Tips for Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist

by Kurt Schneider | Feb 20, 2014 | Cosmetic Dentistry

Because so many dentists are branching out into cosmetic dentistry, finding the right one to do Orange County dental implants can be a staggering undertaking. Usually there is no insurance administrator that can direct the selection, as cosmetic dentistry is not often covered by insurance. Without a referral system, the decision-making process can seem insurmountable. These tips should make the process a little easier to navigate.

Start with a Referral

If the regular dentist does not provide implant care, he or she may be able to provide a referral to a dentist that does. The recommendation does not come lightly, as their own reputation is on the line. Other sources of referrals can come from friends, family, neighbors and coworkers.

Questions to Ask

It is important to thoroughly check out the cosmetic dentist before scheduling the consultation. During a phone call, questions that might be asked would be:

Is the dentist a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry?
How long has the dentist been in practice?
What technology does the dentist employ (lasers, CAD/CAM restoration, intraoral imaging, etc.)?
How are emergencies handled?
Are before and after photos of previous patients available and satisfactory?

Schedule a Consult

Following the research, visit the cosmetic dentist to discuss the Orange County dental implants. At the consultation, the dentist will review information from the regular dentist and examine the patient to make a determination of their own. Next, there will be a discussion about what the patient’s expectations are and what the dentist can provide. A treatment plan will be worked out and a quote for services given.

What to Expect from a Dead Tooth

by Kurt Schneider | Feb 13, 2014 | Cosmetic Dentistry

If you have experienced a serious injury that killed one of your teeth, you may just be a few short weeks or months away from seeing the full effects of that injury. As much as you may hate to think about having dental work done, the fact of the matter is that if you have a dead tooth in your mouth, it is only a matter of time before you aren’t the only one who knows you have a dead tooth.

Sometimes a fall or some sort of heavy impact will loosen your tooth to that the roots are no longer attached. Just like anything else with roots, when the roots are not attached there is no way to get nutrients through to the tooth. It is easiest to see this in plants and trees, as it is obvious when they die. They turn brown and brittle.

Your Orange County cosmetic dentist probably won’t be able to save your tooth, but he or she will be able to save you from the embarrassment that can be the result of a dead tooth. Over time, that tooth will turn an ugly brown color and can cause you to avoid smiling, talking, or going out at all. It could even impact the results of job or college interviews, even if no one says that is the problem. Visit your Orange County cosmetic dentist today to learn what your options may be for dealing with a dead tooth.

Prevent Dental Damage from Nightly Teeth Grinding

by Kurt Schneider | Jan 28, 2014 | Cosmetic Dentistry

Prevent Dental Damage from Nightly Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding occurs in your sleep, and is often caused by anxiety or having crooked teeth. Over time, this condition can cause headaches, jaw aches, and tooth damage. One way to combat this problem is to have a custom mouth guard made. Your Orange County dentist can create a mouth guard to wear at night that prevents damage caused by grinding your teeth.

Your dentist will work with you to find a mouth guard that is comfortable, so you won’t lose sleep over your teeth. Once fitted, simply put the guard in place before you go to sleep every night. Be sure to clean it thoroughly every morning to keep your teeth healthy and germ-free.

There are also other things you can do to prevent grinding your teeth at night. Your dentist will discuss stress reduction techniques that may help you, and you can also discuss daytime habits that may contribute to your teeth grinding. Avoiding alcohol before bed can be very helpful, since drinking tends to exacerbate the problem. Daily exercises to prevent clenching your jaws throughout the day can also reduce the risks of nightly teeth grinding.

Your Orange County dentist will discuss all possible courses of treatment, in addition to fitting you with a mouth guard. If you already have damage to your teeth, you may want to ask about cosmetic options to repair your teeth once you have your teeth grinding habit under control. All of these treatment options combined will help you to be more comfortable and will help you retain your healthy smile.

Dental Fillings 101

by Kurt Schneider | Jan 23, 2014 | Cosmetic Dentistry

You’ve seen your Mission Viejo dentist and learned you have a cavity. That means you’ll need a filling. If you’ve never had a filling done before, you may have some questions. What steps are involved? What types of materials are used for fillings? What are their advantages and disadvantages? Let’s explore those questions.

