Category: Dental

The Five Main Types of Orthodontic BracesThe Five Main Types of Orthodontic Braces

It used to be the case that most people who wore orthodontic braces were children or adolescents, but that’s slowly changing as more adults begin to investigate options for straightening their teeth. The trend isn’t just due to an increased interest in having a more beautiful smile. There are also more options today than just a few decades ago.

Adults who have avoided braces because they didn’t want to deal with the aesthetic or lifestyle complications caused by metal brackets now have other options. However, each has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to choose wisely. Read on to learn about five different types of braces for teeth and the pros and cons of each.

1. Conventional Braces

When asked about tooth straightening, most people think of conventional braces. They used to consist of metal bands around every tooth, but today’s traditional braces hold wires in place with one single bracket cemented to the tooth’s front surface. Even with modern metal braces, a few bands will still anchor the wires in the back.

The primary benefit of conventional braces is that they offer the shortest treatment time. As a result, adults won’t have to wear them for as long, so any aesthetic issues associated with metal braces and wires will have to be tolerated for months rather than years. Conventional braces are also the least expensive option.

The primary problem with conventional braces, aside from aesthetic concerns, is that they make it difficult to brush and floss. Food is more likely to get caught between the teeth, and plaque can build up around the brackets, causing tooth decay and gum disease. Conventional braces are not a good fit for poor oral hygiene patients.

2. Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are similar to their conventional metal counterparts but are made of clear or tooth-colored ceramic. This tooth alignment system works the same way as metal braces but is more discreet.

Most adult patients love ceramic braces. They offer the same benefits as conventional metal braces but are less noticeable.

The trade-offs are that ceramic braces are both more expensive and larger. They can also stain patients’ teeth, so as with metal braces, this type of tooth alignment system is not suitable for everyone.

3. Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are similar in function to metal and ceramic types. Like these more conventional tooth straightening systems, they rely on wires to move patients’ teeth. The difference is that self-ligating braces use clips or doors to hold the wires. There’s no need for elastic or rubber ties.

This type of tooth alignment system is a good choice for people who might find metal or ceramic braces uncomfortable and those who experience dental anxiety. In addition, the appointment times for self-ligating braces tend to be shorter. Self-ligating braces are also easier to keep clean.

The primary downside of self-ligating braces is that they are much more expensive than other options. They also feature visible wires, which many adult patients prefer to avoid.

4. Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are set behind the teeth. They’re not very common because placing them requires different skills that most orthodontists don’t want to take the time to learn and hone. Setting lingual braces is not a skill taught during conventional orthodontic training.

Although uncommon, lingual braces offer advantages not matched by other systems. They’re completely invisible, fully customizable to each patient’s teeth, and suitable for adults with complex orthodontic requirements.

The primary barrier for lingual braces is finding an orthodontist who knows how to use them, but that’s not their only issue. Lingual braces can also cause slight changes to patients’ speech and can irritate their tongues.

5. Clear Aligners

Clear aligners like the Invisalign system have recently become a popular alternative to adult braces. This type of removable system is fully transparent and requires fewer, shorter orthodontic appointments to complete.

Invisalign and similar systems aren’t for everyone. They’re best for patients who only have mild to moderate dental alignment problems.

Learn More About Options

Today, there are more ways to achieve a beautiful smile with perfect, straight teeth. The best way for dental patients to determine which option will be best is to schedule an appointment with a local dentist or orthodontist.

What To Know When Your Dentist Recommends A Root CanalWhat To Know When Your Dentist Recommends A Root Canal

When bacteria accumulate in the root canal of a tooth, an infection develops. A dentist must remove this bacteria to prevent reinfection and save the tooth. During root canal treatment, the dentist removes any inflamed or infected pulp present in the canal before carefully cleaning and disinfecting the tooth’s interior. They then fill and seal the canal to ensure the infection doesn’t return. So what does a patient need to know when their dentist recommends a root canal?

female dentist reviewing X-ray with root canal patient

How to Know if a Root Canal is Needed

How can a person tell when they need a root canal? People with an infected tooth often experience severe pain when they chew or bite. However, this serves as only one sign they may need a root canal. Bumps on the gum suggest the tooth is infected, and many people discover they are sensitive to hot or cold. The sensitivity remains even when they remove the offending food or drink.

