Cosmetic Dentistry

March 24, 2007 by ·

Question: I keep seeing more information on cosmetic dentistry all of the time. Could you explain what this entails and how it can make a difference for me? 
Answer:
This is the process of improving one’s smile and overall appearance through many enhancement techniques.  At our office our goal is to make all of our patients look the best they can. 
An article in US News and World report a few years ago stated that 75% of Americans felt an unattractive smile could hurt one’s chances for a career success, and that only 50% of the American public are satisfied with their smile! A smile is the first thing noticed by others and unattractive teeth and smile will often be covered up with facial hair or by one’s hand when smiling. People have even limited themselves in their careers and personal lives because of a bad looking smile. Aging also has a negative effect on the beautiful smile.
 

What happens as we age and how does it affect the teeth and smile?
As we age, teeth naturally become yellow and wear down from use and trauma.  Teeth yellow as stain fills in the micro-cracks in the enamel layer of the teeth. 
Another characteristic of aging is the sagging of the face from gravity and the loosening of the skin.  This affects the amount of teeth that show when smiling.  In the mid-30’s the average female shows about 3 millimeters of front tooth when relaxing without smiling.  Then by the time she reaches 60 she won’t show any front tooth when relaxed.
 

A good looking smile contains the following characteristics: 
            The teeth are white, not dark and of the same color
            The teeth are evenly spaced and shaped the same on each side of the face.
            The gum tissue that frame the teeth are pink and healthy, meaning they don’t bleed.
            A full smile shows most of the upper teeth and when looking head on you should see between 10-12 upper teeth.
            The teeth are not chipped or worn down significantly
           
 

Fortunately there are more choices than ever to improve the look and feel of one’s smile. There are a variety of cosmetic procedures that can be done to enhance one’s appearance.  They include but are not limited to the following options:
:
·        Whitening using a safe and effective material that contacts your teeth making them 8-9 shades lighter.  The outside enamel layer whitens as the stains are oxidized  You can whiten your teeth by wearing a very thin rubber shell around your teeth during the day or night. After 2 weeks of this your teeth will usually show a big change in their color.  Whitening or bleaching is the most popular and cost effective process to improve your smile.  In office whitening using a strong bleaching agent is also possible, but needs to be coordinated with the home whitening process for the best and longest lasting result.
·        Re-contouring of the teeth can be a very effective way to make your teeth symmetrical and in one visit can make a huge difference in their appearance.  This is done through minor changes in the shape of the front teeth without any numbing.
·        Orthodontics.  Braces move teeth to keep them aligned properly.  This process is a safe and long lasting procedure.  Even if it takes more time to do this procedure, it can be well worth the time spent in braces.
·        Veneers.  Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that can lengthen, whiten and strengthen the teeth.  By using these we can do “instant orthodontics” and significantly improve the smile in just 2 visits.  Veneers are bonded to the teeth using materials similar to those that bond the heat tiles to the space shuttle.  Lumineers are “no preparation” thin shells of porcelain that can be used when the patient desires longer or thicker teeth.  Typical veneers require very little removal of enamel (0.5mm)  to make room for them.  If there is confusion about what is best for you give us a call for a free consultation at (586)247-3500. 
·        All porcelain crowns can be done so no black line appears around the gums.  These are beautiful and look very natural because they allow light to be transmitted through the tooth.
·        Tooth colored fillings: Plastic fillings are done instead of the black mercury fillings.  These type of fillings not only look like your natural teeth, but they are very strong and durable.  They also prevent the teeth from cracking like what happens to the black mercury fillings.
·        All porcelain bridges to replace missing teeth.  These can be done in a few positions in the mouth, but they are beautiful and look very natural.

·        Cosmetic Dentures:  If dentures are looking yellow and dingy it may be time to replace them with white porcelain teeth to give you the youngest smile possible. I can’t tell you how many times we treat patients and remake dentures for them that state that the previous dentist wouldn’t listen to them when they stated that they wanted their dentures white.  They are usually upset because they felt like they weren’t listened to and even ignored.  Presently I find all of my patients want bright white teeth.  (And that is what they get). 

 At our office we take a series of digital photos during your examination to show you what we see in your mouth.   This educates and keeps our patients well informed of their situation and allows us to discuss the possibilities.

 The camera is just a tool that we use to discover the smile you have been looking for.  If you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry please call me at (586)247-3500 or e-mail me at DrAntolak@TheGentleDentist.com. Also, please visit us at www.TheGentleDentist.com for before and after cosmetic dentistry cases done by Dr. Antolak.

Filed Under: General Dentistry

Dental Fear

March 14, 2007 by ·

Question:  I have a tremendous amount of fear when it comes to going to the dentist.  It has gotten to the point where I have to go and don’t know what to do.  Help!!!!
 

