|
Q:
My teeth are not as white as I'd like them to. What can be done about it ? B.S.
|
|
A:
Most cosmetic dentists provide teeth whitening services, some of which can even be done in a single visit.
Chemical whitening, mild acid whitening, abrasive teeth brightening and the newest technique, laser teeth whitening, have different results depending on the individual characteristics.
The best thing to do is to talk it over with a nearby cometic dentist who will pick a procedure to suit you best.
|
|
|
Q:
I have chipped teeth and i'm worried about future cavities. I heard about bonding and I'd like to know more about it. Thank you. B.T.
|
|
A:
Bonding is basically a restorative tehnique who used silver fillings at the beginnings.
The composite resin fillings used nowadays are way better than those toxic half-mercury ones and they look way better too.
Bonding will strengthen crooked teeth and restore them to their former shape. Also, another consequence is cavity prevention since
it covers the flaws of the teeth. The overall result is a smile as healthy as it is bright.
|
|
|
Q:
I have mishaped front teeth and i'm wondering if I should ask my dentist to use Porcelain Venners.
From what I read about them they seem more a cosmetic choice than a health one.
What do you recommend ? V.P.
|
|
A:
Porcelain Venners are thin porcelain shells on top of teeth.
They are custom made by a cosmetic dentist so they fit you perfectly. Flawed teeth can be covered instantly.
Due to the material used they are strong and resist degradation like chipping or discoloration so they're a
great visual improvement.
However, in order to fix the venners your teeth must be prepared. That means the usual cleaning and removing a
small part of the tooth where the veneers will be attached to. And, like most restorative procedures it would
require regular check-ups.
|
|
|
Q:
I've heard of a new tehnique called Air Abrasion which is supposed to be way superior to the drill,
regarding the speed and the quality of the results. Exactly how much of it it's true ?
I'd appreciate some information on the subject. Thank you. M.D.
|
|
A:
Air Abrasion is a hardly new tehnique.
This term was introduced in 1940 by Dr. Robert Black and describes a device which uses an abrasive material
delivered under high pressure.
So, despite the name, it doesn't uses air to but solid particles who are given kynetic energy through air pressure.
Nowadays this material is aluminium oxide powder grounded into 27.5 micron particles which makes this tehnique
a very precise one.
An immediate consequence of this is that in the majority of cases it doesn't require sedation at all.
Concerning the health risks involves, you might want to know that alpha alumina is a biocompatible substance.
Only a tiny amount is used in a procedure and most of it is removed in the proceess.
Yes, it's true that a fraction of that is inhaled but scientific tests show that the amount inhaled in a single
procedure is about 1000 times less than the limit established by the Occupational Safety and Heath Administration,
so it's absolutely safe from this point of view.
This procedure is used frequently, for example when treating tooth-colored fillings, for inlays and onlays,
the tooth preparation for venners, but most often it's used for cavity treatments.
It can also be used to apply protective sealants : very fast and with a pin-point accuracy it's the ideal tool for the job.
Bottom line, the air abrasion made the drill almost obsolette in most fields.
Nevertheless the drill is still used in some cases where it's more effective,
for example crown preparations and the removal of silver fillings.
|
|
|
Q:
I'm 22 years old and I have not so straight teeth, meaning they kinda grown in the wrong direction.
I'm need some advice regarding the best solution to my problem. W.F.
|
|
A:
One particular type of bracers, reffered to as Invisalign, are a good choice.
They work in the same way as normal ones but they're almost invisible.
If you don't want to wait a long time for the results consider accelerated orthodontics.
This may require some periodontal surgery, but since it's performed under anesthesia it creates no more discomfort than a regular dental cleaning.
Afterwards you will have regular visits with your doctor for a while, but the results are worth your time.
|
|
|
Q:
I have some missing teeth after a recent accident. I'm consider getting implants and i'd like to know more beforehand.
Can you help ? A.H.
|
|
A:
Dental implants are fixtures of titanium which are surgically screwed into your jaw bone.
That may sound painfull but it's just an impression since it's done under anesthesia.
Implants are made to look the same as the originals.
There is one requirement though : a healthy jaw who can withstand the procedure.
You shouldn't worry about that and istead you should discuss it with a nearby specialist.
Bonding is also usual in this case. A dental bridge is a false tooth fused between two porcelain crowns to fill a gap left by a missing tooth.
This may or may not suit your needs depending of the number and location of the gaps to be filled, so you must discuss your options after a complete examination.
|
|
|
Q:
I think I have a cavity but i'm afraid to go to a dentist because I can't stand the sound of that drill.
I surely don't want to loose my tooth. What do you suggest ? V.E.
|
|
A:
Well, most dentistry procedures involve the use of a drill or some high-tech gadgets.
Nevertheless a consulation is in order to identify the problem.
The next step may be a dentist who knows how to employ sedation to help his paciets.
Sedation dentistry is the solution to emotional problems such as yourself.
So, the bottom line is that you must be brave and take that first visit to know the health risks you are exposed to.
That will surely help you choose your way of action.
|
|
|
Q:
Looking for a cosmetic dentist I got confused with the DDS and DMD terms. Can you explain these ? V.I.
|
|
A:
DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery, whereas DMD is Doctor of Dental Medicine.
But that's the only major difference. These degreees are equivalent and they require the same education.
Bottom line, the difference is only a semantic one.
|