A visit to the dentist is required when swollen or tender gums alert someone to a problem in their mouth. The same is true when the gum darkens, and the patient is unsure why it has done so. When a tooth is cracked or chipped, it becomes more susceptible to infection. Call the dentist to schedule an appointment to prevent further damage. However, many people don’t know they need a root canal until they visit the dentist and discover they have a decayed tooth. Depending on the extent of the decay, a root canal might be necessary.

The Root Canal Procedure

The root canal treatment begins with an X-ray. Once the dentist reviews the films, they numb the mouth and place a dental dam over the affected tooth. Placement of the dental dam isolates the tooth while ensuring it remains clean and saliva-free throughout the procedure. The dentist then makes a hole in the tooth crown. Next, using tiny instruments, they clean any bacteria from the pulp chamber and root canals while shaping the space to accept a filling.

Once the space is clean and shaped, the dentist fills the root canals with gutta-percha or another biocompatible material. Dentists use adhesive cement to place the biocompatible material, ensuring the root canals are completely sealed. Next, the dentist fills the tooth with a temporary filling to close the hole. When the crown or other restoration is ready, the dentist removes the temporary material and restores the tooth to its full function.

Recovering From a Root Canal

Patients frequently ask about the root canal recovery time. The tooth often feels sensitive following a root canal, and this sensation lingers for a few days. This problem becomes more apparent if the tooth was infected at the time of the procedure. Most people find over-the-counter medications are sufficient to address any pain they experience. However, if the pain remains bothersome, call the dentist for a stronger medication. Most patients find they can resume normal activities the morning after the procedure is complete.

Try to avoid chewing on the tooth until the dentist places the permanent filling. Doing so helps to prevent re-contamination of the affected tooth. Furthermore, until the dentist places the permanent filling, the tooth remains more at risk of breaking. Nevertheless, it’s important to continue brushing and flossing normally to ensure the tooth and the area around it stay clean.

If you are experiencing any mouth pain, contact your dentist for help. Early action can help to reduce the need for a root canal. However, if one becomes necessary, patients should schedule the appointment immediately. Doing so reduces the pain they experience while minimizing damage to the tooth.

An Introduction To Restorative DentistryAn Introduction To Restorative Dentistry

Dental restoration involves repairing or replacing teeth that have been damaged or lost. In restorative dentistry, for example, cavities are removed and repaired in addition to other dental issues treated and rehabilitated. Most of the patients who require repair and replacement are adults, but they also cater to the young.

Dental restoration has two primary goals: restoring the function of the teeth and restoring their appearance.

a male restorative dentist performs a procedure on a female patient

The Difference Between Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic and restorative dentistry share similarities. In contrast, restorative dentistry tends to focus on the treatment due to oral disease. Although the result shows an enhancement in the physical appearance of the teeth, gums, and mouth, it is actually a restorative procedure.

Alternatively, cosmetic dentistry enhances a person’s smile and self-esteem by addressing how the teeth, smile, and mouth look.

What Restorative Dentistry Can Do For You

One of the most widely performed procedures by dentists is dental restoration. These procedures make it possible to eat and speak appropriately by restoring the function of the teeth. In addition to helping relieve dental pain caused by tooth infections, cavities, etc., the procedures also prevent additional dental issues.

Procedures and Treatments Under Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry consists of the following procedures and treatments:

  • Dental Bonding

Dentists use dental bonding to repair cracked and chipped teeth, fill cavities, and cover tooth stains. Dentists will bond composite materials to the existing tooth. With this technique, the dentist often does not remove much of the original tooth.

