Celeb-quality Smiles are Possible with Dental Help

When people watch TV or movies, they are often struck by how great the smiles of celebrities are. Perhaps the most striking of the bunch is the one George Clooney so willingly puts on display. There are several things about George Clooney’s smile that makes people love it. For one, it always looks so warm and friendly that everyone easily identifies with it. Aside from the fact that Clooney’s smile always seems so natural and heartfelt, there are other things about it that make it such an incredible smile.

The Straight Truth: Learn More about Invisalign

Invisalign is fast becoming one of the most popular ways to treat a wide range of orthodontic problems, mostly because it is comfortable and less embarrassing than braces. For those who want to go this route, here are a few facts on the process.

Why Having White Teeth is Important

Having white teeth is probably one of the most coveted physical assets people want to get as glistening white teeth makes them more attractive and can boost their confidence. But is there a deeper purpose for people to actually want a set of pearly whites? Apparently, there is and the reason goes beyond beauty and aesthetics.

According to the American Dental Association, the human mouth is a window into the health of the body. The condition of the teeth can reflect signs of nutritional deficiencies or general infection that may lead to systemic diseases that could also cause mouth lesions and other oral problems. A set of white teeth, in medical sense, is a sign of good health.

Common Oral Health Questions

Your teeth are extremely tough—they have to be, as each bite packs about 70 pounds’ worth of pressure. Indeed, your chompers are a fascinating example of why the human body is such an impressive machine, and there’s still a lot about them that the average person doesn’t know.

Beyond brushing after each meal, flossing once a day, and visiting the dentist every six months, there’s still so much more to learn about oral health. Below are some of the most common questions that doctors get from their patients:

My Teeth Have No Problems, can I Skip my Next Checkup?

So your dentist found no problems with your teeth? That’s great! However, this doesn’t mean that regular checkups are no longer necessary. Remember, treating dental problems is just part of a dentist’s job—equally important is the task of catching problems as they develop so they don’t become huge headaches later on.

My Tooth Got Knocked Out! What do I Do?

A lost tooth is not necessarily a lost cause. If you can gather the broken pieces, soak them in milk, and get dental attention as soon as possible, there’s a great probability that the teeth can be re-implanted.

Are Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Solutions Effective?

To some extent, yes, they can minimize stains and lighten the teeth’s color by about one shade. If you want whiter teeth than that, however, your best bet is still professional teeth whitening from a trusted dentist.

Common Misconceptions about Sedation Dentistry

Afraid of the dentist? Rest easy—you’re far from alone.

According to Dr. Peter Milgrom of the Dental Fears Research Clinic at the University of Washington, between 5% and 8% of Americans skip dental visits out of fear. Of course, what happens if you forgo regular dental care is even scarier—diabetes complications, heart disease, and even premature birth are all risks you’ll face.

If you’re considering sedation dentistry as a workaround for your dental fears, though, you may be harboring concerns about this option. Worry not, these three beliefs about the procedure are nothing but misconceptions:

It’s Not Safe

Medications used for the procedure are all proven safe and effective. In fact, nitrous oxide has been safely used by dentists since the 1800s to provide mild sedation to patients. Furthermore, your doctor has to follow strict protocols to ensure your safety and comfort during the process.

I’m going to be Groggy for Days

The sedation medications administered can be tailor fitted to last for only the duration of your visit. Otherwise, IV and oral sedation will naturally wear off on its own within a few hours.

It’s only for Major Dental Procedures

Sedation is closely associated with medical operations, which is why many people think that sedation dentistry is only required for invasive dental procedures like root canals. However, it is actually helpful in a variety of situations, such as when a patient has a strong gag reflex or is extremely frightened of needles.

On Dental Veneers

Veneers are a great way to fix a variety of cosmetic dental problems, including discolored, worn down, chipped or broken teeth, as well as those that are misaligned, irregularly shaped, or uneven. Gaps between teeth can also be closed using dental veneers.

Dental veneers—in a similar manner to the veneers that are applied to wood surfaces to change their appearance—are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin material that are bonded to the front of the teeth. This then allows the cosmetic dentist to dramatically change the outward appearance of a person’s smile without resorting to more drastic procedures.

As with any other cosmetic dental procedure, there are upsides and downsides to veneers when compared to alternatives, such as tooth bonding or crowns.

Advantages

• The dental veneer procedure is a relatively conservative one. Unlike crowns, a lot less of the tooth’s enamel surface needs to be removed.

• Veneers provide a much more natural tooth appearance than bonding can—especially as the resins used in tooth bonding differ slightly in color to your teeth over time.

Disadvantages

• The veneer process is not reversible. Once you’ve undergone the procedure, you’re stuck with your veneers, and the care they require, for life.

• Veneers are usually more expensive than composite resin bonding.

• Veneers may not be repairable if they chip or crack.

• Veneers are not a great option for people who tend to clench or grind their teeth.

All You Need to Know About Teeth-Whitening

Smiling is one of the universal forms of positive expression. No matter where you go, nothing quite bedazzles a person more than someone flashing a megawatt smile back at them. In many ways, two people smiling at each other helps break the ice, even between total strangers. More than its social effects, a set of pearly whites offers other benefits, such as better chances of landing a job.