Composite bonding uses a tooth-colored resin, a durable plastic material, to repair and improve problem teeth. The treatment requires both precision and artistry on the part of the cosmetic dentist, who performs the procedure without the use of dental molds and impressions. Dentists apply the composite material directly to affected teeth and carefully shaped them by hand.

Although composite bonding has some limitations, it is a viable option for numerous dental problems. Dentists use the procedure to repair decayed, chipped or cracked teeth; improve discolored teeth; close gaps between teeth; change the length and shape of teeth; and more. Composite bonding is best suited for small cosmetic changes and temporary corrections, since bonding materials are not as strong or stain-resistant as other restorative procedures, like crowns and fillings.

Dental composites are made of tooth-colored, putty-like synthetic resins. The custom-blended material is applied directly to the tooth, sculpted into shape and hardened with a special ultraviolet curing light or laser. The bonding procedure is minimally invasive and usually requires only one visit to the dentist. Very little advance preparation is required, and the dentist can perform some procedures without anesthesia.

Dr. Stephen Hoard draws upon years of experience and artistic ability to provide his patients with pleasing, natural-looking results. He often combines composite bonding with other cosmetic procedures as part of a patient’s overall smile design.

Individuals who are good candidates for dental bridges will have two strong and healthy teeth in the mouth on each side of the area where teeth are missing. These teeth must have a strong root. People who have problems with their teeth that might require a procedure like a root canal in the future are not good candidates for dental bridges because the teeth could become infected or lose their strength and become damaged over time.

A person who does not have healthy teeth near the area to be bridged could be eligible for dental implants. Implants are artificial anchors that are set in the gums. Receiving implants can take many weeks or months depending on the person. Implants require healthy bones and gums and are permanent once placed in the mouth.

The process of receiving dental bridges starts with the dentist sculpting the existing teeth so that they can be fitted for crowns. This usually involves removing most of the outer tooth leaving only the core. A mold is made of the teeth and then sent to an outside laboratory where the bridge is made so that it fits exactly over the sculpted teeth. The artificial teeth are between the anchor crowns and can be exactingly adjusted for color and texture to match the surrounding teeth.

The final stage of receiving a dental bridge involves permanently bonding the crowns to the teeth. This is done with a special dental resin. The entire procedure requires two visits to the dentist. Temporary crowns might be placed in the mouth between visits while the dental bridge is being made to protect the teeth. Dental bridges can last for many years or decades with proper oral hygiene.

Oral cancer represents less than five percent of the total number of cancer cases in this country. However, the five-year survival rate for the disease is only around 50 percent. One reason for the lower survival rate is that oral cancer is often diagnosed later than the others, when treatment is more difficult and has a lower chance for success. One way to improve the survival rate is through early detection. The first line of defense in dealing with oral cancer can be the family dentist.

Oral cancer normally reveals itself with a small red spot or lesion that can be found anywhere in the mouth, including the tongue, the gum and the cheecks. The symptoms of the disease can include a sore that bleeds easily or does not heal, the formation of a lump or rough spot in the mouth, physical pain or a change of color in the area, or difficulty in chewing, swallowing or speaking. Oral cancer normally affects those over the age of 40. The risk for the disease is increased among those who smoke or chew tobacco or drink alcohol. Poorly fit dentures can also increase the risk, as can exposure to the human papilloma virus (HPV). Prolonged exposure to the sun can increase the chance of lip cancer. However, oral cancer can affect anyone, even those who may appear to be at low risk.

Regular dental check ups are important for many reasons, and one of these is the early detection of oral cancer. Dentists are trained to diagnose ailments of the mouth as well as the teeth and gums, and can detect oral cancer at an early stage so it can be treated and stopped. April is National Oral Cancer Awareness Month, but detecting oral cancer should be everyone’s concern all year round.

Dental implants also eliminate the need to remove healthy teeth, which can be painful and costly. Self-confidence is also closely related to the quality of our smiles. By restoring the smile with dental implants, the patient is left with not just the ability to properly eat, but also with a sense of confidence. Dental implants are comfortable, long lasting, and simple to care for; a great option for anyone seeking tooth restoration.

One of the common problems associated with neglected oral health care is gum disease. Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss for adults and is 100% avoidable. Early detection of gum disease is key to reversing the harsh effects caused by it. Without proper detection, gum disease will advance, making tooth loss imminent and the need for dentures a likely possibility.

Oral cancer is a silent killer and much more common than you think. Every hour of every day, someone in America succumbs to oral cancer. If caught early, oral cancer can be treated. Dentists screen patients for oral cancer during routine visits, by maintaining regular dental appointments; you are helping reduce the incidence of the deadly disease.

Proper and early treatment of cavities and gum disease has many more benefits than you think. Ignoring oral health issues can be detrimental to the overall health of the patient. Gum disease that is not treated can result in a slew of serious health conditions including cancer and heart disease.

