An experienced dentist
The more you tend to do something, the more likely you are to get better and better at it over time. This same line of thinking holds true for dentists. An experienced dentist with years of practice under his belt is bound to know what he’s doing and possess the ability to do it well.

The presence of new technology
It is important for a dentist to not only be skilled in a variety of techniques, but to continue to educate himself on the advances in his field. Science and research is constantly yielding new and improved methods of treating an array of dental issues, and it’s important that your dentist be aware of such updated information in order to provide you with the best possible care. Think about those metal fillings for cavities and how outdated they’ve become. The world of dentistry is constantly evolving, and your dentist should have the ability to roll with the changes.

Convenient hours
Most people don’t want to be forced to miss half a day of work in order to go to the dentist. A good dental practice will offer convenient hours so that patients can schedule their appointments with ease. While most dental offices can’t stay open late every night during the week (after all, dentists have lives too), it is not unreasonable to expect one or two late nights to accommodate patients who can’t simply skip out on work. Some dental practices even offer limited weekend hours to make it especially easy for patients to visit. As a patient, you should never feel like you have to choose between dental care and keeping your job.

A clean office
A dirty, unkempt dental office can be almost as much of a turn-off as the notion of getting a series of cavities filled. A good dental practice will keep its office clean and tidy so that patients are able to be comfortable in their surroundings.

Reasonable rates
It’s a well-known statistic that dental insurance is not as common in the United States as is medical insurance. It is also an unfortunate fact that many dental insurance companies do not actually provide such great coverage as far dental procedures go. For this reason, it is important to find a dental practice that offers reasonable rates. While you don’t necessarily have to look for the cheapest dental office in your area, you also shouldn’t have to pay one dentist significantly more than what the competition is charging. A good dental office will also work with patients who don’t have insurance to come up with pricing plans that benefit the practice without bankrupting each individual.

A friendly staff
A trip to the dentist’s office can be a bit unnerving for even the toughest of patients, so the presence of a warm, friendly staff is not only important, but practically mandatory. A good dental practice will employ educated people with excellent customer service skills to fulfill patients’ needs for the duration of their visits, from the waiting room to the dental chair.

While you might not have much of a choice when it comes to maintaining your teeth, you do have a choice as to which dental practice will get your business. As a patient and customer, you have every right to demand the highest level of service and dental care. Remember, a dental appointment isn’t something that you should automatically have to dread. So before you resign yourself to a series of unpleasant office visits every six months, ask around and do some research in order to find the dental practice that’s right for you. You might be pleasantly surprised to see what a difference the right dental practice can make.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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When it comes to dental matters, the ideal smile can be truly difficult to come by via natural methods, but thanks to the variety of cosmetic dental techniques available today, it is possible to achieve the look of shiny, flawless teeth. On the other hand, such tooth-related perfection often requires a hefty monetary and time commitment, one that many people are either hesitant or financially unable to make. Dr. Jack Elder is a cosmetic dentist based out of Benicia, California, and he understands the importance of a confidence-boosting, healthy smile.

For this reason, he has dedicated his professional life to exploring the advances in the world of cosmetic dentistry and providing patients with the most effective treatments on the market. While Dr. Elder will be the first to admit that some cosmetic dental issues require fairly intricate solutions, certain problems are actually a lot more fixable than one might think. In fact, the following three cosmetic dental issues can be easily tackled without forcing the patient to sacrifice too much time, money, or comfort:

Tooth discoloration
Tooth discoloration is one of the easiest cosmetic dental issues to treat. A single visit to the dentist’s office for a tooth bleaching session can result in a white, glistening smile in a little more than an hour’s time. Since tooth bleaching is not a risky or complex procedure, it is, without a doubt, one of the more affordable cosmetic treatments out there, making it a viable option for those with limited budgets.

Crooked teeth
People with moderately overlapping or misaligned teeth can benefit from invisible braces, an effective solution that is not invasive and offers little to no discomfort. While the cost of braces is higher than that of a simple tooth bleaching procedure, braces today are constantly being touted for the ease and convenience involved in making teeth straighter. Best of all, braces today are designed to be highly efficient in yielding successful results, making crooked teeth one of the most easily-fixable issues in the world of cosmetic dentistry.

