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Today's Restorative Dentistry

There's a bright new trend in cosmetic dental offices these days: more people are scheduling appointments because they want to, not because they have to.

Restorative dentistry just isn't the same anymore.

In the past 15 years we've seen the development of materials and procedures we could only dream about before. And if you know someone who hasn't been to the dentist in a while, tell them they'll be pleasantly surprised by what they find.

Pain control

Dental medicine has come a long way from the days when whiskey was the anesthetic of choice. Today's dentistry is virtually painless. Technology, stress control techniques, and some very sophisticated approaches to anesthesia have all contributed to painless treatment - from cleaning to cavity preparation to root canal treatment.

Cosmetic dentistry

A new discipline has grown up around restorative dentistry procedures. But, does it show in a smile?

• Tooth whitening is a simple, inexpensive way to lighten stains and discolorations on teeth without altering the natural structure.
• Dental bonding has come of age with the refinement of bonding resins. There's no limit to the cosmetic "magic' we can work on a smile - close gaps, reshape teeth, lengthen here, brighten there.
• Tooth-colored filling materials are getting prettier - and stronger - every day
• Dental Implants - Though people are keeping their teeth longer and longer, part of the older population still has to deal with missing teeth. For those denture wearers who've always hoped for something better, dental implants can be a kind of dental rebirth.

The future of dentistry looms exciting, too. Cosmetic laser dentistry, fiber optics, computer-aided design - all are finding applications in dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry - it's a whole new ball game.

+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.

Find A Cosmetic Dentist to Fix Chipped Or Cracked Teeth With Dental Bonding

The term "dental bonding" describes a dental procedure that is used for various purposes. Tooth-colored composite resins are applied to teeth for cosmetic reasons, to repair cracked and chipped teeth, protect exposed tooth roots against decay, or restore decayed teeth.

What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Dental Bonding?

• For cosmetic purposes, dental bonding can dramatically improve your smile by closing gaps, masking stains caused by coffee, tea, tobacco, or medications as well as repairing cracks or chips resulting from accidents.
• These tooth-colored composites are well suited for protecting exposed tooth roots caused by gum recession. Tooth roots are covered by dentin that is more susceptible to decay. Tooth bonding helps prevent decay in this area as well as eliminate sensitivity to hot and cold resulting from tooth root exposure.
• Since composite materials can match the color of your own teeth, dental bonding is preferred for filling cavities in the front teeth or wherever else they may be visible.
• Dental bonding does not last as long as porcelain veneers, but it also is not as costly.

What's Involved In The Dental Bonding Procedure?

Usually the process is completed during one visit to your cosmetic dentist and doesn't require drilling or anesthesia. First, your tooth is prepared with an etching solution to help the dental bonding materials adhere.

Next, the resin is applied and contoured to the proper shape, then cured with either a special light or chemical treatment. The tooth is then polished for a natural-looking appearance. A follow-up appointment with your dentist may be recommended for additional polishing.

How Do I Care For My Teeth After Dental Bonding?

While the dental bonding materials are very durable, they still can chip and may need to be replaced periodically. Avoid excessive pressure such as chewing ice, hard candy or unpopped popcorn kernels. Dental bonding materials are susceptible to staining from tobacco, coffee, tea and berries. Alcohol and acid-containing foods such as vinegar, tomatoes or pineapple can damage the resin.

Regular dental check-ups are important for maintaining good dental health and natural-looking teeth.

By Danine M. Fresch, DDS

+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.