The signs and symptoms of TMJ are expressed in many ways, including: Teeth grinding (bruxism) Chronic headaches or migraine headaches Pain, aches or tension in the face, neck, or shoulders Popping or clicking sounds in the jaw joints Tooth wear on molars Chronic earaches

Each patient with TMJ or bite problems experiences pain differently, and Dr. Hoard treats each patient as a unique individual. There is no single or one size fits all approach to TMJ therapy or bite correction. For many patients with TMJ, therapy may consist of wearing a mouth splint or night guard while sleeping each night. Other patients may benefit from orthodontic work to correct the bite and alignment of the teeth. In some cases, dental crowns or dental implants may help with changing bite patterns and the force of biting on certain teeth.

Fewer than 3 percent of patients with TMJ require surgical procedures. Dr. Hoard believes in taking a conservative approach to TMJ and bite correction. In patients with complex TMJ and bite concerns, Dr. Hoard works alongside periodontist Dr. Jeffrey Thomas and orthodontist Dr. Todd Rankin to form a comprehensive treatment plan for TMJ and bite correction.

TMJ disorders directly affect the quality of life. Bite correction and TMJ therapy provide relief from chronic pain and damage to the teeth. Our mission is to provide each one of our patients with care, understanding and the most effective treatment for their situation.

We combine individualized treatment plans, advanced dental technology and our years of experience to offer the highest quality of TMJ therapy and bite correction. If you are suffering from unexplained aches and pain in your head, jaws, neck and shoulders, do not hesitate to contact our office for a consultation.

The first thing many people notice about another is the smile. A bright, white smile suggests vibrancy, youth, and exuberance, but many people do not have the luxury of such a glowing grin. With cigarette, coffee, sodas, wine, and other teeth-staining foods consumed over a lifetime, a once-bright smile dulls, making the person appear older. Change that with a simple and effective in-office whitening procedure for the teeth conducted by a professional cosmetic dentist.

Cosmetic dentists are well-versed in helping their patients to get the smile they want. Whether the problem to correct is staining or overall discoloration, a cosmetic dentist can help to bring back the smile of youth. In-office whitening uses layers of thick bleaching gels to cover the teeth. A concentrated light may be applied to the teeth to hasten the action of the bleaching gel.

Opting for an in-office teeth whitening system produces better results than trays from over-the-counter whitening packages because those packages were not customized designed to fit every mouth. When a professional is in charge of whitening teeth in the comfort of the dentist’s office, the results are more immediate and sensitive gums and teeth are less pained by the procedure.

With an in-office whitening procedure, a patient may walk in for an appointment at the lunch hour, and be home in time for dinner with a brighter, whiter smile. Patients are encouraged to discuss with their dentist the need for follow-up treatments of maintenance bleaching. Some patients may require such measures, depending on the level of discoloration before the procedure and the desired shade after whitening.

Patients who opt for in-office teeth whitening choose the procedure to quickly and safely whiten their teeth for an upcoming event. Others may have sensitive teeth and require the supervision of a dentist during the procedure to avoid severe pain that may be experienced by the harsh bleaches used by over-the-counter products. Those interested in in-office teeth whitening are encouraged to discuss the pros and cons with their cosmetic dentist to see if this is the right procedure for their teeth.

Dentures are used to replace sections of missing teeth. They can either be full sets of false upper and lower teeth or they can be partial sets when only a few teeth are being replaced. Typically dentures are made from materials such as bone, ivory and porcelain. Both full-sets and partial dentures are removable and are attached to the gums using a denture adhesive.

While dentures offer some benefit to those wearing them, there are some caveats associated with its use that are important to consider. Because dentures typically rest directly on the gum tissue, they can be a source of constant irritation and have been known to cause bleeding and sore gums. They can also inhibit chewing habits and speech, especially in the initial stages. In addition, dentures require a lot of maintenance and care to ensure proper oral hygiene and longevity of the dentures themselves. Conventional dentures can also sometimes contribute to bone loss in the area where teeth are missing.

Dental implants on the other hand offer a stronger and much more durable restorative option for those looking for teeth replacement. Unlike dentures which rest on the gums, dental implants are anchored directly into the jawbone. A dental implant consists of a titanium post that actually fuses over a period of time with living bone through a process called osseointegration. The titanium posts are then capped with very realistic looking porcelain crowns.

Because they are anchored into the jawbone, dental implants look and function like normal teeth. They are also able to withstand the same chewing forces that natural teeth can. Importantly, dental implants can help maintain the jaw line and prevent the bone shrinkage that usually accompanies tooth loss and gum disease. The crowns on top of the implants typically require only the same sort of care that normal teeth do.

Research has also shown that dental implant procedures have a very high rate of success. According to some estimates, the five-year success rate for dental implants involving the lower jaw stands at around 95% while upper jaw implants have a five-year success rate of around 90%.

Learn more about this wonderful cause.

http://www.ncdental.org/ncds/NCMOM.asp