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Cosmetic Dentistry - What We Can Do That's New

It used to be that only movie stars had those dazzling brighter-than-bright teeth. But in recent years many new cosmetic dental techniques have sprung up.

Nowadays, there's no reason you can't have a pretty smile that's the equivalent of Marilyn's (or Tom Cruise's). Here are just a few of the ways a cosmetic dentist can improve the looks and appeal of normal teeth:

Teeth Whitening - Just over the past two to three years new and safe professional teeth whitening systems have been developed. The teeth are covered with gauze and the tooth bleaching (carbamide peroxide) solution carefully applied. After three or four half-hour sessions, you can really see the difference. There are also home tooth whitening products with step-by-step procedures that enhance tooth color over several weeks.

Dental Bonding - Tooth bonding is a simple, single-visit cosmetic dentistry procedure that closes unsightly gapped teeth. We polish and prepare the teeth with a fine etching, then cover them with a composite overlay. There's usually no anesthetic needed, little or no drilling, and the teeth are protected as well as being cosmetically enhanced.

Dental Veneers - Today we have exciting new biomaterials to straighten crooked teeth, as well as brighten and close gaps. We call them porcelain laminate veneers. They're microscopically thin ceramic shells that cover problem teeth - and leave you with something to smile about!

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

What's a Temporary Dental Crown?

When you decide to have crowns done, especially if they involve your front teeth, you will want to be able to give your input regarding how the final crowns will look. One way to do this is with temporary dental crowns. When your teeth are prepared for crowns, the dentist will place temporary dental crowns for you to wear while the final crowns are being made.

What Are the Main Purposes of Temporary Dental Crowns?

• Temporary dental crowns eliminate any tooth sensitivity by achieving a seal around the tooth.
• They also can keep your gum tissue healthy by recreating the contour of your real teeth. Keeping the gum tissue healthy is of prime importance when it comes time to place the final dental crowns. If the gum tissue is not healthy when the final crown is cemented, there may be contamination of the cement, which can result in a poor bond and/or sensitivity.
• They maintain the current position of your teeth by keeping contact with the opposing teeth when you bite and by contacting the adjacent teeth. This is important because all teeth can move and even a slight amount of movement can prevent your permanent tooth crowns from fitting correctly, requiring either a lot of adjustment or having it remade.
• Finally, the temporary dental crowns should act as blueprints for the final crowns. It is during this time that you can give the dentist your input regarding the position and shape of the teeth (for example, if the teeth are too long, too short, too square, etc.).

Care of Your Temporary Dental Crowns

There are some differences between temporary dental crowns and final crowns that you should be aware of. Temporary dental crowns are made of a different material, usually some sort of a plastic or acrylic. Since these materials are not as strong as your own teeth, you will have to be careful of what you eat. You should avoid hard foods such as nuts, and tough foods such as bagels or French bread.

Another difference is that temporary dental crowns are cemented on with a dental cement. The reason for this is that the cosmetic dentist will need to be able to remove the temporary dental crowns when it is time to cement the permanent ones. Since the cement is not as strong, sticky foods may cause them to come loose.

If your temporary dental crowns come off or are loose, you should call your dentist so that they can be re-cemented. It is important not to wait, as the tooth may be sensitive, it may move, or, if a long enough period of time passes, the tooth may get decay. As far as home care, your temporary dental crowns should be cleaned with a toothbrush, just like your own teeth. When flossing, though, it is important to floss towards the gums and then slide the floss out by one end rather than lifting it back up through the teeth. This will help ensure that your temporary dental crowns do not come off while flossing.

By Greggory Kinzer, DDS, MSD

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.