Dental Analyzer

My older baby girl (25 months ) can't sleep unless she has her bottle of milk.lasr week I noticed dental caries in her lower incisors.I tried to let her drink milk from a cup.but she refused it.and having her 7 months baby brother having his bottle..I find it really hard not to give her the milk through a bottle…what can i do??

Just give her water. I had this problem with my son also. He was off his bottle around 13 months but he still wanted to take a cup of milk with him to bed. I did let him for a little bit then I stoped it beacuse I didn't want him to get the cavitys from the milk. Talk to her she is old enough to understand. give her a cup of milk before she goes to bed and let her take a water cup to bed with her that way if she needs a drink it is there. Tell her that bottles are for babys and she is a big girl now. You could also try trading something for her bottle. Maybe anew stuffed animal that she could sleep with. Good luck it may take a little time but better to get that milk bottle from her now. The older she gets the harder it will be to take it from her.

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Have you noticed all the teeth whitening products that are available today? A casual stroll down the aisles of your favorite pharmacy or superstore reveals shells filled with products promising a whiter, sexier smile. Almost everyone would love to have whiter teeth. If you struggle with stains and discoloration, you may find it difficult to smile. A bright, Hollywood smile is considered by many to be more youthful and attractive. Because whiter teeth are in such high demand, there seems to be a new teeth whitening product released every day. But are they really effective? Can you achieve good results on your own at home, or do you need to go for professional teeth whitening?

At first glance, over-the-counter and professional teeth whiteners may seem very similar. They both come with a tray that fits over your teeth. The tray is filled with tooth whitening gel and placed on your teeth for a short period of time every day for a couple of weeks. With each treatment, stains are removed and your teeth get whiter. Teeth whitening gel usually contain some form of peroxide, which penetrates your tooth enamel and removes stains through the process of oxidation.

Even though they look very much the same, there are actually several differences between tooth whitening products you can buy locally and professional teeth whitening treatments performed by your dentist. First of all, the teeth whitening gel used in most over-the-counter kits has a much lower strength than professional tooth whitener. Since over-the-counter preparations are used without supervision, there was concern that the higher concentrations used in professional tooth whitener might not be safe. The higher concentration of peroxide means that professional teeth whitening treatments will achieve more dramatic results.

When you purchase an over-the-counter tooth whitening kit, the trays that are included usually come in a one-size-fits-all design. As you know, one-size-fits-all usually means that one-size-fits-none-perfectly. Since there won’t be an exact fit to your teeth, there may not be optimal contact between your teeth and teeth whitening gel. There’s also a chance that the tray may irritate your gums or other parts of your mouth where the fit isn’t perfect. When you get professional teeth whitening, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and create a tray specifically for you. This custom fit ensures better contact between the gel and your teeth and reduces the chance of gum irritation.

A professional teeth whitening process will probably also include some kind of extra protective measures to protect your gums from the oxidizing action of the peroxide gel. With over-the-counter products, there is no extra protection for your gums provided.

When you go to your dentist for professional teeth whitening, the entire process is supervised. Your dentist will start by determining the reason behind your stains and discoloration and to make sure that you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening. Certain kinds of stains may not respond well, even to professional tooth whitener. It would be better to know this before you spend money for teeth whitening products. If you’re dentist believes that whitening will work well for you, he can match the specific type of technique that you need for your specific situation. He will provide spot checks throughout the process, and will follow-up when the whitening is done to help keep your teeth as white as possible. With over-the-counter teeth whitening products, you’re pretty much on your own. If they don’t work, there’s really not much you can do about it.

By the way, you should realize that some people should not try tooth whitening of any kind. Tooth whitening is not recommended for anyone under the age of 16. Children are especially susceptible to nerve irritation and tooth sensitivity caused by teeth whitening products. Women who are pregnant and mothers who are nursing should avoid teeth whitening treatments. Obviously if you have allergies to peroxide you should avoid using any kind of peroxide gel.

Regardless of whether you use over-the-counter kits or visit your dentist for professional teeth whitening, try not to have unrealistic expectations. Experts recommend that your teeth should actually only be slightly whiter than the whites of your eyes. So don’t let Hollywood dictate how you think you should look. Find a look and a smile that’s right for you.

