfect, youthful smile. Professional tooth whitening unlike other teeth whitening product kits is a dental procedure that whitens your teeth using laser advanced technology, capable of removing enamel stain. Popular whitening treatments such as zoom teeth whitening will whiten your teeth dramatically, giving you a beautiful new smile.

Most teeth whitening procedures use a high grade tooth whitening gel that is activated by a high power light laser to achieve the perfect shade. As a procedure laser tooth whitening is quick, painless, safe and most of all effective. Tooth whitening is controllable, allowing a dentist to adjust the level of whitening to meet your needs. Laser teeth whitening will improve your facial appearance by whitening your stained and discoloured teeth up to 10 shades lighter.

Tooth discoloration occurs through both extrinsic staining and intrinsic staining. Extrinsic stains are those that show on the surface of the teeth as a result of exposure to foods, tobacco dark-coloured beverages and routine wear and tear. Intrinsic stains are those that form on the interior of teeth, this is a result of trauma, aging and exposure to minerals. Teeth whitening can remove both extrinsic stains and intrinsic stains.

Teeth whitening can dramatically change the colour of your teeth, this will enhance your entire profile giving you a radiant and confidant smile. If you are looking for a quick way to dramatically enhance your smile, professional teeth whitening may be right chose for you.

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

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Solving Dental Care Concerns For Anxious Patients

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

Are you afraid of going to the dentist? If so, you are not alone. An estimated one-third of Americans do not go to the dentist because they are afraid of the potential pain and discomfort. This can lead to many problems because cavities, gum disease, and more go undetected and untreated. This can lead to root canals and tooth loss down the road once the pain becomes more than they can bear.

While many dentists claim to “cater to cowards,” even the nicest of dentists can still leave their patients nervous wrecks. Sedation dentistry is a completely different approach to treating patients and their teeth.

Sedation dentistry is used to provide a relaxing and calming experience for the patient. This is achieved by using varying levels of treatment depending on the patient and the procedure. The most common form is nitrous oxide which is administered throughout the procedure through a nasal mask or hood. The patient still knows what is going on around him, but is much calmer and more relaxed. It also serves to numb the gums, which can make injections easier.

Another option is IV sedation, which delivers the medication intravenously for an immediate result. Unlike nitrous oxide, it induces more of a sleep-like consciousness. It is best used when patients are extremely anxious or scared.

For those who do not like needles, a third option is oral conscious sedation. One benefit of this treatment is that patients do not remember the experience, although they are able to move and respond to the dentist throughout.

Because of the serious nature of the medication, people who use any of these treatments during their dental procedure will need to be driven home. The medication does not wear off quickly enough for the patient to have recovered sufficiently to drive.

If you are afraid of the dentist, that is not reason to put off the treatment that you desperately need for proper dental health. Talk to your dentist about whether he or she performs sedation dentistry. If not, you should look into finding someone else in your area that does.

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

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 »

Never Too Late To Achieve A Straight Smile

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

Orthodontics was once reserved for teens and preteens, but today over one third of orthodontic patients are adults. Today there are many options available to adults if they want to improve their smile, and the appearance of their teeth. The options available for adults include: invisible braces, porcelain veneers, and crowns. These options address specific issues, but all have adult lifestyle and needs in mind.

When the straightening of the teeth is the main concern then braces, invisible braces, or porcelain veneers may be suitable for adults. Making a determination on which of these approaches will be the best choice depends on the severity of the problem. For slight misalignments invisible braces or porcelain veneers may be the best choice.

If the misalignment of teeth is severe, then fixed braces, including invisible or porcelain types, may be more effective to address the correction of misaligned teeth. If fixed braces are needed they will have to be worn anywhere from one to three years to straighten teeth properly. These braces will need to be in place every day for the first year, and then a retainer can be used at night for the remaining amount of time.

Teeth that are only slightly misaligned can be corrected using invisible braces that are either tooth colored, or clear and removable. This helps to avoid situations where adults may be embarrassed by a mouth full of braces, and somewhat hides the fixtures. The degree of misalignment for teeth that can be effective treated with these braces is slight to moderate.

Adults that did not have an opportunity to straighten their teeth when they were young now have the opportunity as an adult. There are many options for the adult wishing to straighten out their teeth, and improve their smile. Their choice of treatment will depend on their personal needs, and the severity of the misalignment. A good first step is to schedule a visit with an orthodontist for an examination and recommendation of treatment.

