Surprisingly, the likelihood of developing cavities is pretty similar as well. According to Daniel Klein D.D.S. who owns a family dental practice in New York, genetics can and do play an important role in your dental health. It’s not uncommon for some people who have excellent dental routines to get a lot of cavities, while others with a minimal hygiene regimen get few, he says.

Why does this happen? For the most part, says Klein, the factors that influence cavity formation are the composition of saliva and the biting surface of the teeth. Some people, who have a lot of bicarbonate in their saliva, can neutralize acids more effectively. And those who have deep grooves on the biting surface of their teeth are predisposed to get more cavities than people who have minimal grooves, or no grooves in their teeth at all. For the genetic pattern of grooves in your teeth, Klein says that using sealants can definitely help ward off cavities, because the material fills in the grooves where the cavities may form.

Whether your genetics leaves you prone to getting cavities or not, Klein says it is important to remember that cavities are only caused by three things:

• Bacterial acids which are found naturally in your mouth from being a warm, dark, moist area
• Food acids from the things that you consume on a daily basis
• Abrasions from trauma or brushing

You can easily minimize the acids in your mouth by brushing and flossing every day, he says. And it is also a wise idea to limit the amount of soda you drink, stay away from citrus products, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush every day. If you diligently follow these guidelines, then you can almost guarantee that you will be able to limit your susceptibility to future cavities, Klein adds.

It’s also a good idea to inform your dentist of your hygiene routine at home and your diet. Once he knows a little more about you dental health from a personal standpoint, and has examined your teeth thoroughly, he can determine if you are a good candidate for dental sealants. He can also give you advice on how you can tweak your daily routine and let you know if he feels you are a candidate for cavities in the near future.

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 Latest Equipment

Many dentists have moved towards using sandblasters, lasers and other devices in their offices on a  regular basis, explains Daniel Klein, D.D.S., who owns and operates a family dentistry office in Pittsford, New York. Soft lasers, he explains, have been innovative for trimming gums that are infected, for cosmetic purposes, and to aid in periodontal surgery. Sandblasters, or air abrasion units, on the other hand are used to roughen the tooth’s structure to aid in bonding procedures or when applying sealants.

Where Has The Hand Drill Gone?

Actually, the hand drill that has been used in dental procedures for decades hasn’t gone anywhere. Instead, it’s just gotten a bit of a face lift. The traditional hand piece, Klein explains, is an air-driven turbine that efficiently cuts with minimal friction and is cooled by water to prevent burns on the tooth’s structure during use.  Today though, it is not uncommon to go to a dentist who uses an electric drill instead, because they tend to be quieter and provide more torque.

Perhaps, since other equipment has been thrust into the spotlight, the drill has been overshadowed. But, even though the new technology has definitely improved dentistry, it has in no way replaced the dental drill, Klein insists. Despite all of the recent advances, he says, in almost every procedure that requires the rapid removal of old restorations or the preparation of tooth structure, this dental hand piece will be used. In his opinion, he says he sees no time in the foreseeable future where you will enter an office where the hand drill has become obsolete.

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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However, there are still options for those without the ability to purchase or obtain dental insurance. Daniel Klein D.D.S., who owns a New York family dental practice, uses one word to sum up his advice for making sure that you’re taken care of: prevention.

You need to make sure that your dental needs are minimal, he says. But, how do you accomplish this? By going to the dentist, of course, he insists. It’s proven that people who regularly visit the dentist have far fewer dental needs than individuals who only make an appointment when they have a problem. Essentially, this is because when you visit the dentist more often, problems are discovered earlier and are able to be rectified in the earliest stages, which not only eliminates pain and discomfort but also eliminates having an astronomical medical bill afterwards.

