Even with today’s advanced whitening techniques, not everyone’s teeth will whiten with the same results. During the visit with your dentist, your situation will be carefully evaluated and you will be advised accordingly. Q: What are porcelain veneers? A: Porcelain veneers are often used for the same reasons as bonding; to lighten stains, close gaps and even alter crooked or malformed teeth. You can change the shape, color and length of your teeth using veneers. They are thin, durable shells designed to cover the front of the tooth. They are typically made of porcelain and are stain resistant, natural-looking and easy to maintain. Veneers are custom-fitted and bonded to your teeth using a safe, high tech polymer resin. You can expect veneers to stay bright and strong for many years by performing good oral hygiene. Q: Why do I need a crown instead of a bigger filling? A: Teeth are often restored using silver or composite fillings. However, when too much of a tooth’s structure is removed to support a filling, a crown or “cap” may be needed. A crown may be needed to:
A crown essentially covers a tooth to restore it to its natural shape and size. This permanent covering fits over your original tooth to strengthen or improve the appearance of the tooth. Fitting a crown generally requires at least two visits to the dentist’s office. NOTE: Once a crown becomes necessary, the sooner it is done, the less chance that the tooth will need a root canal. Q: Why should I replace silver-mercury fillings? A: Until recently, dentists used an inexpensive silver and mercury amalgam to fill and seal cavities. Because silver fillings do not bond to a tooth, a chamber must be cut into the tooth that is larger than the exterior. This “undercut” keeps the filling in the tooth. Because a larger amount of the original tooth must be removed, these types of fillings often weaken teeth. Recent innovations now allow us to replace old silver fillings with composite or porcelain fillings that are stronger, safer and more natural looking. Unlike silver fillings, composite fillings bond to the tooth and provide more protection from fracturing. The quartz-like material is layered into the tooth and hardened with highly intense visible light. The final surface is shaped and polished to match the tooth, making it virtually invisible to the naked eye. Say goodbye to “metal mouth” and hello to a beautiful new smile. Q: What do I do if my tooth is loose or knocked out? A: Know the proper first aid for saving a loose or dislocated tooth. If the tooth is loose, even extremely so, but is still attached in any way, leave it in place; do not remove it. If it is out of its socket completely and unattached, but still in the victim's mouth, it is best to have the person hold it there, if possible, until a dentist can attempt re-implantation. If it is out of the mouth, do not let it dry out. Handle it as little as possible. Do not attempt to disinfect the tooth, or scrub it, or remove any tissue attached to it. If it is recovered from the ground or other soiled area, rinse it off in lukewarm water. Preserve it in milk until a dentist is available. If milk is not available, lukewarm water will suffice. Time out of the socket is critical in the long-term success of re-implantation. After 30 minutes, the success potential begins to decline. However, re-implantation is still possible after several hours, so the attempt can still be made even if the tooth has been out for a long period. A: More seniors today have retained their own teeth, avoiding the trauma of removable dentures. Many are on medications creating dryness of the mouth as a side effect. Without the natural benefit of saliva to decrease bacterial action, we see an increase of cavities on the root surfaces of these patients. Anyone on a medication causing a dry mouth should be encouraged to see their dentist for regular dental cleanings and topical fluoride rinses. Q: What is periodontal disease? A: Gum disease, or more correctly called "periodontal disease", is a bacterial infection in the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It is characterized by gum tissue that is red, puffy, and bleeds easily when touched with a toothbrush, floss or dental instrument. Advanced periodontal disease destroys the bone supporting the teeth, causing eventual tooth loss. The treatment is more involved at these stages, usually consisting of a special cleaning with anesthesia and sometimes gum surgery. Periodontal disease can go on for years without pain and without detection unless specific examination procedures are performed. Effective prevention and treatment is available, but the damage caused as the disease progresses is irreversible. Early detection and treatment is critical to prevent tooth loss and disfigurement. A: The loss of just a single tooth can set a course that can destroy an entire mouth. Teeth will drift and tip into a space that is created by missing teeth. When you lose a tooth, a dental implant may be needed to replace the tooth root and crown. Dental implants are simply “anchors” that permanently support replacement teeth. They are secure and durable and can be cleaned and cared for much like your natural teeth. The procedure requires a titanium root be fitted into your jaw to replace the lost tooth’s root. Once the implant is anchored into the bone, the bone around the implant requires six weeks to six months of healing. Once the bone has healed, a support post and replacement tooth is anchored onto the implant. View Video on Implants Q: What should I do if I lose a tooth? A: When a tooth is missing, the resulting gap will allow nearby teeth to tilt or drift from their normal position, and the teeth above the gap will move downward. Aside from the obvious cosmetic problem, the changed positions of these teeth can lead to severe bite problems causing jaw pain and headaches. Missing teeth should be replaced to keep other teeth in their normal position. This can be done by means of a fixed bridge or a dental implant. Both of these treatments offer a good functional and cosmetic result. A: Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in dental plaque damages the enamel of your teeth, leaving a hole or cavity. Any part of a tooth can decay, from the roots below the gum line to the chewing surface. If plaque bacteria reach and damage the pulp, the tooth will likely die, because the pulp contains nerves and blood vessels that supply the tooth. Tooth decay can occur due to a number of issues, including poor brushing and flossing habits, diets rich in sugar, the presence of risk factors such as smoking and lack of fluoride in the water supply. Q: How does Invisalign differ from traditional braces? A: Traditional orthodontic treatments use fixed appliances (braces) such as stainless steel or ceramic braces, elastic bands, headgear and retainers to treat misalignments of the teeth and jaws. The treatments are noticeable and can be irritating to the mouth. Fixed appliances can also make brushing and flossing difficult – a significant drawback for patients with gingivitis or other gum-related conditions. Patients also need to watch what they eat and drink to ensure braces and bands aren’t damaged. Invisalign uses removable appliances called aligners to move teeth. Aligners are custom-made from clear, strong, medical grade plastic and are virtually unnoticeable when worn. There are no metal parts to irritate the mouth or affect speech. And, because aligners are removable, the patient’s diet is not restricted and brushing and flossing can be done normally. Q: Does every patient receive the same course of orthodontic treatment? A: Aligners and treatment plans are custom fit to the needs of each patient. Some patients may need only minor adjustment and aligners may be the only element in their treatment program. Other patients may need more extensive adjustment and aligners may be only part of the treatment plan. Your doctor will work with you to develop the plan that’s right for you. Q: Is Invisalign treatment painful? A: Some patients may experience temporary discomfort at the start of each phase of the treatment. Discomfort typically lasts a day or so and simply means that the aligner is moving the teeth. More common is a feeling of pressure without pain. Q: Is Invisalign covered by insurance? A: If orthodontic care is provided in your plan, aligner treatment and traditional braces should be covered equally. However, it is always wise to review your policy to confirm the orthodontic benefits specifically covered by your plan.
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