Restorative dentistry consists of many different procedures. Maintaining your teeth and gums is the best way to avoid any pain or discomfort. Visit your dentist twice a year and brush and floss after every meal.

  • Dental Fillings

The most prevalent restorative procedure is dental fillings. Dentists use dental fillings to restore the strength of a damaged tooth caused by cavities. This procedure involves removing the damaged portion of the tooth and filling it with composite resin. By filling the cavity, the dental filling will protect the tooth from further decay.

  • Dental Crowns

Dental crowns strengthen a tooth by covering it with a cap. Dentists use dental crowns to restore the natural appearance of a tooth that has decayed, cracked, or damaged.

  • Dental Bridges

When three or more teeth experience damage, restorative dentists recommend dental bridges. The gap is bridged by fusing several crowns and bonding them to the healthy teeth on either side.

  • Dentures

Dentists usually recommend dentures for replacing a severely damaged tooth when there is no option for restoration or when the gums are damaged. Moreover, dentures are a popular option when more than one tooth is damaged or missing. Dentures are divided into five primary types

  1. removable partial dentures
  2. fixed partial dentures
  3. implant-retained dentures
  4. immediate dentures
  5. complete dentures
  • Dental Implants

Dental implants can be used to replace a tooth that is severely damaged and has been extracted. To bond a dental implant to the existing bone, a dentist implants an artificial tooth root into the jawbone. Then, as a replacement for the tooth, the dentist attaches a crown to the top. As a result, the implant functions and looks like a real tooth. For this reason, most people consider dental implants to be the best tooth-replacement option.

  • Root Canal Procedure

A restorative dentist may perform a root canal when a cavity penetrates far enough into the tooth to expose the inner structure. The dentist uses a composite material to fill the inside of the tooth after the root canal procedure removes the decay from the root. The infection is eliminated as soon as the dentist fills the tooth, and further damage is prevented.

The Function Of Dentists In The Medical Diagnosis And Treatment Of Obstructive Sleep ApneaThe Function Of Dentists In The Medical Diagnosis And Treatment Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Read more about International Academy of Sleep, Avi Weisfogel here.

obstructive sleep apnea

It can take place over 30 times a hr, all throughout the evening, which dramatically disrupts relaxed sleep cycles. When we sleep, there is an increased risk for the respiratory tract behind the tongue to collapse with each breath. For most individuals this collapse does not happen because activation of the muscle mass bordering the respiratory tract throughout sleep is still solid enough to avoid any blockage.

2 Continuous Positive Air Passage Stress (cpap).

will certainly discuss our recurring medical studies that are exploring therapies for sleep apnea. Your physician may have the ability to identify mild, modest, or extreme sleep apnea based upon the variety of sleep apnea events you have in an hour during the sleep study. Diagnosis will go over examinations as well as treatments that your physician might make use of to detect sleep apnea and rule out various other problems or medications that may be creating signs of sleep apnea.

Respiratory occasions during sleep are related to hypertensive tops taking place at the end of apneas and hypopneas, boosted mean nighttime blood pressure, as well as increased variability of high blood pressure. A dose-response partnership has been revealed in between OSA extent as well as high blood pressure. OSA patients might reveal raised blood pressure worths during sleep only, or throughout sleep and wakefulness, making 24-hour tracking of blood pressure highly recommended in the OSA population. Resistant high blood pressure, i.e. incomplete blood pressure control on 3 antihypertensive medications, is also constant in OSA patients. A recent study from Taiwan in a lot of OSA patients assessed occurrence of comorbidities at medical diagnosis and their relationship with death threat throughout comply with up.

Best Cushion For Side Sleepers.