Jim McDonald
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/will-i-get-a-better-result-from-professional-teeth-whitening-services-166891.html

Employment of dentists is projected to grow about average for all occupations through 2014. Although employment growth will provide some job opportunities, most jobs will result from the need to replace the large number of dentists expected to retire. Job prospects should be good as new dentists take over established practices or start their own.

Demand for dental care should grow substantially through 2014. A large number of people will need complicated dental work, such as bridges. In addition, elderly people are more likely to retain their teeth than were their predecessors, so they will require much more care than in the past. The younger generation will continue to need preventive checkups despite treatments such as fluoridation of the water supply, which decreases the incidence of tooth decay. However, employment of dentists is not expected to grow as rapidly as the demand for dental services. As their practices expand, dentists are likely to hire more dental hygienists and dental assistants to handle routine services.

Dentists will increasingly provide care and instruction aimed at preventing the loss of teeth, rather than simply providing treatments such as fillings. Improvements in dental technology also will allow dentists to offer more effective and less painful treatment to their patients.

Dentists diagnose, prevent, and treat problems with teeth or mouth tissue. They remove decay, fill cavities, examine x rays, place protective plastic sealants on children’s teeth, straighten teeth, and repair fractured teeth. They also perform corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases. Dentists extract teeth and make models and measurements for dentures to replace missing teeth. They provide instruction on diet, brushing, flossing, the use of fluorides, and other aspects of dental care. They also administer anesthetics and write prescriptions for antibiotics and other medications.

Dentists use a variety of equipment, including x-ray machines; drills; and instruments such as mouth mirrors, probes, forceps, brushes, and scalpels. They wear masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases.

Dentists in private practice oversee a variety of administrative tasks, including bookkeeping and buying equipment and supplies. They may employ and supervise dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental laboratory technicians, and receptionists.

Most dentists are general practitioners, handling a variety of dental needs. Other dentists practice in any of nine specialty areas. Orthodontists, the largest group of specialists, straighten teeth by applying pressure to the teeth with braces or retainers.

The next largest group, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, operates on the mouth and jaws. The remainder may specialize as pediatric dentists (focusing on dentistry for children); periodontists (treating gums and bone supporting the teeth); prosthodontists (replacing missing teeth with permanent fixtures, such as crowns and bridges, or with removable fixtures such as dentures); endodontists (performing root canal therapy); public health dentists (promoting good dental health and preventing dental diseases within the community); oral pathologists (studying oral diseases); or oral and maxillofacial radiologists (diagnosing diseases in the head and neck through the use of imaging technologies).

Dental hygienists remove soft and hard deposits from teeth, teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene, and provide other preventive dental care.

Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. They make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain their dental records.

When patients require a special appliance to chew and speak well, their health care providers send requests to dental laboratory technicians.

After fabrication, medical appliance technicians test devices for proper alignment, movement, and stability using meters and alignment fixtures. They also may fit the appliance on the patient and adjust them as necessary. Over time the appliance will wear down, so technicians must repair and maintain the device.

Most dentists work 4 or 5 days a week. Some work evenings and weekends to meet their patients’ needs. Most full-time dentists work between 35 and 40 hours a week, but others work more. Initially, dentists may work more hours as they establish their practice. Experienced dentists often work fewer hours. Many continue in part-time practice well beyond the usual retirement age.

Most dentists are solo practitioners, meaning that they own their own businesses and work alone or with a small staff. Some dentists have partners, and a few work for other dentists as associate dentists.

Dentistry requires diagnostic ability and manual skills. Dentists should have good visual memory, excellent judgment regarding space and shape, a high degree of manual dexterity, and scientific ability. Good business sense, self-discipline, and good communication skills are helpful for success in private practice. High school and college students who want to become dentists should take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, health, and mathematics.

Dental schools require a minimum of 2 years of college-level predental education, regardless of the major chosen. However, most dental students have at least a bachelor’s degree. Predental education emphasizes coursework in science, and many applicants to dental school major in a science such as biology or chemistry, while other applicants major in another subject and take many science courses as well. A few applicants are accepted to dental school after 2 or 3 years of college and complete their bachelor’s degree while attending dental school.