Misshapen teeth
Recontouring is a fast, painless method of fixing misshapen teeth. Imperfections such as tooth chips and unevenness can be easily reshaped in one simple visit to the dentist’s office. Since recontouring does not affect the pulp of the tooth, an anesthetic is not usually needed. And because the procedure is not invasive, follow-up treatments or appointments are generally not required.

If you’ve been walking around feeling bad about your smile, then talk to a cosmetic dentist before you truly give up hope. You might be pleasantly surprised to learn that certain dental issues can easily be resolved witha relatively quick and inexpensive fix. Of course, no matter how much time, money, and effort you put into your appearance, you may never feel completely satisfied. But try to remind yourself that it’s those physical flaws and quirks that actually give us character.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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A dental bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, is a device that attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth in order to fill the gap where teeth are absent. Bridges can either be fixed, which means that they are permanently attached, or removable. Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the surrounding teeth for bonding, or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the adjacent teeth. Removable bridges, on the other hand, are fastened to the teeth with clasps or precision attachments. While removable bridges offer the benefit of easy cleaning, fixed bridges offer far more stability. Only a trained dentist will be able to determine whether a fixed bridge versus a removable bridge is right for you.

How It Works

Attaching a bridge is generally completed in a series of two or three separate dental appointments. During the initial appointment, your dentist will prepare the teeth on either side of the missing tooth by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin. Since the bridge must be constructed with precision in terms of your mouth’s structure, impressions of your teeth are taken and sent out to a laboratory, where the bridge is then made. The meticulousness involved in the production of the bridge helps ensure that your bite will be correctly maintained. Once your bridge is ready, it will be cemented to the adjacent natural teeth to cover the space left by the missing tooth or teeth. A false tooth is used to replace the missing tooth, while crowns are often cemented onto the surrounding natural teeth in order to provide ample support for the bridge.

While bridges are a highly effective option for treating tooth loss, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions for maintenance and proper care. You’ll need to commit to regular brushing and flossing in order to keep the bridge and the adjacent teeth clean. Since dental bridges rely on those surrounding teeth for support, you’ll want to do your part to ensure that you aren’t putting them – or your bridge – in jeopardy. And while the physical repercussions of compromising your bridge certainly aren’t pleasant, the fact that bridges generally aren’t cheap should certainly be enough to motivate you to keep up on your maintenance.

A missing tooth can end up causing you a world of trouble. Why suffer down the line when you can go to a trusted dentist and have a bridge put in to prevent problems? Remember, when it comes to bridges, you’ve got nothing to lose but that pesky gap in your mouth.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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The problem with dental anxiety is that it can be severe enough to cause some people to avoid the dentist altogether, a fact that can result in extreme oral health issues down the road. Even those who are minimally afraid of the dentist might not visit as often as recommended. And while many are able to push themselves to show up to their regularly-scheduled teeth cleanings, such people might shy away from anything tooth-related that goes above and beyond the bare minimum for maintenance. For plenty of individuals, this means missing out on cosmetic dental procedures that could have otherwise positively impacted their appearances and lives.

Dr. Jack Elder is a cosmetic dentist who practices his art form in Benicia, California, and he understands the importance of patient comfort during any kind of dental visit. To this end, Dr. Elder is willing to go the extra mile to help each patient feel at ease from the moment that he sits down in one of the office’s dental chairs.

One of Dr. Elder’s approaches to calming fearful patients is to create an inviting and comforting dental office. By keeping the office nice and clean, and employing the friendliest of staff members, Dr. Elder does his part to produce an environment that is generally conducive to relaxing. On top of this, Dr. Elder has headphone and televisions on hand for his patients in order to provide a welcome distraction during longer procedures.

While Dr. Elder makes it his business to cater to mental discomfort, he also believes in doing his part to ensure that patients are physically comfortable. He therefore offers nitrous oxide to reduce patients’ pain thresholds and help patients achieve a more relaxed state. He also uses the latest technologies in anesthetics to provide pain-blocking medication that won’t hurt on the way in.

