The Art of the Dental Crown
Cosmetic dentists aren't all white coats and Novocaine. There is both art and science in a dentist's day. Case in point: what appears to be more or less routine restoration of missing or broken teeth - a dental crown or a dental bridge - is akin to principles of architecture.
Think of the arch of your mouth like the roof of a house. Each element of the structure relies on another. If a rafter breaks, the entire building will, sooner or later, buckle. So it is with your teeth.
The mouth is balanced; teeth function together. One missing tooth can cause permanent changes in your bite. Neighboring teeth drift into the empty space. The opposing tooth will actually grow longer and longer, further frustrating normal chewing. You'll tend to favor one side of your mouth over another. This old house is eventually doomed.
Dentists, then, are believers in tooth restoration and dental crowns. With all the new materials cosmetic dentistry offers today, virtually any mouth can be restored to good working order. A tooth that might have been lost five years ago now has many options for renewed vitality.
And the cosmetic results that can be achieved are, well, awesome. When it comes to new dental technologies, take advantage. Your cosmetic dentist will be there when you're ready to go for it.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
Cosmetic Dentistry Corrections: Bleaching, Bonding and Dental Veneers
Maybe you've thought about cosmetic dentistry, but felt it was a little vain to consider it. Or the appearance of your teeth never bothered you much, because your dental health is pretty good.
Well, like it or not, "cosmetic" is more than skin deep. Most people form biases about others based on appearance. And, one of the critical factors in such judgments, is the teeth.
Because new cosmetic dental techniques give your dentist the means to fine-tune virtually anyone's teeth, most people need not go without the advantage of a white bright smile. Consider the options.
Teeth bleaching is a simple, inexpensive way to lighten stains and discoloration on certain teeth, front teeth are the more obvious candidates, without altering the natural structure of enamel. If you've had a root canal procedure, there may be some darkening. Some people suffer staining from medications, like tetracycline. And teeth naturally change as we age, or if we indulge in too much coffee, tea or smoking.
In any case, whiter teeth can be achieved with external or internal bleaching. The most common treatment involves cleaning the teeth thoroughly, applying a bleaching solution, and then curing it with a gentle heat source. The procedure takes just 30 to 45 minutes. After three to five sessions, you, and everyone else, will really notice the difference.
Cosmetic corrections for gaps, misshapen or chipped teeth are achieved with tooth bonding. New dental bonding materials can work wonders using a little art, and lots of science. Your cosmetic dentist can literally sculpt tooth form, or replace a gold crown with natural-colored restorations. The result is stronger than ever and makes a dramatic impact on your appearance.
Dental veneers are an option too, for teeth that need lengthening or reshaping. Veneers cover the front of a tooth entirely and work especially well where there is less stress on the teeth involved. Veneers are a durable, beautiful solution to dental imperfections.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.