Are Braces Advisable for Adults?

Gone are the days when braces were only for children and teenagers. In the present times, adults make up almost fifty percent of orthodontic patients with the intention of getting that perfect smile. There have been considerable advancements in the past two decades in the field of cosmetic dentistry with the development of cosmetically friendly and lightweight options for adults.

A great smile can make quite a difference in the personal and professional life of an individual. In fact, the payoff is worth the momentary nuisance and expense of braces.

Is orthodontic treatment different for adults?

Just like children, adults can also receive the benefit of braces. However, because adults are no longer growing, treatment takes longer than usual. Typically, grownups need to wear braces for eighteen months to two years. Once the braces are removed, they may require wearing retainers to maintain treatment results.

How can an adult find out if he/she needs braces?

Ones interested in getting their teeth straightened should consult their dentists and ask for proper evaluations. Depending on individual cases, dentists will analyze the patient’s mouth structure and then suggest a treatment. Here are some questions that patients must ask their dentist:

Ø  What is the cost involved?

Ø  How long do patients need to wear braces?

Ø  How do braces correct an alignment problem?

Ø  Does the dentist have any experience?

Ø  Can appointments be scheduled at convenient times? It is a good idea to obtain references from former or current patients.

Ø  What are the various benefits of using braces?

Healthy Smile:

A lot of adults are also asked to get their bite corrected for health reasons. With problems such as, cross bite, misaligned teeth, there is a chance of food buildup, plaque buildup, in between the projection. Improper bite can also make it hard for the patent to chew food, which may lead to gastrointestinal problems.

Traditional metal braces

If someone has crooked teeth or bite problem, metal braces are more effective in moving the teeth than cosmetically friendly braces. Clear braces also work fine but there are certain drawbacks. The adhesive that sticks the brackets in place may stain due to smoking and dark drinks, and may cost a lot more than metal braces.

Braces Vs Invisalign

Another alternative is Invisalign. Patients are made to wear several removable orthodontic aligners that dentists adjust as the patient’s teeth shift from one place to another without wires or metal. A series of customized aligners are worn for duration of fifteen days. Every aligner shifts the teeth into place progressively. The total treatment time is a few months to about two years. While most dentists say Invisalign can be an excellent alternative to conventional braces, there are restrictions.

Veneers

If a patient does not have time for a conventional orthodontic treatment and needs instant results, then porcelain veneer is the right option. Porcelain veneers are essentially wafer-thin shells bonded to the teeth to enhance their cosmetic look.

With veneers a doctor can typically fix the shape, the position, the appearance, and the color of the tooth, all in one swoop. However, in case the patient has virgin, beautiful, healthy teeth that are just crooked, then braces are a better option.

How much do braces cost?

The cost mainly depends on the kind of braces advised by the dentist. In an average, braces tend to cost from $5,000 to $6,000. The price depends upon the condition of the patient’s teeth, and the city where the treatment will take place.

California is known to offer some of the best cosmetic dentistry clinics. These clinics use state of the art techniques to provide healthy and beautiful smiles to their customers.   

What are Some Teeth Straightening Options for Adults?

Perfect set of teeth don’t just improve our physical beauty but also offer better health. Irregularities in the tooth structure can lead to interference while talking or eating. Moreover, it becomes extremely difficult to clean crooked teeth which might lead to germ and plaque build-up. There are a variety of teeth straightening methods that are used to significantly enhance the physical beauty of an individual. Here are a few successful options for adults:

Braces

There are different kinds of braces that dentists use to correct imperfections. These include, metal and lingual braces. Lingual braces are set on the insides of the teeth making them difficult to detect. Metal braces, on the other hand, are utilized on the lower and upper teeth. These brackets are corded together with the help of wires and fixed at the front.

Teeth Straightening Surgery

This method can be used on children and adults alike. It is used to cure jawbone discrepancies and is performed under general anesthesia. Treatment begins with a surgical intervention. Later, braces are utilized to hold the teeth at the right place during the process of healing. It takes eighteen to twenty-four months for a complete course of therapy using orthodontic braces. The timeline for treatment differs from patient to patient. It is best to consult a qualified dental expert to evaluate what requires being executed.

Clear Aligners

Clear straightening tools comprise of moldings for teeth. These moldings work best for individuals who require help in getting their teeth aligned. The mold slowly shoves the teeth together and seal slight gaps or properly space out teeth that are crowded. This method does not work for badly misaligned or ingrown teeth. Patients need to consult their doctors to know if they are the right candidates for such a technique.

Invisalign

Invasalign aligners for adults are almost undetectable. They are very similar to whitening trays and have to be worn throughout the day except while eating. They make it very easy for the user to floss or brush. And because they are made up of smooth plastic, they do not irritate the mouth at all. They are also easy to clean.

Veneers

Veneers are used to rectify minor dental flaws and do not involve braces. These shells are made out of composite or porcelain and are usually fitted on uneven or curved teeth. They are also useful in covering any kind of discoloration and are reasonable and durable. One can choose the color of the veneer to match the color of the teeth, making them less visible.

