Stages of the Smile Makeover Process

A smile makeover offers ways to improve your looks through a variety of procedures both big and small, as needed for your circumstances and goals. You don’t have to be a celebrity to undergo this kind of transformation. Smile makeovers are performed by dentists all over the country and to people in all walks of life. Here are some important stages of the process that you’ll experience to gain your new look.

History

The first step is to meet with your dentist to discuss what you dislike about your current smile, and the goals you have with a new one. Your dentist can help determine if your goals are in line with your facial structure, skin, eyes, and features. Also, you will provide your full medical history and identify any health concerns.

Examination

Next you will receive a complete oral examination. Your dentist can determine any conditions that contribute to your current smile and come up with ways for improvement. Your dentist will want to know about any factors that might affect your smile, such as previous injuries, periodontal disease, and nutritional impacts. This is a good time for you to ask questions as he gets to know you and your case better.

Treatment plan

After your dentist has carefully examined you and created a recommended treatment plan, you will learn about the suggested procedures. You will learn all about the potential treatments and expected results.

Procedures

The most exciting part of the process is actually getting the procedures done that will help accomplish your goals. This may include preliminary dental work, temporary restorations, and implementation of the treatment plan.

Maintenance

Once the final restorations have been placed and you have recovered from the dental procedures, you will be advised on how to properly maintain your new look. Any minor adjustments can be made, and you will be able to begin your new life with your new smile.

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Identifying Dental Emergencies

The painful truth is that 25 percent of Americans experience a dental emergency at some point during their lives. This means that quick treatment by a dentist is warranted, usually due to pain or trauma. Sometimes it’s hard to determine whether a problem is a real emergency requiring immediate attention or something that can wait until the next available appointment with your dentist. Here are some guidelines to help you decide.

How do I know it’s an emergency?

Pain is your body’s signal to you that something is wrong. If you feel pain in your mouth or jaw, make an appointment with your dentist for an examination. That’s the best way to identify the cause of your pain, diagnose the issue, and obtain treatment to help get rid of your pain.

What are some common dental emergencies?

Some emergencies are more obvious than others. When a tooth is broken, cracked, or knocked out, you should see the dentist immediately. An accident causing jaw pain is another reason to head straight to a medical professional. Here is a list of common things that are typically considered emergencies:

  • Abscess or infection, often indicated by fever or swelling
  • Severe wisdom teeth pain
  • Fractured tooth
  • Knocked out tooth
  • Broken denture
  • Loose permanent tooth
  • Toothache, especially those that worsen when laying down or with time
  • Lost crown, cap, or filling
  • Dry socket

What can I do until seeing the emergency dentist Etobicoke?

Take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen as directed by your dentist. Don’t take aspirin because it can worsen bleeding. Pain medicine doesn’t treat the actual problem causing your pain, but at least it helps make you feel better until you can see your dentist. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water may also help, as well as holding an ice pack to the painful area for 20 minutes at a time. Try these methods until you can make it to the dentist for more permanent solutions.

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Will People Know I have a Dental Implant?

If you are considering getting a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, you might wonder if it’s going to be noticeable. It stands to reason that it should be less obvious than having a hole in your mouth where your tooth is missing, but you also probably don’t want it to stand out as not being your real tooth. You’re in luck, because dental implants replace missing teeth by providing a natural and attractive restoration.

The technology of dental implants has proven to be a successful way of restoring your mouth’s appearance and function. They can replace one or multiple teeth, and adjacent teeth are not affected. Usually made from titanium, implants are small screws that are surgically placed into your jaw. A dental crown is then attached to the top of the implant. Over time, your jaw bone fuses with the titanium implant so that it feels like a real tooth.

Properly done, dental implants not only feel like your natural teeth, they also look real. Your dentist will fit the implant exactly into your mouth so that it is secure and comfortable. The color of the restoration will also be matched to the rest of your teeth, and the size of the crown will be coordinated with the position and shape of your other teeth.

You can rest assured that your dental implant should look and feel like it was always there. Others won’t notice you have an implant, but you can be certain to reap the benefits of this effective dental restoration.

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Common Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

One of the things that people complain about the most when it comes to their teeth is the color. Yellowing and staining is hard to avoid, but there are ways to whiten your smile so that it looks more appealing.

Toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes contain gentle whitening ingredients to help brighten your teeth and remove surface stains. It requires consistent use in order to see a difference in your smile after a period of time. Typically, whitening toothpastes lighten the teeth’s color by about one shade. Toothpastes are an inexpensive way to improve your look.

Rinses

Mouth rinses are one the most recent categories of teeth whitening products. Similar to regular mouthwash, whitening rinses contain ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide for the purpose of minimizing tooth discoloration. These rinses are made to reduce plaque and gum disease, as well as freshen breath. To use the rinse, swish it in the mouth at least twice daily before brushing. It can take anywhere from 1 to 12 weeks to see results.

Trays and gels

A stronger whitening method is whitening gel that is placed in a mouth tray. The concentration of the hydrogen peroxide gel varies, with stronger gels only worn a couple of hours a day and weaker concentrations overnight. It can take a few days to several weeks to see results. Trays are available from your local drugstore, or customized ones from your dentist. Ask your dentist about the differences between the types of trays.

Professional

The strongest and fastest way to whiten teeth is professionally at a dental office. Teeth may be lightened up to eight shades this way in as little as an hour. The whitening agent is applied directly to the teeth, and often combined with a special light to aid the process. Some patients experience sensitivity to the stronger whitening gel, but professionals can make adjustments to lessen discomfort.

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Do Energy and Sports Drinks Ruin Your Teeth?

Advertisements have successfully convinced many adults and kids that energy drinks will pump you up, and sports drinks will heighten your performance. They’ve been sold on the idea that these drinks are better for you than soda, and their popularity has skyrocketed. Not everyone is on the bandwagon, however, and one of the reasons is the possible negative affects on your teeth.

The main impact is a result of the high acidity levels in the drinks. Acid can erode your tooth enamel, which is the glossy outside layer of your teeth. Some studies go so far as to suggest that you are basically bathing your teeth with acid. Experts say that damage to tooth enamel can’t be reversed, and without a good layer of enamel your teeth will become sensitive and more likely to decay.

Researchers are still studying the effects of energy and sports drinks on your teeth. So far, studies haven’t consistently proven exactly what can happen. However, many experts suggest that since there is evidence that tooth damage may occur, it seems smart to heed the suggestions about how to minimize the effects of these drinks on your teeth.

Here are some suggested ways to reduce potential tooth damage:

  • Cut down on your consumption of sports and energy drinks.
  • Chew sugarless gum after drinking these items, because it will stimulate saliva production. Choose gum containing xylitol because it has been shown to protect tooth enamel.
  • Rinse your mouth with water after consuming these types of drinks. This will help wash away residue from the drink, and also increase saliva production. Saliva flow naturally helps the acidity levels in your mouth to return to normal.
  • Wait an hour after having these drinks before you brush your teeth. This will avoid spreading the acid onto the surfaces of your teeth and increasing the erosive action.

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How to Find the Best Family Dentist in Toronto

Many healthcare practitioners specialize in particular areas, and dentistry is no exception. For example pediatric dentists treat children, while orthodontists treat problems with the jaw and teeth through prescribing braces and other orthodontic procedures. Cosmetic dentists focus on improving the appearance of teeth as treatments are mainly for aesthetic reasons. A family dentist in Toronto is able to treat all members of the family, regardless of age, and can provide general dental treatments.

Your local family dentist can treat most dental problems you are likely to face. Procedures offered include general checkups and professional cleanings, dental fillings, tooth extractions and crown and bridge work. Having a good family dentist is a convenient way for all members of your family to receive dental care in the same location, and to gradually build up an excellent relationship with the dentist and staff. Your ideal dentist in Toronto will provide good preventative dental care, and can offer helpful information on how to care for your teeth and gums in between appointments. You should find treatment is customized for your particular dental health needs. If you need more extensive dental treatment, your family dentist can refer you to the appropriate specialist.

There are a number of ways to find a good family dentist in Toronto. You can do your own research online, or you might want to ask family, friends and co-workers for their personal recommendations. It is important to take the time to visit the practice, and to meet the staff and view the practice facilities and equipment. You should feel free to ask any questions necessary to help you decide, and it is vital to feel comfortable in your chosen dental office. If you make a good choice, you could be with your family dentist for many years to come.

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