Answer:  You and many other patients come in to see us with this exact problem.  Past experiences at the dentist have literally paralyzed patients and then put off appointments for years.  These bad and usually very traumatic experiences can stay with people for decades.  In fact I saw a patient the other day who was in his 80’s and he could remember every detail of a visit when he was a child that kept him from visiting the dentist for over 60 years. 

            Modern dentistry has responded to this problem to make visits much more comfortable.  For example, we use sedation or dream dentistry to put people in a state where they have no memory of their procedure and are very relaxed when they get to the office.  It also allows for them to get many procedures done at one visit so they don’t have to continually return to our office.  Another option is to watch a movie on our virtual reality glasses.  Dental procedures fly by while you watch your favorite movie. 

It is obviously critical to have procedures pain free.  Anesthetics properly administered do a wonderful job in controlling pain and therefore anxiety. Using topical anesthetic before the injection eliminates the “pick” from an injection.

Because fear comes from a loss of control it is vital that you are in complete control of the procedure and have a way of stopping your dentist if you need a break or are in pain. 

It is also very helpful if all of your questions are answered when you need additional information.  Anxiety arises from fear of the unknown and when you are expecting pain the anxiety even heightens even more.

            I, and other modern dentists, take the time to know our patients to the point where they feel comfortable because it is like seeing an old friend.  These relationships are important and can’t be stressed enough.

            Please don’t let your bad experiences affect your present condition.  Modern dentistry emphasizes prevention over all other things so do yourself a favor and don’t delay this any longer.  You will be amazed at how easy and user friendly dental care can be.  Also don’t be embarrassed if you haven’t been to a dentist in years and are afraid of past judgments from the dentist.  A modern dentist will help you look forward to your future care and would never lecture you. 

 

Filed Under: General Dentistry, How to choose a dentist, Sedation Dentistry

Zoom Whitening Question

March 14, 2007 by ·

Question:
                I went through the Zoom whitening process 2 weeks ago.  I sat in the dental chair for over an hour.  It looked great when I left, but now I can’t notice any difference.   I paid quite a bit of money for the procedure, but feel mislead.  What should I do?
 

Answer:
 I would like to explain how teeth stain and the different options in whitening before directly answering your question about the Power Whitening.
Over time, your teeth darken as minerals penetrate their outer enamel layer. This darkening can be caused by foods and beverages that stain, such as coffee, colas, tea, red wine or berries. Tobacco products, like cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco, can cause teeth to take on a yellowish brown hue. And the natural aging process can also cause your teeth to darken.
                The bleaching process gently forces oxygen through the minute cracks in the enamel of the teeth.  There are a few active ingredients that cause the teeth to whiten:  They are carbimide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.  They all come in different concentrations and different delivery systems.  The longer the teeth are in contact with a higher concentration of bleaching agent the whiter the teeth will become.  Of course if they are in contact too long or the concentration of the agent is too strong the teeth will become sensitive to cold or heat.  This side effect is short term and will go away soon after the whitening is completed.  When professionally administred, fluoride or other desentizing agents can be used with the whitening. 
Since whitening agents are considered cosmetic and not drugs they are not regulated by the FDA and have for many years been available to you, the consumer over the counter.  The pharmacy aisle is packed with all sorts of whitening agents and it can be very confusing.  You can see it in toothpastes, strips, bush on gels, and in “one size fits all” mouth trays.  The problem with these systems is that they can be unsafe and cause tooth/gum pain because they are not monitored by a dental professional.  If the material stays on the gums during the whitening they can cause great discomfort.  Also, the strips only cover the front 6 teeth and if your teeth are not in perfect alignment the gel will not penetrate the overlapped areas leading to uneven whitening.
                There are two delivery systems that you will find at the dentist:  Either home whitening or power whitening. 
With home whitening we take impressions of your teeth and make a custom rubber form to accurately fit your teeth.  The tray is accurately trimmed to not allow the bleaching material to contact your gums.  If it is improperly trimmed, the gel will overflow on the gums and irritate them.  The accuracy of the fit is what makes the whitening the most effective because it keeps the bleaching gel in a very close contact with the teeth.  This is where the strips and the “over the counter” products fail.  You can wear the trays at night or during the day.  Once again the longer they are worn the most effective the result will be.
You had the Zoom power whitening done.  This uses a very strong concentration of agent, but is contact with the teeth for a very short period of time.   The Zoom gives an instant result but must be followed up with home whitening or you will be dissapointed. If you fail to follow up with home whitening the teeth will almost always resort back to their original color.  The reason is because what I have previously described.  It requires time for the result to be long term.  The hour or so during the power whitening session in not long enough for the oxidization to take place. 

Filed Under: General Dentistry, Teeth Whitening
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