Cosmetic Contouring

People who suffer from crowded, overlapped or unevenly spaced teeth can opt for cosmetic contouring. The process finishes quickly and is performed under general anesthesia. It entails removing slight quantity of the tooth structure to attain a pleasing appearance. Cracked or chipped sections are evened out and edges are shaped to change the way in which the patient’s smile appears. Teeth alignment with the help of cosmetic contouring can certainly make the smile look more attractive and appealing.

Misaligned, crooked, or spaced teeth create a negative impact on the appearance and health of an individual. It also affects the person’s confidence dramatically. In such situations, straightening the skewed or crooked projections is the best way available. With the development in dental technology, dentists can now choose from a variety of ways to provide that much needed make over. California, in particular, is known to offer the best cosmetic dentistry makeovers as the clinics boast of state of the art equipment and dental technology. The professionals are also well qualified here and undergo regular training.

How to Prepare Your Child for a Dental Visit?

Good dental health plays a vital role in maintaining the overall health of a child. However, before scheduling the first appointment, parents must consider whether they’ll be most comfortable in visiting a family dentist or a pediatric dentist- a specialist that offers specialized oral care for children. Pediatric dentists normally have child-friendly clinics and equipment designed especially for kids. 

How to prepare a child for an appointment? 

Keeping the mouth clean: One way to prepare the child is to keep his/her mouth clean by using a small infant toothbrush or running a wash cloth. Experts recommend taking the new born to a dentist after one year, or when the first tooth pops out.

Using dramatic play: Parents can teach children about dental procedures by using role play. They can play games that involve dentists and patients. They can also use props such as dental floss, toothbrushes, flashlights, and paper cups for practicing spitting and rinsing. This may train the child for the appointment.

Talk about teeth: Kids should be informed about dental procedures before they have to face any. Parents must talk to their children about the importance of keeping their mouth healthy. They must also explain the function of different parts of the mouth such as teeth, tongue, gums, and the like.

Be encouraging: It’s good to let children talk about the things that scare them about dentists. Parents must try to make their toddlers feel secure by promising to stay with them during the whole process. Also, in case their children want to take toys, or stuffed animals, for extra security, they should be allowed to do that. Apart from this, explaining the meaning of the words that kids might hear from their dentist such as, cavity, fluoride, x-ray and gums is a good idea.

Visit the dentist before the appointment: A lot of dentists take out time to meet their patients before the actual appointment. The child should be encouraged to meet the staff and sit in the waiting room. This helps in familiarizing the child with the surroundings so that he/she is calm during the appointment.

What to expect during an appointment?

Dental treatment for children differs according to their age. Here is what the parents should expect during the appointments:

Infants (six months to one year):

The hygienist or dentist might place the infant on a table or have the parent hold the child to conduct an examination. Once done, the dentist might:

•     Evaluate the overall health of the child and hygiene level.
•     Remove any deposits or stains on the child's teeth
•     Show proper cleaning techniques
•     Look for bumps or sores on the child's tongue, cheeks and on the mouth’s roof.

Toddlers and adolescents:

During regular checkup, the hygienist or dentist evaluates the child's overall health, oral hygiene, eating habits, drinking and risk of tooth decay. Apart from cleaning the child's teeth, the expert might:

•     Take X-rays and do diagnostic procedures
•     Apply thin coatings such as sealants
•     Repair any tooth defects or cavities
•     Counsel the child about the problems of jaw clenching, thumb sucking, or nail biting

As the child gets older, dental exams may also include teaching the child about the oral health risks associated with:

•     Smoking
•     Drinking sugary beverages
•     Chewing tobacco
•     Oral piercings
•     Eating disorders

Parents should realize that the initial experiences their children have at dental clinics decide their attitude towards dental treatments for the rest of their lives. Hence, it’s important to keep the experiences positive. It is also important to choose a doctor wisely. There are several great clinics in California. All one needs to do is research about them over the web.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth? How to Deal With It?

Tooth sensitivity is basically oral discomfort that is instigated by cold, hot, sour or sweet drinks and foods. The pain can be razor-sharp, unexpected, and can shoot deep in the nerve endings of the teeth.

Reasons for Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitivity in teeth may occur due to a variety of different reasons. For instance, there are numerous tiny tubules inside the tooth root that connect to the pulp. Sometimes these tubules let the stimuli (such as food or water) reach the pulp of the tooth that result in pain.

Apart from this, other things that may lead to sensitive teeth are:

Wrong Brushing Style:

Over a period of time, brushing too strongly or making use of hard-bristled toothbrushes can decrease the enamel. It may also cause gum recession.

Gum disease or gingivitis:

Sore or inflamed gum tissue can cause sensitivity that leads to the loss of supporting ligaments, exposing the root surface directly to the tooth nerve.

Cracked teeth:

Broken or chipped teeth can fill with bacteria that can enter the pulp leading to inflammation.

Teeth grinding:

Clenching or grinding the teeth can wear down the enamel and can expose the dentin.

