Trends in Dentistry
Here’s What’s Happening
There’s a reason why MC Advanced Dental Solutions Co. is the most sought for Dental Clinic, and part of it has to do with maintaining a relationship with our clients and the wider community. Whether you’re looking for different options on how to achieve that confident smile, or want to learn about the latest dentistry trends, our news center is always accessible and regularly updated to include the most relevant information. Read more today.
All About Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry Options
There are a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures available, including:
Teeth whitening. This procedure brightens teeth that are discolored or stained. Teeth whitening, or bleaching, can be done in a dentist's office or at home with a system dispensed by the dentist. Over-the-counter teeth-whitening products are also available.
Bonding. This can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or have spaces in between them, by bonding tooth-colored materials to the tooth surface.
Veneers. These are thin, custom-made porcelain shells that cover the front of the teeth to disguise discoloration or imperfections.
Tooth reshaping. This procedure involves changing the teeth to improve their appearance by modifying or removing enamel. Tooth reshaping (also known as dental contouring) is often combined with bonding.
Crown lengthening . This can fix a "gummy" smile (where more gums than teeth are visible) or an uneven gum line by removing excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth's crown and give the appearance of longer teeth. This involves minor oral surgery.
Smile makeovers. These procedures involve a comprehensive assessment of the overall appearance of the teeth and smile. Typically, several cosmetic dentistry procedures are required to overhaul the look of a patient's smile. Think of it as a facelift for the mouth.
What are dental braces?
Dental braces are also known as orthodontic braces or simply braces. They are small devices used in dental care practices for bringing the teeth into a straight alignment. They are used both for improving dental health and for cosmetic purposes. Dental braces can be used for correcting a number of dental complications such as underbites, overbites, cross bites, deep bites, open bites, crooked teeth, malocclusions and more.
What are Dental Implants?
Implants are devices that replace the roots of missing teeth. They are used to support crowns, bridges or dentures. Implants are surgically placed in your jawbone. Most of the time, implants feel more natural and secure than other methods of replacing missing teeth, such as dentures.
There are many reasons it's important to replace missing teeth:
Having all of your teeth can make you more self-confident. You don't worry that people notice that you have teeth missing.
When teeth are lost, the area of the jawbone that held those teeth starts to dissolve. Implants help to preserve the bone and the shape of your jaw.
Tooth loss affects how well you chew and what foods you are able to eat. Some people who have missing teeth have poor nutrition, which can affect overall health. Raw fruits and vegetables require more chewing. Someone who finds it difficult to chew may avoid them. Other options, such as blending, pureeing and juicing, are not always considered.
The loss of teeth can change your bite, the way your teeth come together. Changes in your bite can lead to problems with your jaw joint, called the temporomandibular joint.
Losing teeth can lead to changes in your speech. This also can affect your self-confidence.
Success
Studies indicate that surgical placement of root-form implants is successful more than 90% of the time. When these implants fail, the problems usually occur within the first year after surgery. After that, only about 1% of all implants fail each year.
Implants have become increasingly popular since the American Dental Association (ADA) endorsed them in 1986. Between 1986 and 1999, the number of implant procedures tripled.
It is now estimated that more than half a million implants are placed every year in the United States.
Implants vs. Alternatives
Depending on your particular problem, implants can be more expensive than the alternatives (denture or bridge). The fees will depend on many factors and vary considerably. A few insurance companies cover implants, but may have low annual dollar limits. You should always check with your insurer.
The upfront cost for implants can be more than for other types of restorations. But the investment can pay off in the long run. You may not need an implant for every missing tooth. Your dentist can discuss how many implants you will need.
Other benefits of implants include:
Feel — Because implants are embedded in your bone, they feel more like your natural teeth than dentures.
Convenience — You will not need to worry about denture adhesives or having your dentures slip, click or fall out when you speak.
Nutrition — You may be able to chew better with implants. Chewing can be difficult with regular dentures, especially ones that don't fit perfectly. A regular upper denture also covers your palate, which can reduce your sense of taste.
Self-esteem —Because implants are so much like your natural teeth, you will think about them less. Your self-esteem and confidence will be improved because you will not have to worry about denture problems or people noticing that you have missing teeth. Regular dentures also can affect your speech. This can make you less self-confident when talking.