Every dentist has his or her own method, but generally the first step will be to apply a local anesthetic to numb the surrounding area. A drill, air abrasion device or laser will be used to carve out the decayed portion of the tooth. The dentist will then explore the area to make sure all the decay has been removed. The area will be cleaned and readied for the filling material. Next, the filling material will go in, and, finally, the dentist will finish and polish it. There are a few extra steps for tooth-colored fillings.

When it comes to filling materials, there are several. Your Mission Viejo dentist will talk to you about your choices. Typical choices include gold, silver and tooth-colored plastic and glass materials. A number of variables come into play when choosing a material, including the extent of the decay, the cost of the material, whether or not your insurance will cover it, and your dentist’s expertise and recommendation.

Cast gold fillings last 10 to 15 years or longer and don’t erode. They can handle chewing pressure, and some people prefer the look of gold fillings. They are, however, expensive and require a minimum of 2 office visits to put in place. If you already have a silver amalgam filling and the gold filling is placed directly next to it, in rare cases it can also cause a sharp pain known as galvanic shock.

Silver fillings also last 10 to 15 years and stand up well to chewing forces. They are less expensive than gold or composite fillings. The drawback is that they don’t match teeth color and are not all that attractive. They can cause the surrounding tooth to turn gray, and the material is more susceptible to experiencing a wide degree of expanding and contracting, which can cause the filling or surrounding tooth to crack.

Tooth-colored fillings closely match the color of your tooth and chemically bond to the tooth. They can be used to mend chipped or worn teeth, as well. Their biggest disadvantage is that they only last about 5 years. They can chip, and they cost about 5 times as much as silver amalgam.

Offer a Perfect Smile for the Holidays

by Kurt Schneider | Nov 26, 2013 | Cosmetic Dentistry

No one likes to talk about it, but part of the holiday season includes getting together with people who often go out of their way to make others feel as if they are somehow failing in life. Maybe they present the perfect family, or maybe they just can’t get over the numbers in their bank account. Sometimes the best way to combat people like this at holiday dinners is by not saying a word. Simply walk in the room and smile.

If you want to present your best smile over the holidays, and silence any potential cut-downs, plan a visit with your Newport Beach cosmetic dentist.

You don’t want to make anyone miserable. You want to enjoy seeing your loved ones and not feel the pressure of judgment. Sometimes the best way to combat someone else’s misery is by being happy. When your Newport Beach cosmetic dentist gives you a great smile to share, it just seems a whole lot easier to maintain a happy demeanor. This demeanor often results in miserable people avoiding you, because they see that you aren’t going to take the bait. This means you can sit back and enjoy dinner with your loved ones and not worry about any attempts to deflate your ego or comments that might make you question yourself.

Step away from the holiday issues by using your physical features to combat negativity over the holidays — without saying a word. Even if the holidays make you depressed, simply fake it ’til you make it!

Dental Health Concerns for Seniors

by Kurt Schneider | Nov 14, 2013 | Cosmetic Dentistry

As people age, their dental health may become compromised. There are several signs to look for as you get older, and your Newport Beach dentist can help you create an oral care routine that helps you combat some of these dental concerns.

Denture Concerns

Dentures can cause many problems if they do not fit properly or if they are not cared for adequately. A condition called stomatitis can develop, which causes difficulty with talking, eating, and even sleeping. Your dentist can help you to prevent this condition by making sure that your dentures fit properly, and ensuring that you are taking proper steps to avoid gum disease and other contributing factors.

Discolored Teeth

A lifetime of smoking, drinking coffee, and eating foods that stain teeth can lead to tooth discoloration. While you can help to prevent this condition by not smoking, and choosing foods and beverages that will not stain your teeth, your dentist can also review cosmetic procedures that can help make your smile bright and healthy again.

Tooth Loss

When left untreated over time, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and an uneven jawbone. A good oral health care routine, and regular visits with your dentist, can help prevent tooth loss and other health conditions that can result from gun disease. If you have already begun to lose teeth, your dentist can also help to fit you for dentures or bridges to restore your smile.

Your Newport Beach dentist can review all of these conditions with you and help you to create a plan to get your smile back to normal. As you age, you may be more susceptible to these conditions, so being vigilant will be a key factor in your oral health.

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