Enamel Reshaping

What is Enamel Reshaping?

Enamel reshaping is a process of contouring natural teeth to improve their over all appearance. When teeth are slightly crowded or uneven, or when eyeteeth appear too long, enamel reshaping may be used to correct the flaw. This more conservative process cannot solve all problems though. Crowded teeth may need braces. If so, your dentist may provide treatment, or, refer you to a specialist in orthodontics.

How is Enamel Reshaping Done?

Enamel reshaping involves modifying teeth by removing or contouring enamel to create harmony and balance in the mouth. Enamel reshaping, which is often combined with bonding, is usually quick and painless. No anesthesia is necessary when reshaping enamel, and the results can be seen immediately. It should be approached with caution, however, because enamel cannot be replaced.

Aftercare

After an enamel reshaping procedure, it is common to experience the following:

- You may experience some sensitivity

- You may feel a little rough for a while

- Avoid tea, coffee, and tobacco products

- Floss, brush, and regular visits to the dentist are recommended

Parental Responsibility

With your help, in combination with their own efforts and regular professional care, your daughters and sons can grow up cavity-free and keep their teeth all their lives.

It's not difficult to help your child maintain a healthy smile. Here are a few tips for good oral health:

- Make sure your child gets the fluoride needed for decay-resistant teeth. Ask your dentist how this should be done.

 

- Brush and floss your child's teeth daily until the child can be taught to do this alone. Then encourage him or her to brush and floss.

- Take your child to see the dentist regularly, beginning at six months of age.

- Put only water in your child's nap time or bedtime bottle.

- Start cleaning your child's mouth daily.

- Start brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts.

In-home Bleaching

With in-home bleaching, the dentist makes an impression for a model of the teeth, fabricates a custom-fitted tray and prescribes a bleaching agent that comes in the form of a bleaching gel. The gel is placed in the custom-fitted tray and worn up to two hours daily or at night for about two weeks. The amount of time the custom-fitted tray is worn and the duration may vary according to a person’s individual need and the recommendations of the dentist. The dentist will monitor the entire process of in-home bleaching to assure its effectiveness and safety.

Over the counter products that are self-administered are not recommended, although they may appear to cost less. Bleaching treatment should be done under the supervision of a dentist following a proper exam and diagnosis. Whiteners with the ADA Seal of Acceptance have proven to be safe and effective.

Fluoride Supplements

The most effective way for your child to get fluoride’s protection is by drinking water containing the right amount of the mineral… about one part fluoride per million parts water. This is of special benefit to children, because fluoride is incorporated into enamel as teeth form. Children who, from birth, drink water containing fluoride have up to 40% fewer cavities. Many of them remain cavity-free through their teens.

Fluoride is one of the most effective elements for preventing tooth decay. This mineral combines with tooth enamel to strengthen it against decay. Fluoride may also actually reverse microscopic cavities by enhancing the process by which minerals, including calcium, are incorporated into the teeth.

Even though your regular water supply may be fluoridated, it is still important to discuss with your dentist any additional fluoride needs your child may have. Look for fluoride toothpastes and over-the-counter fluoride mouth rinses that carry the ADA seal. They have been proven safe and effective for their intended use. The advertising claims for these products have been reviewed by the ADA so the claims are accurate and not misleading.

Your dentist may recommend various ways to get fluoride protection, including:

- Drinking fluoridated water at school.

- Taking prescribed fluoride tablets or drops.

- Brushing with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste after age two.

- Using a fluoride mouth rinse for children over age six.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

 

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

 

Baby bottle tooth decay is a form of decay than can destroy the teeth of an infant or young child. The teeth most likely to be damaged are the upper front teeth. These teeth are critical to you child’s smile. Other teeth may also be affected by this condition.

 

What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is caused by frequent and long exposure of a child’s teeth to liquids containing sugars. Milk, formula, fruit juices, and other sweetened liquids help to create this problem. The sugar in these liquids is used as an energy source by the bacteria in plaque.

Plaque is a thin, almost invisible film of bacteria and by-products that constantly form on everyone’s teeth. In the decay process, the bacteria produce acids which attach tooth enamel. The length of time these liquids are in contact with the teeth is critical. Longer and frequent exposures allow greater damage to occur.

Offering your child a bottle containing these liquids many times a day, as a pacifier, isn’t a good idea. Allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle during naps or at night can cause serious harm and damage to your child’s teeth. During sleep, the flow of saliva decreases. This allows the liquids in the nursing bottle to pool around your child’s teeth for long periods of time.

 

Prevention

Sometimes parents do not realize that a baby’s teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they appear in the mouth. By the time decay is noticed, it may be too late to save the child’s teeth. You can prevent this from happening to your child’s teeth by learning how to protect them:

• After each feeding, wipe the child’s teeth and gums with a damp washcloth or gauze pad, to remove plaque. Begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts. Remember to continue cleaning and massaging the child’s gums in all other areas that remain toothless. Flossing should begin when all primary teeth have erupted, usually by age
• Never allow your child fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices or sweetened liquid.
• If your child needs a comforter between regular feedings, at night, or during naps, fill a nursing bottle with cool water or give the child a clean pacifier recommended by your dentist or pediatrician. Never give your child a pacifier dipped in any sweetened liquid.
• Avoid filling your child’s nursing bottle with any liquids such as sugar water, sweetened gelatin, and soft drinks.
• Make sure your child gets the fluoride needed for decay-resistant teeth. If you are not sure that your local water supply contains the right amount of fluoride, ask your dentist about fluoride supplements.
• Start dental visits between six and twelve months of age. Make appointments regularly. If you suspect that your child has a dental problem, take the child to see a dentist as soon as possible.

Bridges

What is a Bridge?

A bridge is a replacement tooth that is supported and attached by a crown on either side of the space. The two side teeth or (anchor teeth) are prepared to provide support the bridge).

Taking Care of Your Bridge

A bridge is made of very strong materials, but nothing as strong as natural tooth structure. If normal care and precautions and care are taken, a bridge can last for many years.

- Brush and floss with great care to clean where the crowns meet the tooth.

- Flossing must be accomplished underneath the bridge on a daily basis.

- Avoid eating or chewing on hard objects, food, or ice.

- Make regular visits to your dentist to evaluate the condition of the crowns.

When are Bridges Needed?

To replace a missing tooth with a conventional three-unit bridge, teeth adjacent to the gap are prepared. The custom-made bridge is fitted and adjusted, appearance immediately after a tooth is lost. When a tooth is not replaced, the remaining teeth can drift out of position, this can lead to cavities and gum disease.

Aftercare

1. Must clean “under” as well as around the bridge
2. There are special tools to aid in cleaning
3. Floss once, and brush twice daily
4. Avoid chewing on hard objects, food and ice
5. Limit snacks

Prevention

Preventive dentistry is a lifelong commitment. Regularly scheduled preventative treatments can save you time and money while helping you avoid complicated and uncomfortable dental procedures. Preventive dentistry includes periodic examinations, cleanings, sealants and fluoride treatments.