You may not know this, but if you get your teeth cleaned twice a year by your local dentist it can actually be less expensive than the premiums that are paid for dental insurance, says Klein. And, he adds, a lot of preventive measures can be worked in to your regular cleanings at the dentist and your daily routine at home to lower the chances of having problems with your gums and teeth. For example, professional fluoride treatments can be given at the dentist to strengthen your teeth’s enamel, and diligent use of toothpaste and dental floss both help minimize oral bacteria growth that contribute to tooth and gum disease.

Be aware of what you eat as well. Stay away from sugary and acidic products like soda and juices that attack your teeth. Or, if you do drink or eat something that could affect your oral health, make a conscious effort to brush your teeth directly afterwards.

Lastly, urges Klein, be aware that some habits often lead to dental trauma which may require expensive restoration procedures. Common sense dictates, he says, that teeth should only be used to chew your food and are not meant to be used as tools for actions like opening bottles, cutting string or cracking nuts.

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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Some dentists, such as Daniel Klein D.D.S., realize the need to give patients the care they need, and give it to them as fast as they want it. The solution for many dental offices has been through using CEREC restorations which not only enhance the smile, but can be done in less than three hours.

Why is CEREC faster?

CEREC restorations, explains Klein, are porcelain restorations that are produced using a CAD system, which entirely eliminates the need for your dentist to make impressions of your teeth, temporary teeth, and gets rid of added lab time.

How long has CEREC been used?

CEREC itself has been around since 1987, but the software has improved recently to make it user friendly and more accurate, he says. And, since the program is guaranteed to be precise, dentists are more comfortable using the device on a regular basis, and clients love the results as well.

What procedures can be done using CEREC?

Your dentist can use CEREC to complete crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers, all of which can be fabricated from milled porcelain that is then polished and cemented into your mouth, making it virtually impossible to detect a porcelain tooth from natural, surrounding teeth.

How long does an appointment take?

It used to be that you would have to visit your dentist for a preliminary visit to check the condition of your teeth and to create an impression of your mouth. Then, from that impression, a temporary tooth would be made while the final porcelain one was being constructed. With CEREC however, all that waiting and all those extra appointments are a thing of the past. The entire process will take no longer than two hours and is broken up into two parts, explains Klein:

• One to 1.5 hours of actual work being done on the mouth. This includes anesthesia, virtual impressions and the cementation procedure.
• Design, milling and polishing takes which takes roughly 30 minutes to complete.

Are there any side effects?

For a few days following your appointment, you may feel some slight discomfort in the area of your mouth where the procedure took place.

How long will it last?

Procedures completed with the assistance of CEREC have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years if taken care of properly. With frequent cleanings at home and regular trips to your dentist, keeping your restorations looking natural and strong shouldn’t be a problem at all.

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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Nothing is wrong with your child wanting to be independent and to start completing everyday jobs for herself, explains Daniel Klein D.D.S., who owns a family dental practice in New York. According to him, if your child can properly hold a toothbrush and rub her teeth with it, then she should be able to start brushing her teeth on her own. However, it will take a bit of work on your part.

What matters most, says Klein, is that his teeth are still being effectively cleaned so that plaque and food debris are removed. While most children understand that they need to brush their teeth, they haven’t grasped the concept that the tarter and plaque on their teeth have to be removed completely. Instead, they just go through the motions. So before you leave your child to brush on her own, try to explain to her that there is film on her teeth that the toothbrush helps take away and encourage her to move the brush all around her mouth for two to three minutes.

The best way to help your child achieve the ideal dental routine is to set an egg timer next to the sink for two to three minutes, says Klein, and give her a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste. Then, have her gently brush her teeth. He also recommends that if you have a child under the age of seven, you follow up her brushing with one to two minutes of brushing her teeth yourself to ensure that all buildup has been removed. Furthermore, starting around ages of two or three, it’s important that the teeth are flossed once a day as well, Klein adds.

In small children, it is also common for your child to ingest a lot of the toothpaste rather than actually brush her teeth with it. It’s important to discourage the swallowing of any toothpaste, says Klein, because if she swallows much fluoride over an extended period of time, it can lead to fluorosis, which affects the growth of permanent teeth.

