Tag Archives: Cosmetic Dentistry

A Smile Makeover is Perfect for Special Occasions | Chesapeake

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Your smile is the first thing people see, and often the first thing they remember about you. And thanks to advances in modern dentistry, your smile doesn’t have to be something they would rather forget. And if you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist in Chesapeake, VA, why wait for your six month checkup when you can call Dr. John C. Cranham today.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, you might want to consider treating your special lady to a teeth whitening session, or even porcelain veneers or implants. Bring back the smile that she used to have, or give her the smile that she always wanted! Today’s smile makeover methods are quick, painless and will produce instant results.

So if you’re considering getting a smile makeover in Chesapeake, VA, you’ll find a wonderful resource at www.cranhamsmiles.com.

 

Dental Implants

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Though most patients love the results of their dental implants, it’s a long procedure and can be costly. The patient should check to see if their health insurance covers it, as it may be considered an elective procedure. They should also consult with their dentist about possible financial aid or an installment plan.

The patient also needs to know if they’re a good candidate for the dental implant. They must have enough healthy gum tissue and bone in their jaw to hold the implant properly. If they don’t, but still insist on an implant, they must be willing to undergo bone or tissue grafts. They have to know that the procedure will take time and commitment on their part and should be willing to follow the dentist’s instructions.

During the procedure the dental surgeon implants a titanium post in the patient’s jaw. The bone will then take time to grow around the post and anchor it. This process takes some months and in the meantime the patient is instructed by the dentist as to the best way to care for their mouth while the bone and tissue are healing around the post. In the meantime a temporary crown will be placed for cosmetic reasons and so the patient can eat properly. Because the crown is only temporary, the patient will be asked to eat a soft diet.

After the post has been fused it’s uncovered and an attachment is placed to make an anchor for the crown. The crown has been formed in a dental lab and matches the size, shape and color of the patient’s other teeth precisely. While this used to be done according to the aesthetic considerations of the dentist, it’s now done by computer. Only the patient and their dentist will need to know that the implant isn’t a real tooth.

During the procedure the patient is given anesthesia to make them comfortable. Afterwards the patient will need to take care of the implant like they would their natural teeth, which means daily brushing and flossing. The dentist might also prescribe a special mouthwash for a time, or a special type of brush to clean the implant.

Getting a Dazzling Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

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Nothing makes a person feel more confident than a bright and beautiful smile that they can show to the world. There are a wide variety of options that a dentist experienced in cosmetic dentistry can offer to their patients. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular choices for those who have teeth that aren’t as white as they wish them to be. There are several methods used for teeth whitening, each of which are easy and painless to get a bright, gleaming white smile. Zoom whitening is done in a dentist’s office in an hour or less. Kits that can be taken home are also available and work beautifully to whiten even the dullest teeth.

Those who suffer from teeth that are crooked, cracked, or who have a gap that they wish to eliminate will benefit from porcelain veneers. Veneers are applied to each individual tooth, giving each tooth a new shape for a straight and beautiful smile. Veneers take several weeks to complete the entire process, but those who wish to have beautiful white teeth will love the results that they see. Cosmetic bonding is also an option that helps correct flawed teeth by applying and sculpting resin to help with gaps, chips, and discoloration.

For those who have lost a tooth or several, dental implants are a type of cosmetic procedure that replaces the missing teeth. Dental implants are long term and function the same way as regular teeth. This procedure is considered to be the best and most successful method for replacing missing teeth.

No matter what a patient’s dental problems are, a cosmetic dentist can work with them to find the options that are right for them. When working with an experienced cosmetic dentist, anyone can have a smile that they are proud to show off every time they flash a smile.

Replace Those Old, Metal Fillings

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If you’ve had fillings put in in the past, you may have gotten the silver amalgam fillings of days gone by. However, there are more comfortable and attractive options on the market today. Luckily, Cranham Smiles can help.

Today, composite resin fillings are taking the place of amalgam fillings. The resin fillings are less noticeable and more comfortable and durable than their silver counterparts, and since they’re tooth-colored, people won’t even notice you’ve had dental work done. And if your silver fillings are starting to fall out, you’ll definitely need a replacement.

If you notice that you have mouth pain, you may need fillings for the first time. If plaque builds up on teeth, acid will deteriorate the tooth and cause decay. This can be painful and should be treated quickly before the problem progresses. Resin fillings are the way to go, especially considering that metal fillings can actually deteriorate over time. When this happens, bacteria gets through little openings in the filling, causing more tooth problems. Also, the mercury in amalgam fillings can stain your teeth and gums.

Tooth problems sometimes go beyond needing a simple filling, though. Large cavities often need a bit more work, and a porcelain inlay will cover the entire surface of the tooth. Some people may even need a dental crown that covers the entire tooth if the tooth is weak and breaking.

Cranham Smiles’ Cosmetic Dentistry of Norfolk has specialists who perform basic, general dentistry; cosmetic dentistry; advanced, restorative dentistry; and treatment of bite problems. And since a gorgeous smile can’t be the one and only outcome of a visit to the dentist, the staff at Cranham Smiles will make sure that your teeth are healthy and strong underneath their outward beauty. Plus, you’ll be able to see the projected outcome of your procedure before you have any work done, thanks to the office’s digital imaging technology.

