Monday, September 29, 2008

Inlays & Onlays

Inlays & Onlays

Inlays or onlays are lab made restorations that are placed on teeth when the cavity or lost tooth structure is too large to be restored by a simple filling. The process of making an Inlay is very similar to a crown. After the tooth is prepared it is cemented or bonded to the tooth

There are different materials that inlays are made of, gold, porcelain and composite resins are among them. Porcelain and composite inlays and onlays are cosmetic alternatives to fillings and are very strong compared to regular white fillings. Gold inlays and onlays are also good alternatives but their appearance has made them less popular.

Your dentist will explain to you when an inlay or onlay is a good treatment option for you. In general, inlays and onlays can replace most of back teeth fillings and provide a better alternative to conventional filling. At the same time they are more conservative than crowns.

As far as the cost is concerned, because the process of making an inlay or onlay is similar to a crown, its cost is also comparable. When long-term longevity of inlays and onlays are considered,

though, they can end up costing less than traditional fillings.


Monday, September 22, 2008

Teeth Sealants

Teeth Sealants

Sealants are thin layers of resin that are placed on the pits and fissures and grooves of (usually) molars to prevent decay on these surfaces

Majority of decays on back teeth starts on grooves and pits of chewing surfaces, especially during the first few years after their eruption. Sealing these surfaces with composite resins prevents these kinds of decay.

Sealants are one of the most effective methods of preventing decays on the surfaces where they are places. Although it is still a possibility that decay may happen on surfaces in between the teeth, sealants significantly reduce the overall chance of having cavities.

Monday, September 15, 2008

More on TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint)

TMJ

TMJ is the joint that connects the lower and upper jaw (skull). The terms TMJ stands for Temporo-Mandibular Joint. This is one the most complicated joints of the whole body. One that allows forward and backward moves as well as rotations and side to side movements.

TMJ is the joint that connects the lower and upper jaw (skull). The terms TMJ stands for Temporo-Mandibular Joint. This is one the most complicated joints of the whole body. One that allows forward and backward moves as well as rotations and side to side movements.

TMJ is often referred to as the complications and problems with this joint. Some of the most common symptoms of TMJ problems are:

  • Pain

  • Limitation of movement of the lower jaw

  • Clicking sounds

  • Muscle spasm

  • Locking of the jaw

Some causes of the disease are genetics, hormones, low-level infections, auto-immune diseases, trauma, and clenching or grinding of the teeth.

Diagnosis of such conditions and evaluation of causes are done by dentists experienced in TMJ problems and treatments. Some common treatments are Night Guards, Bite Guards and Bite Adjustments. Your dentist will be able to guide you toward the best treatment for you.

If you experience any TMJ problem or symptoms please let us know. The doctor will be happy to evaluate your situation and offer the best treatment possible.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Meet our Team!

Our staff is dedicated to patient comfort

Our Team

What separates us from other professional dentists is our extensive experience in cosmetic dentistry which allows us to utilize the latest techniques and materials to enhance the beauty of your smile while insuring the health of your teeth. Whether it's using a tooth-colored filling, whitening discolored or yellowed teeth, correcting worn or cracked teeth with porcelain veneers, or making sure your gums are as healthy as possible, our orientation is to make sure your smile is as beautiful as it is healthy.

Our goal is to always strive for perfection. We are only satisfied when we achieve excellence. We believe it is essential to really listen to the patients and understand their needs and desires. We work to educate all our patients so that they can take an active roll in their treatment; together as a team, we can accomplish the smile they desire. Maintaining their dental health is a commitment that both the patients and we make to each other. As colleagues, we understand and share a very high appreciation for the privilege of serving our patients. We do our very best to always provide the finest of care while maintaining sound ethics and integrity.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth stain during our lifetime due to consumption of a variety of foods and drinks (Coke, spicy food, coffee...) New technology of teeth whitening has enabled dentists to whiten teeth without any change or damage to the tooth structure.

Almost all the whitening methods are similar in concept but some are much more effective because of the way the whitening material is delivered to the teeth. The other factor in effectiveness of the method is the concentration of material, which is the reason why over the counter whitening systems usually don t give patients the result they are hoping for.

The two main methods of professional whitening are tray whitening and in office whitening. Tray whitening is when a custom tray is made for the patient after an impression is taken, then a supply of whitening gel is given to the patient and he/she will wear the tray for a few hours a day (techniques differ) for a period of time until an acceptable result is achieved. Sensitivity of the teeth is a normal complication of this method of whitening and is almost always transitional.

In office whitening on the other hand is the most effective method of whitening. There are a few different ways that are available for example, Britesmile, Zoom, Laser whitening....But in all these methods the process is similar and you can have your teeth whitened in one session with great results. Your dentist can give you more detailed information and tell you which method is more suitable in your case and which one is indicated for your teeth.

Dental Crowns

Dental Crowns

A crown (cap) is a restoration that is placed on teeth that have lost a lot of their structure. There are many different types of crowns, full porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, full metal crowns... Your dentist will explain the advantage and disadvantage of each kind for you.

The process of making a crown includes many steps that start in our office with preparing the teeth and taking impressions from the tooth/teeth involved. Then a temporary crown or bridge is placed on your teeth.

The impressions are sent to the lab. In the lab a mold of the teeth is poured and the work begins.

There are multiple steps and different technicians work on the mold to fabricate a crown or bridge. The completed work is sent back to the office and after necessary checks and adjustments it is cemented onto your teeth.