Finally, Dr. Elder’s philosophy is that the proper attitude can often be enough to turn an uptight patient into one who is relatively relaxed. While some dentists aren’t as skilled in the art of social interaction, Dr. Elder makes it his business to explain each procedure in a clear, comprehensible manner. Dr. Elder also believes in a friendly, sympathetic patient approach. Rather than dismiss patient fears, he prefers to discuss individual concerns so that he can address each patient on a case by case basis. People have different fears for different reasons, and Dr. Elder feels that a good dentist should never dismiss a scared patient as being silly. Instead, a good dentist should work with the patient to overcome such fears while acknowledging their underlying validity.

While it’s natural to experience some degree of anxiety on your way to the dental office, you should rest assured that a good dentist will do whatever he can to make the process less nerve-wracking for you. Remember, the last thing your dentist would ever want to do is actually scare you away. The goal of most dentists is to have long-term relationships with their patients, and the best way to develop a steady dental routine is to establish a degree of doctor-patient trust. By addressing your fears properly so that they eventually fade away, your dentist can do his part to ensure that your mind won’t end up messing with your mouth.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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Dr. Elder’s philosophy is rooted in the fact that children have impressionable minds; so why not take advantage of that fact by stressing the importance of oral hygiene in a manner that they’ll surely understand and remember? When Dr. Elder sees a young patient, he doesn’t just simply clean her teeth and send her on her way. Instead, he has developed a whole process of teaching children the importance of proper dental care.

When Dr. Elder removes plaque from a patient’s teeth, he likes to put it under a microscope to explain the implications in a child-friendly fashion. He also gives each child patient a small mechanical toothbrush and offers a tutorial on how to properly brush one’s teeth. Sometimes, as a component of teaching a child how to properly care for his teeth, Dr. Elder needs to teach his parents what to do as well. After all, children of a certain age can’t be expected to have the discipline necessary to brush their own teeth thoroughly and effectively. In many cases, Dr. Elder will really have to reach out to the parents and convince them to take the time to make oral hygiene a priority for their child.

Dr. Elder’s goal in pediatric dentistry is to create a fun environment for children that encourages them to return to the dentist. By teaching proper dental care and taking the time to explain the importance of oral hygiene, Dr. Elder successfully sets up his patients for a lifetime of healthy smiles, which is something that any good pediatric dentist should do. Since not all dentists have the same philosophy, it is important for parents to do some research in order to find a dentist who is concerned with the long-term, and not just the short-term.

Dr. Elder also likes to stress the fact that taking children to the dentist twice a year for a cleaning is just not enough. Sure, a cleaning will work to clear the plaque off childhood teeth and keep it off for a couple of days. But after that, it’s up to the children – and their parents – to continue the effort at home. Contrary to what some parents might think, it is possible to reverse tooth decay in children by paying attention to the problem and addressing it properly both at the dentist’s office as well as at home. A good pediatric dentist will take the time to show parents what steps to take in order ensure that their children’s mouths stay healthy.

Finally, many parents don’t realize that because a lot of dental offices tend to use outdated methods, they are not actually effectively sealing children’s teeth to protect them from decay. On the other hand, a good pediatric dentist like Dr. Elder uses new tools such as laser sealants to properly seal kids’ teeth.

Most parents would do anything to protect their children, and this attitude should be maintained as they search for the right dentist. Oral hygiene isn’t just about occasional dental visits coupled with genetics, it’s about good dental habits. And the earlier children learn how to properly care for their teeth, the healthier their mouths will be from year to year.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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But, did you know that how you care for your mouth directly effects how susceptible you are to other diseases? As D. Gordon Rye, D.D.S., an award-winning cosmetic dentist at Rye Smiles for Life in Fairfax, Virginia, explains, studies show that people with gum disease have a higher risk for other diseases, such as diabetes, heart and lung disease, and cancer. It has also been shown that pregnant women who have gum disease are three to five times more likely to go in to labor prematurely. A few examples:

Diabetes: For people with diabetes, periodontal disease makes it harder to regulate blood sugar levels, and in turn, poorly managed blood sugar levels worsen periodontal problems.