Visit CranhamSmiles.com for more information. You can find out about the staff, treatments and technology at Cranham Smiles, sign up for dental training, find a seminar, see before and after procedures, and read patient testimonials on their website.

The Benefits Of Brightening Your Smile

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You may have come across somebody on the street with exceptionally white teeth; perhaps a friend or member of your family recently had a whitening procedure done and told you about it, piquing your interest. If you are thinking about getting your teeth bleached, but are not sure about benefits, the below information may help.

1. Painless Procedure at Dentist’s Office

If you choose to get your teeth whitened, there is no reason to spend days before your dentist appointment worrying. You do not have to subject yourself to getting any kind of substance placed in your mouth to numb the gums; you do not have to feel scared that something will go wrong or you will not be able to drive. There is no pain, and you can go right home without the need to mentally prepare or ask a loved one along to provide support.

2. Improved Self-Esteem

Many people do not hold themselves in high regard. It could be that they are not happy with the tone of their skin, or they may believe that they do not have any talents. Some people are very unhappy with their teeth; in this, teeth whitening can help. When you have your teeth bleached, you will no longer be afraid to smile for pictures or laugh at a joke. You will be and feel less limited, and people will be able to tell that you carry new confidence and a brighter smile.

3. Teeth Will Look Better

Stained, dull teeth will no longer lack in brightness and personality. If you get your teeth whitened, your teeth will look better. People that see you on the street will notice that you are satisfied with who you are. You can know that you will look good in pictures, and that you will receive compliments. Teeth whitening does not get rid of serious teeth issues such as gum disease. However, it can bleach stains. Should the stains be deep, it could take a few trips to the dentist’s office before it is completely handled. You can keep your teeth white afterward by eating good food and brushing regularly.

Advantages of the Hard Tissue Laser and the Soft Tissue Laser

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It is not uncommon for adults and children alike to fear trips to the dentist. The sound of a dental drill is enough to send many people into a panic. Fortunately, dentistry is an ever-evolving field, and technological advances are continually improving the experience of visiting the dentist.

Two of the most promising dental technologies in use today are the hard tissue laser and the soft tissue laser. Lasers are devices that produce concentrated beams of monochromatic light. These beams can be strong enough to cut through a wide range of matter. Lasers are being used across the field of medicine to perform tasks previously performed by surgical cutting implements such as scalpels.

The hard tissue laser, as the name implies, is used on hard tissues. In dentistry, this type of laser can be used on teeth in place of the traditional dental drill. The hard tissue laser is often much less painful than the traditional approach, which leads to a decrease in the need for anesthetics. Hard tissue lasers also create an ideal bonding surface in preparation for new fillings. Perhaps the biggest advantage of hard tissue lasers is that they possess none of the negative associations that many patients have towards dental drills. Furthermore, procedures carried out with hard tissue lasers often take less time to perform than procedures carried out with older techniques.

The soft tissue laser works on soft tissues such as the gums. In treating advanced periodontal disease, the soft tissue laser provides a minimally invasive alternative to older surgical approaches. Soft tissue lasers can cut diseased tissue away with much less bleeding than other techniques. The soft tissue laser also helps prevent infection because the laser beam disinfects the areas it touches. When dentists employ soft tissue lasers they need to give their patients much less anesthetic. In some cases, no anesthetic at all is required.

Make your Smile Dazzle

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Having your teeth whitened can make you look younger and feel more confident every time you smile. A quick consultation with your dentist can help you determine whether or not teeth whitening is the best answer for your discolored or stained teeth.

Over-the-counter tooth whiteners advertise that they can create whiter teeth quickly and easily. The truth is that whitening strips, toothpaste, and gels whiten your teeth very slowly and cannot provide the same quality of brightness that you would experience from having your teeth whitened by a professional dentist. Some over-the-counter products actually contain chemicals that can cause damage to your teeth and gums. If you are really interested in having your teeth whitened, it is best to visit a dentist and have the procedure done by a professional. Otherwise you may be throwing your money away on products that don’t whiten properly or are bad for your oral health.

Not everyone wants to have their teeth whitened in a single day. It can be startling to suddenly have bright white teeth when you have lived with severe stains for years. Your dentist can provide you with tooth whitening tools that you can take home and use regularly to provide a more gradual whitening process. Custom bleach trays can be created in just a few days. You can use the trays to gradually bleach your teeth, or to touch up previous tooth whitening if it begins to get dull. If you are more interested in having your teeth whitened right away, you can undergo treatment in as little as two hours at the dentist’s office. A whitening gel is applied to the teeth and then exposed to a light that activates it and whitens your teeth quickly.

Professional teeth whitening by a licensed dentist is completely safe for you and for your teeth. Children who are under the age of 13 should avoid tooth whitening because their teeth are still forming. Pregnant or lactating women should also avoid tooth whitening procedures because the calcium in their teeth may be weakened by their pregnancy. Everyone else can approach tooth whitening as a safe and effective way to erase years of damage and staining from their teeth.