Age:

Sensitivity in tooth is greatest between the ages of twenty five and thirty.

Plaque build-up:

The presence of plaque on the root surfaces can lead to sensitivity.

Mouthwash:

Some of the mouthwashes contain acids that can make tooth sensitivity worse if there is any exposed dentin. The acids further damage the dentin layer of the tooth. If a patient suffers from dentin sensitivity, he/she must ask a dentist about the usage of a fluoride solution.

Acidic foods:

Consumption of certain foods that have high acid content, like tomatoes, citrus fruits, tea, and pickles can lead to enamel erosion.

Dental procedures:

Patients can feel sensitive after teeth cleaning, crown placement, root canal, and tooth restoration. This form of sensitivity is normally temporary, disappearing in about 4 to 6 weeks.

How to reduce sensitivity?

There are several ways by which people can prevent tooth sensitivity from occurring. Here are some of the most successful ones:

Oral hygiene: following proper flossing and brushing techniques to clean every part of the mouth thoroughly can help reduce the chances of tooth problems.

A soft toothbrush: using a soft brush might lead to less abrasion and less irritation to the gums. It is also important to brush carefully and gently around the gums to avoid removing gum tissue.

Eat right: consuming highly acidic foods repeatedly can slowly dissolve the enamel and expose the dentin. These items can also aggravate sensitivity.

Avoid grinding: people who clench or grind their teeth should make use of a mouth guard.

See a dental expert regularly: it’s important to consult a dentist and get fluoride treatment bi-annually to ensure excellent oral health.

Making use of desensitizing toothpastes: there are a variety of toothpaste brands available in the market for sensitive teeth. By using one of these tooth pastes regularly patients can eliminate tooth sensitivity for good. Also, it is not a good idea to use a tartar control paste in such situations; rather a fluoridated paste is more beneficial.

By flossing and brushing your their teeth properly, visiting a dental hygienist and dentist for regular cleanings and checkups, and eating a well balanced, healthy diet (which means foods that are high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products) you can really help keep sensitivity problems at bay. It is also important that people choose a reputed dentist in case of tooth sensitivity issues. One of the best ways to find out about good dental clinics is to research online.

Can there be Side Effects to Teeth Whitening?

From the local drugstore counter to a dentist’s chair, there are several ways to brighten your whites these days. However, are these methods effective and safe? Here are a few things that need to be considered before you undergo teeth whitening.

Sensitivity

The most common side effect of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity during or after the whitening process. This problem must fade away in one day, but in certain cases might prolong for up to 30 days. Sensitivity tends to amplify when hydrogen peroxide enters into the nerve chamber of the tooth or reacts with the enamel of the projection. The expert might recommend a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate to counter the side effects and to assist in alleviating any discomfort. However, the cure only works for some people, partly for others, and is completely useless for most.

Gum irritation

At times, the sensitivity and pain might start from the gums. Intense pain in this area is caused due to the peroxide ingredient. Usually, a burning sensation is experienced when peroxide comes into contact with a sensitive area. There are several reasons for the unwanted exposure. For instance, home bleaching trays are often too big for the user’s mouth, which leads to the ingredient touching the gums, in turn causing pain. Also, too much use of teeth bleaching products can burn the gums. In case you feel any soreness or severe pain after the process, get in touch with your dentist.

Remember, peroxide is extremely harsh and must be protected from the tissues of the mouth including the insides of the cheeks.

Pain

At the time of bleaching or soon after, you might experience a sharp, intense pain. This side effect is also known as a “zinger” and is believed to be spontaneous. Even though no one knows the real reason for this pain, there is a theory that is accepted widely. The experts believe that teeth, a lot of times, get little pathways from their structure that makes hydrogen peroxide get inside the pulp. The ingredient enters into the area and creates oxygen bubbles. The tooth pulp is found inside a compartment which is unable to expand. When the peroxide mingles with the pulp and creates bubbles it instantly expands within the chamber and produces a very significant increase in intra-pulpal pressure. This pressure leads to immediate pain.

Swallowing the ingredient

When undergoing teeth whitening it is obvious that you’ll gulp down some of the hydrogen peroxide. Taking in the chemical can lead to side effects such as vomiting, irritated skin, and even headaches. Both saliva and gingival sulcus fluid have extremely high levels of peroxidase that tends to disintegrate peroxide. Depending on the amount of this ingredient you swallow you might experience the above mentioned symptoms, but there are no real health hazards for most users. However, in case you are highly sensitive or allergic to peroxide, you must not use whitening products. Also, if you misuse bleaching products and swallow the peroxide continually, it can lead to several stomach problems.

Teeth whitening procedures certainly make our teeth glow but it is very important that we leave the treatment to the experts. It is also important to consult a dentist to find out whether you are a desirable candidate or not. It is also important that you get the procedure and consultation from a reputed dental office, to ensure a good result. Also, once you have undergone the process, make sure you follow the aftercare tips given to you by the expert. This will help ensure that your teeth remain in good shape.