Respiratory Disease: Periodontal disease is a risk factor for respiratory disease, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and those with the condition tend to have diminished oral health.

Heart Disease: Research shows that people with periodontal disease are more likely to have heart disease than those with healthy gums, explains Dr. Rye. Periodontal disease has also been shown to make existing heart conditions worse. And, some studies indicate that periodontal disease may be a risk factor for stroke, as well.

Cancer: Cancer treatment has been known to cause oral infections that can lead to other health problems. Because of this, Dr. Rye urges you to let your dentist know if you are being treated for cancer so that he can provide you with proper treatment.

Many diseases and health conditions can worsen periodontal problems. So, it is important to address any problems you are having with your teeth or gums immediately with your dentist so that he can help alleviate the issue, and keep the rest of your body healthy as well. It is also equally important to let your dentist know about any changes in your overall health so that he can adhere your dental needs to the rest of your needs.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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What is a “bite”?
Your bite is determined by the placement of your teeth and the position of your jaw. A number of factors are associated with your bite. But ideally when you close your mouth, your teeth should meet evenly and one row should not overlap the other. Types of bites include:

• Open bite – Poor positioning of the teeth causes the teeth to not close or not come together properly in the front of your mouth.
• Deep bite – Also known as a closed bite, your upper teeth cover your bottom teeth when you bite down.
• Overbite – This is the overlapping of the upper teeth over the bottom teeth.
• Under bite – It’s when your lower teeth stick out past your upper teeth.

How does your bite affect you?

According to cosmetic dentist D. Gordon Rye, D.D.S, of Rye Smiles for Life in Virginia, nearly all everyone who comes to him requesting cosmetic dentistry needs to have their bite corrected. Most cases of teeth grinding or unevenness can be attributed to bite placement being off. Similarly, every time you swallow, your upper and lower teeth come together and push against your skull. And, on average, you will swallow about 2,000 times per day. And, if your bite is off, that constant pressure could result in soreness in your jaw. This can also lead to tension, headaches, and earaches, which unfortunately, many people learn to deal with. A lot of people just become accustomed to their bite without ever knowing that it can be fixed, explains Dr. Rye.

In order to best correct the problem Dr. Rye uses a computer analysis system which focuses on muscle activity. Then, once the proper placement of the teeth is determined, the teeth can be adjusted. Sometimes the movement is only microscopic, but it makes a tremendous difference.

Besides providing you with a new level of comfort, this also provides a base for the creation of a more permanent tooth structure.  If you suffer from TMJ, or are considering veneers or braces, chances are your dentist or orthodontist will work to properly place your bite. Because even if you have a great new set of teeth, but still have an improperly placed bite, you will likely continue to suffer from some of the same persistent problems as before.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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What Is a Cavity?

A cavity is an infection caused by bacteria in the mouth.

What To Do If Your Dentures Keep Falling Out

When your dentures keep falling out, mini dental implants may have to be put in.

What Is Prosthodontics?

Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with missing teeth.

How Have Braces Changed?

Before the early 1970s, braces were much larger and more painful.

When Should You Get Braces?

There is an optimal window of opportunity for braces, but not an absolute time that you have to get them.

Treating Crowded Teeth

Crowded teeth can be treated by removing small amounts of outer enamel tooth surface between two adjacent teeth.

How To Take Care of Your Teeth After a Tooth Extraction

Let it heal and follow common sense. But don’t worry as most people heal quickly.

What is a Pulpectomy?

A pulpectomy is basically a root canal for children’s baby teeth.

Why Energy Drinks Are Worse For Teeth Than Soda

The enamel damage caused by energy drinks is greater than that from soft drinks.

Osteoporosis Medicine and Your Dental Health

How some osteoporosis medicines can contribute to a rare jaw condition.

How Xylitol Can Benefit Your Teeth

Xylitol is a sweetener that can prevent cavities and tooth decay.