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

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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 »

Lumineers

Monday, November 30th, 2009

What are Lumineers?

Lumineers are a brand of porcelain veneers that are made by Den-Mat, a dental materials company in Santa Maria, California. They aren’t a lot different from most other brands. Their selling point is that they are stronger than most other brands of veneers, so they can be made thinner. It is generally recommended that porcelain veneers be made a minimum of 0.5 millimeter thick, about the thickness of a fingernail. For Lumineers, they can go a little thinner, down to 0.3 millimeter.

There are other brands of ultra-thin porcelain. DURAthin is another brand of porcelain veneer that is strong enough to be this thin. Many dentists in our referral network prefer DURAthin when they want an ultra-thin veneer, feeling that it is more lifelike and beautiful.

To me, the strength should not be the biggest issue in the choice of brands of porcelain. Lifelike beauty is more important. Besides, a porcelain veneer gets its strength from being fused to the tooth with bonding technology. If it is bonded properly, it will not crack or break in function.

Thinness, however, makes it feasible to place Lumineers with a “no-prep” technique. In other words, Den-Mat is saying that the dentist doesn’t have to shave away any tooth structure in order to place them.

So is that a good idea – to not prepare the teeth before placing porcelain veneers?

Lumineers are a compromise

Placing extra-thin porcelain veneers without any tooth preparation makes the artistry of a new smile makeover more difficult. Adding 0.3 millimeter to the thickness of the teeth makes them look bulky. They also have to be made about 2 millimeters longer. And they will end up with a rounded look, because they have to be feathered out on the sides. I haven’t seen a case where that was the best look for the patient. So the question becomes, is the tradeoff worth it? Is the idea of not having your teeth prepared attractive enough to you that you will sacrifice the beauty of the smile design?

Another problem with a no-preparation technique is that you will likely end up with a slight ridge at the edge of the veneer. This ridge could attract stains and plaque. Or, it could irritate the gums.

One selling point is that, since the teeth aren’t prepared beforehand, you could supposedly have the Lumineers removed if you decided you didn’t like them. I understand the appeal of that reasoning. But I think the best insurance isn’t whether or not you could have them removed afterwards, but choosing the right cosmetic dentist to place them in the first place. In twenty years of doing porcelain veneers, I never had a patient come back regretting their new smile or asking about having them removed. And I am not too sure that if they are indeed removed that they will be done so without damaging the teeth. It’s easy to imagine an accidental gouge or nick in the removal process.

Should you get Lumineers?

Whether or not you should get Lumineers is a judgment call, and it depends on your personal preferences. If you want the most beautiful, stunning smile makeover possible, I would say no. If it’s important to you not to have your teeth shaved at all, then you may want to consider them.

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

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HOW LONG WILL THE TOOTH BONDING LAST?

Monday, November 30th, 2009

The technology of composite tooth bonding materials is wonderful as far as the beauty that it can bring to your teeth. Still, with all that has been done, there are some limitations as to how long it lasts. It is susceptible to staining and loss of gloss. This deterioration doesn’t seem to be too noticeable if it is used in limited areas. But when it is used for an entire smile, it is more noticeable.

And its longevity is directly related to its post-operative care. Many people can go for ten or fifteen years and have the bonding look as good as the day it was put in. On the other hand, some people will get staining on the margins of the bonding after only one or two years and will need some touch-up work. If you take care of it well, you could avoid having to replace it. And an expert cosmetic dentist, with touch-up work or resurfacing of the composite, could bring back the life of dull, old bonding.

Under normal mouth conditions, tooth bonding work that is done by a qualified cosmetic dentist will not darken or discolor. If it is not damaged by improper professional cleaning by a hygienist or by overly abrasive toothpastes, it ordinarily will not stain any more than your natural teeth. In most cases, it is also durable enough to withstand the stresses of ordinary mouth function.

SENSITIVITY TO AIR AND TOUCH

When composite is applied, there is often some roughening of the enamel to help the composite bond to the tooth. It also may be necessary to re-shape the tooth a little in order to achieve the desired esthetic effect. When this is done, it isn’t unusual to have some areas of sensitivity on the teeth that are treated. This sensitivity to air and touch may persist for a few of weeks, but should gradually diminish. If it doesn’t diminish, or if it is particularly annoying, I would advise that you contact the dentist. There are desensitizing agents that can be applied to alleviate this sensitivity.

