Oftentimes teeth can be healthy, yet over time they become discolored, stained or may even have cracks or small chips in them For these situations, porcelain veneers, which can be placed on one or several teeth and can even be used to close gaps or cover crooked teeth, may be the perfect solution

When a tooth is lost or extracted, it leaves a gap and the possibility of a wide range of negative effects that can result from an empty space where a tooth once was To begin with, food can become trapped, which can lead to cavities or gum disease, or the surrounding teeth may begin to drift into the space, throwing off the alignment of your teeth and your bite

If a tooth that shows when you smile develops a cavity, a tooth-colored filling will blend in with your tooth and be aesthetically pleasing Because they come in a variety of colors and shades, a tooth-colored filling can be matched exactly to the color of your teeth and once in place, they are virtually undetectable

Not all teeth hold up well over time Even with good dental care and oral hygiene, teeth can crack, chip or become discolored, and sometimes they can even be uneven or irregularly shaped

Because of the porcelain-like enamel surface of teeth, every one of us starts out with white teeth But over time, the enamel wears down and becomes transparent, which allows dentin (the tooth’s core material which has a yellow hue), to show through

Straight teeth are healthier than crooked or crowded teeth which can interfere with eating and good oral hygiene Braces have always been the best option for straightening teeth or correcting teeth that are overcrowded, and now with Invisalign® Braces, the process can be accomplished almost ‘invisibly

In a healthy mouth, gum tissue is positioned up tightly against each tooth, protecting the tooth root beneath its surface from sensitivity, decay and disease However, incorrect (aggressive) brushing or gum disease can cause gum recession where the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth leaving the root exposed

Beautiful smiles have become an important part of looking and feeling good And smile makeovers are now an important part of the services that dentists offer

The process for straightening teeth is often one that patients don’t look forward to because metal braces can sometimes be uncomfortable and awkward The good news is that with dental advances, the same results can now be obtained without the side effects often experienced from traditional braces

It’s a pretty well-known fact that mouthguards are effective in protecting an athlete’s teeth, gums and jawbone from injuries that could be caused by hard collisions or blows to the head or mouth Because they provide a cushion between the lower and upper teeth and help absorb and dissipate force when the jaws slam together, they are usually worn during high-impact sports

As long as we have teeth – even if they might be replacement teeth – we will require expert and regular dental care That’s why dental care for seniors is such a significant and vibrant area of the overall field of dentistry

Whenever you go to your dentist for a checkup, regardless of what else the dentist may do during your visit, he or she will always be on the lookout for any signs of trouble regarding your oral health One thing that dentists and dental hygienists are vigilant about is spotting anything that might indicate the presence of oral cancer, and your dentist will take special note if he or she happens to see any telltale signs such as white colored lesions or sores in and around the mouth

Bad breath is unpleasant, and the only way to effectively treat it with any kind of permanent results is to understand what causes it in the first place Some bad breath is caused by diet, because the kinds of food we eat have their own odors and if we eat them regularly then the smell lingers in the mouth or emanates from the digestive system

Because some of us are especially nervous and fearful in a dentist’s chair – or experience a dentist visit as a high-stress situation – there are many procedures used to help calm us down and keep us relaxed so that we don’t have unnecessary worry or discomfort And of course when it is time to do a procedure that involves pain – as many medical and dental procedures often do – the dentist will use the most powerful methods of all and deploy anesthesia or pharmaceutical sedation

Dentists, like other doctors or people who have earned a PhD degree in their career field will have abbreviations after their name to show their designation or education But people often wonder what the meaning of DDS and DMD are, and if there are real differences in these two types of doctors of dentistry

The field of dentistry has rapidly advanced within the past couple of decades, taking full advantage of technologies including those facilitated by computer enhancements, laser beam science, and new innovations and inventions The big beneficiary is the dental patient, of course, because as dentistry makes forward strides the steps taken to improve dental procedures translate into less pain and discomfort for patients, faster healing, and more options for preventing disease or replacing or repairing teeth and gums