Once a child reaches the age of seven or eight, then they are probably prepared and mature enough to handle the responsibility on their own. Still, you should continue to stress the importance of dental health and brushing and flossing in the morning and before bed at night. If you give the complete responsibility of brushing to a child at too young of an age without proper supervision, says Klein, then you are putting her at risk for developing cavities that will affect the her oral health for the rest of her life.

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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It doesn’t have to be this way though, says Daniel Klein D.D.S., who owns his own family dental practice in New York. Whether your child has heard stories of the dental chair and scary equipment from older siblings or classmates, you still have the opportunity to reassure him that everything is going to be okay and that going to the dentist isn’t scary at all.

Before the Appointment

First, suggests Klein, prior to going to the appointment, talk with your child about what he can expect from this first visit and ask him if he has any questions about what going to the dentist’s office is actually like. This is the perfect opportunity for you to disprove tales he has already heard. Explain to him that the dentist is actually a friend who will help make sure that his teeth are strong and healthy, he says.

Additionally, you should never tell your child that there will be any discomfort or pain during the appointment, Klein explains. Even if he asks you if it will hurt, tell him that he has nothing to worry about and that you will be there the entire time. And, this isn’t a lie, he says. Children have little tarter on their teeth, so their first few visits involve nothing more than a good brushing with an electric toothbrush to polish teeth and track dental health. In some cases, he adds, a fluoride treatment may be used to remove acids from the teeth to prevent cavities, but this doesn’t take long and isn’t painful at all.

At the Office

When you and your child arrive at the office, make a conscious effort to act excited. When your child sees that you are happy to be in the office, it will help calm the nerves from his anticipation. Klein also recommends that parents sit in the dental chair first, and then have your child sit in your lap. This way, he says, your child is in a protective embrace while the dentist or dental assistant performs the cleaning procedure.

Afterwards, make sure that you tell your child that you are proud of how brave he was and how well he did during the visit. Most dental offices, Klein adds, also have a reward system  so that when the appointment is over, your child can go over to the treasure box and pick out a prize for himself.

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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Have you ever cracked or broken a tooth? If so, you know that this kind of damage can be a major pain – literally! So how can your dentist repair a cracked or broken tooth? Allen Daniels, DDS, of Bright Dental in Bright, Indiana, knows a thing or two about repairing damaged teeth. Here Dr. Daniels discusses treatment options for cracked or broken teeth and talks about the advantages of each.

Whether due to decay or injury, cracking or breaking a tooth should be considered a dental emergency. Because cracked or broken teeth can become painful quickly, it’s important to see a dentist right away for treatment. Even if the damage seems minor initially, a cracked or broken tooth is at risk for sustaining further damage or decay. Depending on the severity of the damage to your tooth, your dentist will likely repair it in one of the following two ways — either dental bonding or crowns.

1. Dental Bonding

In the case of a minor crack or chip that does not affect the tooth’s root, it may be possible for your dentist to repair the damage using a special bonding technique. Dental bonding involves using a tooth-colored resin material to fill a crack, repair a chip or restore a tooth to its original shape.

The bonding process starts with selecting the right color of resin to match your teeth. Then your dentist will “roughen” the surface of the tooth and apply a special liquid to help the resin adhere. The resin, which is putty-like in texture, is then applied and molded into the desired shape. Once the resin has been shaped and smoothed, a special light is used (either a laser or an ultraviolet light) to harden the material. After the resin has hardened, your dentist will polish it until it matches the sheen of the surrounding teeth.

Dental bonding to repair cracks and chips is virtually painless and is therefore normally performed without anesthesia. Bonding normally takes 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete. In addition to repairing cracks and chips, dental bonding is also sometimes used in cosmetic procedures. Bonding can be used to close gaps between teeth, to make teeth appear longer, to correct misshapen teeth and to improve the appearance of severely discolored teeth. Bonding is relatively inexpensive compared to other treatment options.