TAKING CARE OF THE TOOTH BONDING

  1. Brushing and flossing faithfully is fundamental. Also, avoid sweets or starchy foods between meals. Bonding holds up much better when it is clean.
  2. With extensive bonding work, maintenance becomes a much more important issue. I recommend frequent professional maintenance to help it keep its luster and stain resistance. But you need a dental hygienist who is skilled in bonding maintenance. A dental hygienist in the office of an expert cosmetic dentist usually has special training to be able to do this. Ordinary tooth cleaning techniques can easily damage your bonding by making it rougher. Special polishing pastes however, will restore the shine and help protect your bonding and make it look better and last longer.
  3. Harsh toothpastes will dull the shine on bonding and make it more susceptible to stain. There are two toothpastes that are known to be safe for bonded teeth: Because of its unmatched gentle stain-removing power, Supersmile is the one we recommend. Supersmile is available from cosmetic dental offices but not from stores. We make it available from our web site for a discount along with free shipping. (See our web page about Supersmile toothpaste.) Rembrandt Toothpaste is also safe for bonding and is available from stores, but it isn’t quite as effective at stain removal. Hard toothbrushes can also damage bonding. For small areas of tooth bonding, this degree of care is not necessary. But if you have large sections of a tooth or teeth that are bonded, the extra care would be recommended. We also have some information about whitening toothpaste.
  4. When bonding is done on the biting edges of the front teeth, it can be quite susceptible to breaking. Be careful not to subject it to unnecessary stresses. Carrots, popcorn, and other hard foods should be bitten off to the side, away from areas that have been bonded. And never bite pins, fingernails, or other hard objects with bonded teeth.
  5. Be careful of the dental office you go to. Do not let your bonded teeth be cleaned with pumice-containing prophylaxis pastes, ultrasonic cleaning devices, or air-polishing instruments. These will damage the surface of the bonding and make it more susceptible to stain. There are special polishing pastes and techniques for bonded teeth that not all hygienists or dentists are aware of.
  6. If you develop any areas that snag floss or feel rough, report this to your dentist. Areas like this can be smoothed easily if they are caught early.
  7. Alcoholic beverages can cause the bonding to deteriorate prematurely. Also, smoking and frequent drinking of coffee or tea tend to stain both your teeth and the bonding. Occasional use of alcohol doesn’t seem to hurt it. But we have seen frequent, heavy alcohol consumption practically destroy beautiful tooth bonding in a year.

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

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HOW IS COSMETIC TEETH BONDING DONE?

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Composite tooth bonding is a cosmetic dentistry technique that can do beautiful things for your smile. Dental composite is made of particles such as silicon dioxide or quartz, bound with a tough synthetic resin. It is blended so that it comes in different shades, toughness, and translucencies and so that, with the proper artistic eye on the part of the dentist, it can match your teeth. It is then used to close tooth gaps fill cavities, or eliminate spots, chips, and discolorations. It’s also great for an instant repair of a broken front tooth.

HOW IS COSMETIC TEETH BONDING DONE?

Unlike porcelain veneers, that are made of porcelain that has to be baked in an oven by a dental laboratory, teeth bonding is applied directly to the tooth and cured to its final hardness, usually with a light. In order to help the composite bond to the tooth, the tooth is prepared by lightly roughening the area to be repaired, which usually doesn’t require anesthetic. Then the surface of the tooth is etched, a thin, clear bonding agent is applied, and then the composite is applied. Dental

composites are made of acrylic resins impregnated with inorganic fillers, as mentioned above. They are made to a paste-like consistency so that they can be sculpted to the proper shape. They contain different pigments that can be matched to your tooth color, and they also come in varying degrees of translucency and are usually made so that they can be polished to a high gloss. This composite is applied to your tooth. Often several layers of different shades and translucencies need to be used in order to duplicate the depth of color and the color gradations that occur in natural teeth. Composites also contain photoinitiators so that they will harden under a high-intensity curing light.

With careful artistry, composite can be used to faithfully mimic the color details and translucency of your tooth, and polished to a beautiful shine. But a strong caution is in order here for the dental patient: While any general dentist can legally announce that he or she is a “cosmetic dentist,” and many dentists do white fillings, we recommend that any patient who wants cosmetic teeth bonding only go to a dentist with a strong artistic inclination and extensive post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry. The teeth bonding techniques required to do composite bonding well are not required training of general dentists.

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

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