Lots of things are brand new in the field of cosmetic dentistry, so it is easier and more affordable than ever before to look better and feel better thanks to a more beautiful smile Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental work that is mostly meant to change how the mouth, teeth, and gums look – as opposed to non-cosmetic procedures that might treat periodontal disease or fight tooth decay without noticeable changes in outward appearance

Crowns are a really big deal when it comes to dental health, and they can have a huge impact on your overall health and well being and your life in general There are lots of reasons why that is the case

There are actually several different approaches that you dentist will take to help whiten your teeth, based on your personal preferences, your tooth color now, and the goals you have both in terms of affordability and whiteness results The first way – which your dentist or dentists have been doing every since you first went to the dentist as a child – involves a thorough and professional cleaning

Gum surgery is performed by the dentist for a number of reasons, and while some of them are because of a disease inside the gum, other gum surgery procedures are entirely cosmetic in nature and are done to improve the appearance of the mouth or smile Another kind of gum surgery is referred to as crown lengthening, and it is in a rather unique category

Gum surgery is often recommended by a dentist and required in situations where the patient experiences serious infection of the gums The process to remedy gum disease is critically important, because gum disease is a significant risk to dental health

One reason many of us dread going to the dentist for those important checkups – which we should all do on a routine basis at least twice a year – is because we do not know what to expect We all have some amount of fear of the unknown, and that makes many of us nervous or even reluctant to keep our dental appointments

Dentists are trained to use a variety of different tools in the care of treatment of their patient’s teeth Perhaps the most important of these tools is the dentist’s own talent for manual dexterity, which is the ability to skillfully and adroitly use the hands and fingers

Everyone wants to have a beautiful smile and healthy, attractive teeth Thanks to advances in dentistry and cosmetic products for the dental industry, it is easier than ever before and many people are even able to do procedures like tooth whitening at home

Cosmetic dentistry is dedicated to the art and craft of helping people enjoy the pleasure and confidence that comes from having a healthy and attractive looking smile While dentistry is a healthcare profession, some dentists with specialized experience also offer unique and innovative cosmetic procedures

When planning a trip – especially a long awaited vacation, a trip to a distant city, or even an overseas journey – there are many things to consider and prepare We have to pack the right clothes, confirm and reconfirm tickets or map out our car travel, book hotel reservations, and make sure that someone staying home can look after the pets, the mail, and other details

Candy, cakes, cookies, soda and other sugary foods may taste great but can cause problems with your teeth Most children consume far too many foods and drinks filled with sugars and starches

A generation ago the term “dental braces” or “orthodontics” conjured up images of pieces of shining, metal reflecting light off a teenagers smile Today’s braces are far more aesthetic as well as far more efficient than those braces from years ago

For those who want to practice good dental health hygiene, it is imperative to see your dentist at least twice a year Most dentists recommend that one should visit the dentist every three to six months in order to maintain good dental health and preventive care

What are all those Dental Tools Visiting a dentists office, at any age, may be a bit intimidating because of the various dental tools that are staring you in the face

The type of toothpaste you use has a significant effect on the health and durability of your teeth Since childhood we have heard of fluoride and how it helps strengthen our teeth

When most people think of dental problems they think in terms of cavities, tooth decay and even losing their teeth However, another important problem can occur as the result of poor dental hygiene and care

Tarter, Plaque and Calculus are three words you hear of a great deal in reference to oral health and hygiene But what are they

What can you do if you are already missing one tooth Do not leave it the way it is

There are nearly 200,000 professionally active dentists in the United States, including more than 162,000 private practitioners And more are on the way

Because your lips, teeth and gums are integral to your facial appearance, it is impossible to create a beautiful face without a beautiful smile Hence, as the teeth go, so goes the bone - and your good looks

With proper care, we can get and maintain healthy teeth and gums The healthier our teeth are the healthier our gums will be

The world of cosmetic dentistry had certainly changed over time The many advances have all contributed to far more painless, easier and quicker methods of improving the look and feel of your teeth

Dental Veneers also called Porcelain veneers are custom-designed shells that cover the front surface of your teeth to disguise uneven tooth alignment, discolored teeth, or erratic spacing between two teeth and cracks or broken tooth They are bonded to the front of the teeth to improve your appearance so that you can freely laugh and show your great dazzling smile