The base of the tongue is a typical website of hypopharyngeal blockage in sleep apnea. People with a tiny or receding jaw go to boosted danger for obstruction. In this setting, obstruction occurs when the base of the tongue strikes the respiratory tract simply above the glottis. For other causes, a doctor may recommend continuous favorable airway pressure treatment. It`s attached to a maker that pumps air to open up the airways. When obstructive sleep apnea is light, doctors could inspect a child`s sleep for some time to see if symptoms boost before selecting treatment.

  • The oral stress appliance is linked throughout of the pipe coming from the CPAP or BiPAP, and also the pressure is adjusted similarly as via the nose.
  • OPAP differs from nasal masks in that it does not require head gear to hold it in position.

In cases where there are constant episodes of both full and also partial clog, the term obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea is used. Massively enlarged tonsils can create episodes of cessation of breathing known as obstructive sleep apnea. Cessation of breathing can last 10 secs or longer, creating exceptionally reduced levels of oxygen in the blood.

Now View: Snoring Was Spoiling My Relationship.

Due to the high occurrence of underlying hereditary heart issues in individuals with Down syndrome, there is a greater danger of growth of the a lot more extreme problems. Problems in lung vasculature likewise boosts risk of growth of pulmonary hypertension. A facemask is attached to a tube, which is linked to an equipment that continuously presses positive respiratory tract stress right into the breathing passages. This helps to keep the air passages available to help with easier breathing.

Others locate that they simply do not really feel relaxed after an evening of sleep as well as feel sleepy throughout the day. However what`s frightening is that as numerous as 90 percent of individuals who have obstructive sleep apnea do not understand that they have it– and unattended, it can bring about serious health issue. We understand that patients with sleep apnea can have more Avi Weisfogel – International Academy of Sleep difficulties after surgical procedure. NIH is sustaining a research study to assess whether having the individual in semi-upright placement, rather than the traditional prone position, can decrease problems and also healthcare facility remain.

Numerous recent researches reported a high frequency of comorbidities in OSA individuals (Fig. 2). According to some researches, the comorbidity burden considerably boosts with OSA intensity.

Read more about Avi Weisfogel here.

A sleep research can assist medical professionals identify sleep apnea and various other sleep conditions. Sleep researches are pain-free and risk-free, however children usually require to spend the night in a health center or sleep center. Obstructive sleep apnea can make the body`s oxygen levels drop as well as interrupt sleep. Without treatment obstructive sleep apnea can lead to discovering, habits, development, and heart problems.

Composit FeelingsComposit Feelings

Dental composite resins are types of synthetic resins which are used in dentistry as restorative material or adhesives. Dental composite resins have certain properties that will benefit patients according to the patient’s cavity. -Wikipedia A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling. There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth. As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.

Dental ImplantsDental Implants

A dental implant is a surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis or to act as an orthodontic anchor. – Wikipedia

Despite improvements in dental care, millions of Americans suffer tooth loss — mostly due to tooth decay, periodontal disease, or injury. For many years, the only treatment options available for people with missing teeth were bridges and dentures. But, today, dental implants are available.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.

Dental X-raysDental X-rays

X-rays, also known as radiographs, are an essential part of any dental care treatment plan. They are diagnostic, but they can also be preventative, by helping a dentist diagnose potential oral care issues in a patient’s mouth before they become a major problem. An x-ray is a type of energy that passes through soft tissues and is absorbed by dense tissue. Teeth and bone are very dense, so they absorb X-rays, while X-rays pass more easily through gums and cheeks. X-rays are divided into two main categories, intraoral and extraoral. Intraoral is an X-ray that is taken inside the mouth. An extraoral X-ray is taken outside of the mouth.

Dental Exams and CleaningsDental Exams and Cleanings

Dental Exam

A clean mouth is so important for oral health and the well-being of your whole body. Brushing and flossing your teeth every day is necessary, but so are routine dental visits for a cleaning and exam every 6 months. These visits will help prevent future oral health problems and keep your smile shining brightly for years to come. For your dental cleaning in Houston, schedule an appointment today.

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:

Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.

Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.

Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:

Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.

Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!

Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.