2. Crowns

If you’ve experienced a more seriously cracked or broken tooth, your dentist will need to use a restoration to completely cover the tooth’s surface. Most likely, that restoration will be a crown (also called a cap).  A crown can relieve the pain of a damaged tooth, protect the tooth from further damage or decay, and restore your bite strength.

Most of the time, a crown will involve two trips to the dentist. At your first visit, your dentist will numb the area and prepare the tooth for the crown by removing the broken portion and any underlying decay. Then, an impression will be taken from which the permanent crown will be made. A temporary crown will be put into place until your next appointment. The crown itself may be made from either metal, porcelain or a composite material. Although many patients opt for tooth-colored crowns made of porcelain or composite, gold is actually the most biocompatible option. Once your crown has been custom-made from the impression of your prepared tooth, you will return to your dentist’s office. At this appointment, your temporary crown will be removed and the permanent one will be cemented into place.

Although no restoration is perfect, crowns are effective at repairing serious damage and preventing further damage from occurring. Today’s porcelain and composite crowns are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth, and all types of crowns are extremely strong.

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 Depression?

We all feel a bit depressed now and again, but there are recognized symptoms for people who are actually suffering from clinical depression. They include marked weight gain or weight loss, daily disinterest in activities and loss of energy, poor self-esteem and recurrent thoughts of death, among others. Read on to find out more.

Causes of Depression

There are many causes of depression, but the most common one is an attachment bond rupture, when the bond we had with our primary caregiver is ruptured and never fixed. The right kind of therapy can help repair the bond, and lift the depression.

Helping Someone Who is Depressed

When we have a close friend or a family member who is depressed, it is important that we let them know that we are there for them. Don’t, however, think that you will be able to “cure” them of their depression. That’s what therapy is for, as this article points out.

Children and Depression

Like adults, children can feel depressed. This often happens when they suffer an attachment bond rupture, meaning when they have an impaired relationship with their primary caregiver, who is usually their mother. Luckily, this can be repaired.

What is Postpartum Depression?

Some new mothers get depressed due to hormonal reasons, and some are depressed before they even got pregnant. Others feel depressed because they have been unable to successfully bond with their child, a problem that can be rectified.

What is Anxiety?

People who suffer from anxiety often suffer fear symptoms. In a nutshell, they are afraid of what is inside themselves, their strong emotions and impulses and they way they are manifested towards others.

Are Stress and Anxiety Symptoms the Same?

Stress and anxiety symptoms definitely overlap, but there is still an easily discernible difference between the two.  Stress can actually help us in our daily lives, at least a certain degree of healthy stress that propels us to move forward and do better…

Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack

There can be many symptoms of an anxiety attack, and it is important to differentiate them from normal anxiety we feel in certain situations that can actually be helpful. This article points out how to recognize what is healthy, and what is not.

What is an Anxiety Disorder?

If you have an anxiety disorder, you are not simply experiencing the normal anxiety one would feel before giving a speech to a large group of people, or running a big race or marathon. It is important to get help from the right therapist before your anxiety starts to take over your life.

Recovering from an Anxiety Disorder

The best way that an individual can begin to recover from an anxiety order is to be in therapy. Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy is often the best way to deal expressly with this, as this article points out.

What Are Attachment Bond Ruptures?

As babies, we more often than not form a bond with the person who is designated to be our primary caregiver, which usually is our mother. If this bond fails, we suffer what is called an “attachment bond rupture.” We then feel angry towards this person, which causes conflict in our lives unless it is resolved.

Why We Use Euphemisms

Often, people don’t want to openly express what is really inside them, so they use euphemisms instead. They cover their feelings and true emotions by using words that don’t express what they really mean. And that can be a defense to hide our true feelings.

Drug and Alcohol Misuse

Often people are used to misusing alcohol and drugs as a way to either numb the feelings they have, or not allow themselves to experience them in any way whatsoever. Unfortunately, this makes us miss out on all the wonderful core emotions we can feel when we have close, honest relationships with loved ones.