Dental Bridges and How They Work

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A dental bridge is used to bridge the gap between missing teeth that have been lost due to injury, surgery or other means. A dental bridge is literally just what its name implies; using whole teeth as an anchor, replacement false teeth are used to fill the gap between. Many modern bridges are so well made by using advance technology, that they are permanent and indistinguishable from a person’s natural teeth.

A dental bridge is a viable option for many people who have lost teeth from any variety of reasons, but do not need a full set of dentures. The patient’s gums have to be in relatively good condition for a bridge; diseased gums may become more irritated or infected if false teeth are inserted where natural teeth are missing. The anchor teeth, too, must be firm and not in any danger of falling out, for these help support the dental bridge. There are several types of bridges available, and talking to your dentist about which options work best for your particular type of tooth loss will help you select which is most viable.

Before you have a bridge made, you will have to undergo a process in which the dentist reshapes the anchor teeth so a permanent crown can be fitted over them. You will also get a temporary bridge to wear while the new crowns are being made in a dental laboratory to help protect your gums and reshaped teeth.

The second visit will usually include making sure the teeth are ready to have the permanent bridge placed. After this is done, the dentist will fit the permanent bridge into your mouth and use a temporary tooth cement to bind it into place. The temporary cement will hold the new bridge in place firmly, but will help to ensure it fits correctly after a number of weeks. Adjustments can then be made by the dentist as needed.

Once the new bridge is fitted correctly, permanent tooth cement will be used. Afterward, the bridge cannot be removed without surgical procedure, and the replacement process is finished.

Improve Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry

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A lot of people are not happy with their looks, and one aspect is the appearance of their smile. Teeth tend to stain and turn yellow as time goes on, and worse stains can be caused by smoking, drinking a lot of coffee or drinking dark colored soda. Some people have worse problems, such as missing front teeth or bite problems. The latter can cause jaw pain, tooth wear and even migraine headaches.

Cosmetic dentistry aims to fix all of these problems. The most basic is teeth whitening procedures. A lot of people use a whitening toothpaste, but most over the counter toothpastes will not do anything for stubborn stains. Home teeth whitening kits can also help, but the attention of a professional usually gives quicker results. Whitening treatments include laser treatment and bleaching gels. These can whiten teeth instantly, often after only a single treatment.

For misshapen or chipped teeth, or for stains that are past the point whitening can help, a dentist can provide a porcelain veneer. Veneers require three visits, the first to assess the patient’s needs, the second to abrade the enamel to take the veneer and the third to fit and bond the veneer. Veneers can be cleaned just the same as natural teeth.

Dental implants are used to permanently replace missing teeth or to secure a dental prosthetic. They are titanium posts that fit into the hole left by the missing tooth. In addition to securing a prosthetic or crown, they prevent bone loss and jaw shrinkage and help reduce the shrunken look that many denture wearers experience. Although the implant process takes an extended amount of time, with six to eight months normal between the initial surgery to fit the implants and the patient receiving their prosthetic, it seldom affects the person’s daily life.

Finally, bite problems are assessed by using a computer scan and various assessments, and then creating a custom therapy to correct the issue.

Cosmetic dentistry can change your looks and your life. If you are not happy with your smile, then there are plenty of options to improve it.

Porcelain Veneers

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I always joke that I owe my social life to my orthodontist. My permanent teeth came in all wrong. I had a ginat gap right between my front two teeth. I was a typical, awkward, goofy kid with crazy teeth and giant glasses. Finally in the fourth grade I started my long journey to straight teeth with braces. For three years of my life I had a shiny, metal smile. Not so bad when you are a kid, but pretty embarrassing for an adult to have to deal with. Thankfully, now tehre are porcelain veneers to fix all kinds of teeth problems. Gaps are easily concealed without years of painful, ugly braces. Stains are completely covered up without an expensive whitening procedure every few months. Porcelain veneers are an easy, beautiful solution.

Porcelain veneers are thing, ceramic shells that fit over your teeth, they easily and painlessly cover up gaps and other imperfections, such as chips, cracks, or discolorations. Porcelain veneers are undetectable. Veneers look and feel just like your teeth underneath, so nobody will notice; although you will get compliments on your perfect, stunning smile! Porcelain veneers can last for a decade before having to get them redone, unlike whitening procedures which have to be done every few months to keep up.

Once you have decided on veneers, the design and application will take three visits to your dentist. The first visit is an analysis; going over what you want to achieve with your look and what veneers are right for you. The second visit is simply taking a small sample of your enamel (this usually is painless, and if pain does ensue, a small amount of local anesthesia is given to the patient), also the dentist takes an impression of your smile so that they are fitted perfectly. The third visit is the bonding and application of the porcelain veneers to your teeth. You will have to go back for a visit a week or two after they are applied. this is just a follow-up to make sure thngs are going smoothly and there is no discomfort.

Once they are in place you will love showing off your beautiful smile!