Dental Treatment - In Your Local Area

Cosmetic Dentistry - What We Can Do That's New

It used to be that only movie stars had those dazzling brighter-than-bright teeth. But in recent years many new cosmetic dental techniques have sprung up.

Nowadays, there's no reason you can't have a pretty smile that's the equivalent of Marilyn's (or Tom Cruise's). Here are just a few of the ways a cosmetic dentist can improve the looks and appeal of normal teeth:

Teeth Whitening - Just over the past two to three years new and safe professional teeth whitening systems have been developed. The teeth are covered with gauze and the tooth bleaching (carbamide peroxide) solution carefully applied. After three or four half-hour sessions, you can really see the difference. There are also home tooth whitening products with step-by-step procedures that enhance tooth color over several weeks.

Dental Bonding - Tooth bonding is a simple, single-visit cosmetic dentistry procedure that closes unsightly gapped teeth. We polish and prepare the teeth with a fine etching, then cover them with a composite overlay. There's usually no anesthetic needed, little or no drilling, and the teeth are protected as well as being cosmetically enhanced.

Dental Veneers - Today we have exciting new biomaterials to straighten crooked teeth, as well as brighten and close gaps. We call them porcelain laminate veneers. They're microscopically thin ceramic shells that cover problem teeth - and leave you with something to smile about!

+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, Restorative Dentistry, The Dental Crown And The Gold Crown

In restorative dentistry a dental crown, or caps for teeth, look and function just like natural teeth. Your cosmetic dentist may recommend a dental crown if your tooth has enough decay that it cannot hold a filling, or if your tooth is cracked or broken and in danger of cracking down into the root if left unattended. A dental crown covers your tooth completely. It fits snugly at the gum and protects what remains of the natural tooth.

Why Have A Dental Crown?

The dental crown serves two important functions. First, it restores the appearance of your teeth and your face. If your tooth is severely decayed or cracked, your cosmetic dentist will need to restore it prior to preparing a cap. Teeth also support the muscles in our faces, so anything less than a full tooth may affect the way you smile.

Second, a dental crown will be the same size and shape as the natural tooth. As a result, it will keep your jaw and bite aligned; it will also make sure that other teeth don't shift locations or take on a greater share of the work of biting and chewing.

What Is a Dental Crown Made of?

A dental crown is most often made of gold or porcelain. A dental crown also can be made of stainless steel, but those are often temporary and not designed for long-term wear.

A porcelain dental crown is usually built on a metal base, which fits snugly over the natural tooth. Your dentist will choose a porcelain that matches the color of your natural teeth. A porcelain dental crown is usually so carefully matched in color, it cannot be distinguished from your natural teeth. Many people choose porcelain dental crowns for the cosmetic appearance and the confidence it give them.

New materials are now available in cosmetic dentistry that allow your cosmetic dentist to use an "all-ceramic" dental crown in some cases. They have a beautiful life-like appearance and short-term studies support their success, with long-term trials ongoing.

A dental crown can be made of all gold. Some people prefer not to use a gold crown because it stands out from the other teeth in appearance. At the same time, if the gold crown is on a back molar, some people feel the cosmetic issue is not a big one. Your cosmetic dentist will discuss the types of materials available if a gold crown is recommended.

An Ounce of Prevention Is Still the Rule!

Once your dental crown is in place, make sure the area is brushed well and that you floss below the gum line. While the dental crown protects your remaining tooth from further decay, you must protect the base of the dental crown from bacterial growth and gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing as you would your natural teeth will ensure that your crown will be in place for years to come!

Your Gold Crown is not just royal jewelry for your mouth!

by Danine M. Fresch, DDS

+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.