A New Vaccine Against Tooth Decay

A new vaccine against tooth decay would prevent most cavities.

Creative Uses for Dental Floss

Use dental floss in your kitchen, sewing kit, and jewelry box.

How to Choose the Right Mouthwash

Mouthwash has two functions — making your breath smell fresher and killing germs.

Why Fluoride Is Good For Your Teeth

Fluoride has been credited for reducing cavities.

Why You Should Choose An Electric Toothbrush

An electric toothbrush provides more strokes per minute than a manual one.

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Should you choose a manual or an electric toothbrush? Well, that depends on if you like doing all the work or having all the work done for you.

If you do a good job brushing with a manual toothbrush, you can make it work well for you. But in my experience, most people don’t brush their teeth for longer than 45 seconds. And if you can compare how many strokes you can get into those 45 seconds with a manual as opposed to an electric toothbrush, the electric undeniably wins out. An electric toothbrush provides up to 50,000 strokes per minute versus the average manual brush, which only does about 300 strokes per minute. So guess which one is more effective at removing those tenacious plaque accumulations?

And as far as kids are concerned, it might be easier to get yours to brush with an electric toothbrush. As we all know, kids don’t relish having to brush their teeth, so giving them a toy to play with that moves around and looks cool (electric toothbrushes are bigger and sleeker than manual ones, and yes, they just look cooler) should give them an incentive to brush more often.

There are many variables of electric toothbrushes. The basic types are those with spinning, oscillating, and vibrating (sonic) bristles. The top-of-the-line models I like are the Oral-B Triumph and the Sonicare electric brushes. These two types of popular toothbrushes work differently from one another:

1. The Oral-B Triumph: This one has a “reciprocated head.” No, that does not mean it has two heads! It actually goes a quarter of a turn in one direction, then turns back the other way. I would recommend this type of toothbrush — an oscillating brush — over a spinning brush. Those that just spin can generate unwanted heat and abrasive action in your mouth.
2. The Sonicare: The Sonicare has vibrating bristles; it does not spin. I like it because it vibrates at a high speed, causing toothpaste to emulsify (break down) in those critical spaces between the teeth.
   

If you do choose a manual toothbrush, make sure the bristles are soft. Medium or hard bristles, combined with the abrasive silica in toothpastes, can wear unsightly and sensitive grooves at the gum line over a number of  years. Also, it’s important to choose the appropriate size for yourself or your child. A brush that is too large can be difficult to manipulate and can miss important areas that need to be cleaned.

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What is a cavity?
A cavity, which basically looks like a black hole in your tooth, is an infection caused by bacteria in the mouth giving off acids that eat holes in the enamel of the teeth.

Who is at risk for cavities?
1. People with lowered immune systems.
2. People with weak tooth enamel. This is why it’s important to get regular doses of fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel, from your drinking water, toothpaste, or other sources.
3. People with poor dental hygiene. Those who don’t floss and brush regularly are more likely to get cavities. Studies show that flossing regularly is more important than brushing regularly – but you must do both! Visit your dentist at least once every six months for a teeth cleaning.
4. People with poor diets. To form a cavity, the bacteria have to have food to survive on. So people who eat a lot of sugars and acids and leave them on their teeth can get cavities quickly. So watch your diet and limit those carbonated sports and energy drinks, soft drinks, and sugary foods.
5. People who are on certain medications. Medications that dry out your mouth can contribute to cavities. These include certain anti-anxiety drugs, blood pressure drugs, heart drugs, and even over-the-counter allergy pills. Your saliva acts as a car wash for your teeth, bringing in white blood cells to disinfect your mouth, and when there isn’t much of it, you’re going to be more susceptible to tooth decay.

The reasons are often multifactorial because many of them are interdependent. For example, someone with a bad diet is more likely to have bad hygiene and weak tooth enamel.

What is the biggest factor that contributes to cavities?
Poor dental hygiene.

What do dentists prescribe to fight cavities?
For people who get a lot of cavities, I prescribe a gel-form fluoride treatment. We make custom fluoride trays for these patients and have put the gel on for about five minutes a day.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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