Cosmetic Dentistry Information

Comments, questions, and advice on the subject of cosmetic dentistry and smile design.

Monday, November 28, 2005

I've Got How Many Cavities?

An alarming trend I've noticed more in the past few years is multiple areas of tooth decay related to consumption of carbonated beverages. The symptoms are similar to those seen in infants with nursing bottle syndrome. Just about every tooth in the head has some decay or at least decalcified areas at or near the gum line. Soda drinks are doubly damaging to teeth. Sugars in the beverage feed bacteria which produce acid. The acid eats away at tooth enamel with bad results. This isn't so bad if you drink a soda every once in a while, but many people drink constantly throughout the day. The other dangerous feature of soda drinks is their acidity. The acid in colas can reduce a molar tooth to jelly in about 24 hours. If you soak your teeth in soda for most of the day, well... you do the math. If you must drink cola drinks, do so sparingly, with meals, and rinse or brush afterwords. Drinking diet makes no difference. Remember that prevention is the best dental treatment!

Saturday, November 26, 2005

Tooth Regeneration

No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you.
Scientists have been working for several years now to develop technology to replace missing teeth with…teeth! If you have been confused by news reports about the human genome and stem cell research, you’re not alone. Scientists are so excited by the possibilities surrounding these areas that they have failed to make it clear to the public just what in the world they are talking about and what useful end results there may be. The topic of human genetics and stem cells is too broad and complicated to address here, but one small area of this amazing research bears mentioning. Tooth regeneration.

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Hey! What's the dentist's favorite hymn?

You guessed it, Crown Him With Many Crowns. Crowns,or caps, are a great way, often the only way to fix broken and damaged teeth. The tooth is still there, only covered. They can also be used to make a smile more attractive.

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Gum Disease

What is gum (periodontal) disease?

Gum disease, also know as Periodontal Disease, is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It's a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Saturday, November 12, 2005

" No offense doc, but I hate you!"

In addition to damaging my already delicate self-esteem, these words are indicative of a major problem in our society...fear. Fear not only keeps us from going to the dentist, it also keeps us from realizing our full potential as human beings. Whether or not you believe in God or some other supreme life force, most people would agree we must have something more important to do here than eat, sleep, reproduce, and get our teeth fixed. Whatever that something is, you can bet there is some irrational fear standing between you and it. In olden days, dental work was performed by barbers or untrained tooth guys under, well, less-than-antiseptic conditions. These caring souls limited their practice mainly to removing painful teeth with no anesthesia, mind you, and dentists have had a bad reputation ever since. Now I won't say I've never hurt anyone, but you should know that the vast majority of dental patients generally have a fairly unexciting experience. Dental fear, like all fear, is caused by a lack of knowledge. Once you know or have experience with a thing, you may not like it, but you no longer have fear. If you know you have a dental need, give us acall or find a dentist who will take the time to give you the knowledge you need to relieve your fear. You can find some criteria for dentist selection Here and to help if you're nervous after all try the DOCS website for sedation dentists in your area.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Regular Cleanings

"I brush and floss every day. Why do I need to have the hygeinist clean my teeth?"

While thorough and competant home care is central to a good preventive dental program, It can only provide part of what you need to have a healthy mouth. Most people need a regular cleaning every 3-6 months. These visits serve the following purposes:

Removal of hard and soft tooth deposits which accumulate to some degree on everyone's teeth and are not removed by brushing and flossing.

Provide an opportunity for education and reinforcement of good home care techniques.

Allow for a careful exam of the oral cavity to find cavities, periodontal diseases, examine the mouth for cancer, and discuss possible treatments.

Providing other preventive services such as Fluoride, sealants, and polishing of fillings and crowns.



There is little discomfort associated with teeth cleaning in persons with healthy teeth and gums. People with symptoms of gum disease may need more attention. In some instances the dentist may numb the teeth before a cleaning. Don't be afraid to ask for this service if you think it would make your experience more pleasant.

Friday, November 04, 2005

Porcelain Veneers

From Average to Outstanding in Just a Few Steps

Many people desire a brighter, cleaner, more attractive smile, but have chipped, stained, discolored, unevenly spaced, or even slightly crooked front teeth. Often, porcelain veneers or laminates can provide these people with a completely new-looking smile in just a few simple appointments. If this sounds like you, we will be glad to help evaluate your specific situation, listen to the exact changes you have in mind, and help you visualize your end results. This may involve a diagnostic 'wax up', reviewing photos of similar case outcomes, or using a computer enhancement program to provide you with several options prior to performing the actual procedure.

Fortunately, most veneers can be applied in one or two simple appointments. Afterwards, you'll just need to clean and floss your new smile daily, visit us regularly for professional care and maintenance, and consider wearing a night-guard to prevent any accidental gritting or grinding pressure while you sleep.

The investment for porcelain veneers varies widely. Celebrity dentists in major cities may charge as much as $2,000.00 per tooth. The vast majority of offices will be charging $1,000.00 or less. Many offices offer financial options to help their patients manage the expense.