Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is becoming a huge trend in the United States. Unlike traditional dentistry that focuses on oral hygiene, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a patient's mouth, teeth and smile. Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures The following procedures are some of the more popular types of cosmetic dentistry procedures: Bonding is used to repair decayed, chipped, fractured or... Read more >

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a procedure that lightens teeth by removing stains and discoloration. Stains can be the due to age, tobacco use and drinks, such as dark soda or red wine.   Most people in good health are good candidates for teeth whitening. Those who shouldn't undergo teeth whitening include: pregnant women, as effects on the fetus are unknown smokers, as continued smoking will continue to stain the... Read more >

Orthodontics

An orthodontist is a dental specialist that corrects misaligned teeth and jaws through orthodontic braces, headgear and other procedures. Orthodontics is different from cosmetic dentistry because, along with correcting cosmetic issues, it also fixes medical problems caused by misalignment, such as breathing problems and sleep apnea. Typically, a dentist will work on some cosmetic issues but send patients to an... Read more >

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers, sometimes referred to as tooth veneers, are custom-made shells that are placed over the surface of the patient's teeth. Made from either a resin composite or porcelain, veneers are placed on teeth to enhance their appearance, rather than to fix a health problem. Dental veneers can be used to fix: chips in teeth cracks in teeth gaps between teeth teeth discoloration uneven teeth. The... Read more >

Bridges and Crowns

Dental bridges are generally used when patients are missing one or more teeth. To fill in a large gap, the bridge is glued directly to the surrounding teeth for support.   Dental crowns act as caps that cover the tooth and restore it to a normal size and shape. Since cracks and breaks on a tooth do not heal on their own, damaged teeth can be repaired with the use of a crown. The Procedure for Dental... Read more >

Dental Implants

Dental implants and mini dental implants are one of the most functional and effective ways to fix missing or broken teeth. The process of receiving these implants is bearable, and, after a few appointments, you will be able to have a mouth just as efficient as it was before your teeth became damaged. The Dental Implant Procedure The first step in the dental implant process is the initial consultation and... Read more >

Reshaping Teeth

Do you have an unsightly smile because of cracked, chipped or uneven teeth? Teeth reshaping, also known as dental contouring, can offer you hope for regaining your beautiful smile.   Dental contouring is the process of reshaping damaged teeth to correct imperfections. It is a quick and painless procedure that can correct dental problems by altering the length, shape or position of your teeth. Dental... Read more >

Modern Technologies

As you may know from experience, it's hard to simply ignore a toothache. The health of our teeth can greatly affect our ability to eat and speak, so it's no wonder that humans have always been preoccupied with their teeth. In fact, Egyptian texts dating back to 1550 BCE refer to diseases of the teeth and various remedies used to alleviate them.   The Classic Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote about eruption... Read more >

Discount Dental Cards

Dental discount cards are alternatives to traditional dental insurance and are designed for individuals, families and groups who want to save money on dental procedures.   Dental discount cards, sometimes called discount dental plans, are provided by management companies that negotiate with local dentists' offices to offer patients discounts of 10 to 70 percent off selected dental procedures. These plans... Read more >

Resources

Cosmetic Dentistry Medline Plus (n.d.). Cosmetic Dentistry. Retrieved April 13, 2008, from the Medline Plus Web site.   Ranft, Lesly (2008). Cosmetic Dentistry. Retrieved April 13, 2008, from the Consumer Guide to Dentistry Web site. Teeth Whitening Ranft, Lesley (2008). Teeth Whitening: Customize Your Bright, White Smile. Retrieved April 13, 2008, from the Consumer Guide to Dentistry Web... Read more >