Why We Are Afraid to Show Anger

Sometimes people are afraid that if they really show the full extent of their anger, they will physically hurt someone. Others are simply afraid to let it all hang out. But getting angry – in the right way – is an important part of being emotionally healthy.

How We Feel Core Emotions

We have many core emotions, such as joy and guilt, and our bodies react in specific ways when we are feeling them. We need to allow ourselves the right to fully experience them to the best of our ability to live life to the fullest.

Embracing Sexual Feelings

Even young people have sexual feelings – of a sort. They are all part of what makes us human. As a parent, we should allow our children to discuss their feelings to help them to engage in more age-appropriate sexual behavior in future.

Honesty in Relationships

It is important to be as honest as possible in a relationship with our loved ones. But in order to do that we have to feel loved, protected and, above all, safe. We have to believe that we can say what we need to say without negative repercussions, or being scared of what may follow.

How to Be Happier

In families where the parents do not allow their children to truly show their happiness, that emotion can be stifled. It’s important for us to be happy, and to show how happy we are. It’s all part of being an emotionally healthy – and happy – individual.

What is Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy?

Learning how to discard your defenses and embrace your own feelings is the goal of this type of short-term therapy. It works for many people, as this article points out, although it is not for absolutely everyone.

What is the Punitive Superego?

Self-destructive behavior, no matter what kind it is, is more often than not a way we have to punish ourselves. Usually we participate in this behavior as a way to repress the anger and/or rage we feel towards certain people who have hurt us.

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 family dentist with a diverse background and wide range of skills, Dr. Allen Daniels, of Bright Dental in Bright, Indiana, is an expert in correcting misaligned teeth. Here he talks about some treatments for malocclusion and explains the advantages of each.

Malocclusion, or the misalignment of the teeth, is one of the most common complaints of dental patients. Affecting over 75% of Americans, malocclusion can contribute to speech problems, difficulty chewing and poor self-esteem when left untreated. Fortunately, in most cases, malocclusion can be easily corrected through orthodontics or cosmetic procedures. Here are a few options that are currently available to treat malocclusion.

Traditional Braces

For many people, the idea of having their teeth straightened conjures images of big, bulky metal braces. Although traditional braces are still used to treat malocclusion, they’ve improved substantially over the years. In the past, large metal bands were placed around each of the teeth. Wires were fastened to these bands and then progressively, in small increments over the course of months or years, tightened to encourage the teeth to move into proper alignment. These days, although the basic idea is the same, smaller brackets are used in place of metal bands. These brackets can be made of either metal or a clear composite material, and are cemented to the surface of the teeth. Compared to the old metal bands, metal or composite brackets are much more comfortable, less noticeable and easier to care for.

Braces can be used to treat nearly any kind of misalignment and are extremely effective. Following treatment with braces, a patient will be required to wear a retainer for some time in order to ensure that the teeth do not return to their previous positions.

Invisalign

A step up from braces, Invisalign has become a popular way to address malocclusion. In order to straighten the teeth, the Invisalign system uses a series of clear plastic, nearly invisible trays called “aligners.” These aligners are worn for about two weeks and then replaced by a new set. Each set is custom-made for the patient according to a personalized treatment plan designed to gently coax the teeth into their proper positions over time. These aligners are intended to be in place nearly all of the time. But, unlike braces, Invisalign aligners can be briefly removed so that the patient can brush and floss without interference. The aligners can also be removed for meals.

Although Invisalign is extremely effective at treating mild to moderate cases of malocclusion, it is not appropriate for every type of misalignment. In more extreme cases, traditional braces are a better treatment option. Invisalign is a particularly good option for adults who’ve previously worn braces but have experienced a relapse – an extremely common occurrence when someone neglects to wear his retainer for an adequate period of time after his braces are removed. In addition to being offered by orthodontists, Invisalign is becoming more widely available from general practitioners.

Dental Veneers

Adults with malocclusion may choose to forgo straightening altogether in favor of porcelain veneers. Veneers are an extremely effective way to correct nearly any cosmetic dental problem, from overcrowding to discoloration to severely misshapen teeth. Veneers work differently than other treatments for malocclusion in that they do not cause the teeth to move. Veneers are essentially custom-made porcelain or composite “shells” that cover the surfaces of the existing teeth in order to mask imperfections and create a natural-looking, perfectly spaced, properly aligned, bright white smile.

While other solutions for correcting malocclusion require a treatment course that is months or even years long, veneers are completed quickly – often in just a few visits – and the results are permanent. There is no need to wear a retainer or to undergo any long-term follow-up treatment. In addition to cosmetic benefits, veneers can also help protect teeth from future decay.

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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Robots, cloning and lasers? It may sound like science fiction, but Allen Daniels, DDS, says it’s the future of dentistry. Dr. Daniels, of Bright Dental in Bright, Indiana, has seen some big changes in cosmetic dentistry in his time. Fewer appointments, better results and improved techniques are making cosmetic dentistry a more accessible, affordable and desirable option for individuals who are dissatisfied with the looks of their teeth. So what’s next? Here Dr. Daniels talks about some of the newest developments in cosmetic dentistry and where he sees the industry going in the next few years.

Developments in cosmetic dentistry have made it easier than ever to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. And some of the newest techniques were, not too long ago, the kinds of things you’d see featured in science fiction movies. Here are just a few of the exciting ways technology is changing the face of cosmetic dentistry.

Robots

Robotic dentistry has long been the topic of discussion among industry insiders. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could perform dental procedures remotely? Unfortunately, robotics is difficult to bring into the dental setting. In medical practice, patients usually undergo general anesthesia for surgeries. For dental procedures, however, most patients are awake and alert, and can’t be relied upon to provide the kind of perfect stillness robotic surgery requires.

Now, however, thanks to a brand new kind of technology that uses robotics, dental practitioners can benefit from the precision and speed offered by robotics without putting patients at risk. This new technology is even enabling some dentists to offer single-visit crowns. In this procedure, the crown (or other restoration) is created through sophisticated digital imaging techniques, computer-aided design and the use of robotic arms. So, not only can the crown be produced quickly on site, it can also be created to a high level of precision so that it fits perfectly. This technique eliminates the need for impressions, temporary crowns and multiple visits. Instead, the permanent crown is cemented into place during the same visit at which the tooth is prepared.

This exciting technology is not widely available yet, but it’s definitely coming to a dentist’s office near you in the not-to-distant future.

Cloning

Although it hasn’t quite been perfected yet, scientists are working on a way to re-grow teeth that have been lost. This would create a much simpler and healthier alternative to dentures or dental implants. Similar to cloning, this process will likely involve “planting a seed,” created from the patient’s own DNA, in a tooth socket from which a new tooth will grow. So far, it’s been proven to be possible. All that’s left is to determine exactly how to achieve it in humans and how to make the procedure available to the masses.

Lasers

Lasers are already a valuable tool for dentists, particularly when it comes to sculpting a patient’s gums. Sometimes, when a patient’s teeth appear to be extremely small, a gum “lift” can help. In many of these cases, the teeth are not actually smaller than normal. Instead, the patient has an abundance of gum tissue that has grown over the surface of the teeth. Using a laser, the dentist can actually make the gums smaller so that the teeth take on their proper proportion.Thanks to the unique properties of lasers, this type of gum surgery can be performed with less pain, less bleeding and shorter healing times than are possible with other surgical methods. Laser gum surgery is also extremely precise and less invasive than other methods of reshaping the gums. Rather than just “slicing and dicing,” the dentist is actually able to coax the gums into assuming a better position. Because more and more dentists have begun working with lasers, gum reshaping is becoming more widely available and is no longer the exclusive domain of periodontal specialists.

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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