All dental schools require applicants to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). When selecting students, schools consider scores earned on the DAT, applicants’ grade point averages, and information gathered through recommendations and interviews.

Dental school usually lasts 4 academic years. Studies begin with classroom instruction and laboratory work in basic sciences, including anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry, and physiology. Beginning courses in clinical sciences, including laboratory techniques, also are provided at this time. During the last 2 years, students treat patients, usually in dental clinics, under the supervision of licensed dentists. Some dental school graduates work for established dentists as associates for 1 to 2 years to gain experience and save money to equip an office of their own. Most dental school graduates, however, purchase an established practice or open a new one immediately after graduation.

Josh Stone
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/the-future-of-dentist-choosing-a-dental-career-91184.html

Teeth play an important role in our life and so it needs some special care. Dentist New York are the professionals who are always available to you solve out the dental problems. They are the expert who can solve all your dental problems easily. Some of us are in fact blessed with natural teeth but some people suffer from the dental problem due to carelessness or also due to old age. If you really do not take care of your teeth then complicated conditions are obvious to arise.

Today people are very health conscious and so they want a beautiful and healthy smile. It brings confidence and self esteem in them. There are various types of dental problems. To find out the exact remedy of your dental problem the dentist is one who can help you out. Many technologically advanced equipments are used by the dentist to find out the dental defect. Several tests are undertaken by the dentist to find out the root cause of your dental problem. After all the tests, the dentist will prescribe you about the treatments that will do to your teeth.

If you are staying in New York, then you can find many good and experienced dentists. The dentists New York are highly experienced to carry out any kind of dentistry process to sort out your teeth problems. One must be habitual about having healthy dental habits since childhood so that he would not have to face dental defects in future. Itâ??s good habit of you if you take care of your teeth. This habit will definitely help you keep your teeth healthy for a longer period of time and hence you will have to fewer visits to the dentist.

You can find several dentists in your city, but if you want to undergo the best treatment, you will surely have to find out the best dentist operating in your locality. Talking with people who have undergone any kind of dentistry procedure, either cosmetic or restorative is a good way of setting yourself to find out a good dentist in your area. These people have undergone the treatment procedure and are in the best position to guide you towards finding out the best dentist.

You can find numerous dentists in your city, but if you want to get the best treatment then you will have to find out the best dentist professional. To find out the best dentist in your locality, you can also consult those people who have undertaken these services. Further, you can also find them on internet, newspaper, yellow pages etc. Finding about the dentist on the World Wide Web is the easiest means. You will literally find many addresses of the dentist on the internet and then you can sort out the dentist you are looking for.

Teeth can have many defects like being crooked, uneven or have yellowish strains. There has been many advancement in the dentistry world to solve out all the dental defects. Every dental defect has the treatment for it. If you have yellowish stains on your teeth then the dentist will apply teeth whitening treatment on you. The dentistry consists of large number of procedure to remove dental defect, from whitening your teeth to repairing, straitening and even replacing teeth.

Some of the procedures to remove stains from teeth are whitening strips, toothpastes, and gel kits, brush on whitening, dental office whitening etc. In brush on whitening method a form of peroxide is used to bleach the teeth and remove the stains and marks.

Erzana Jones
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/dentist-new-york-can-solve-your-dental-ailments-137922.html

Propolis is the most natural antibiotic man has ever discovered. The remarkable thing about this statement is the fact that this discovery took place some 2000 years ago. A lot of people probably haven’t even heard about Propolis, and yet, ancient herbal books prescribed Propolis for numerous complaints. The anti-bacterial qualities of this medicine have been known since the beginning of written history.

Bee Propolis is a blend of resinous sap from trees, beeswax, and enzymes which after chewed by the honeybee, and with the addition of saliva, other substances are formed thus making up the finished product. It contains at least 150 different substances that interact in perfect harmony with each other. Propolis is of vital importance for the survival of the bees. Not only does it protect them against diseases, but also against climatic changes, such as wind and cold. Beehives are one of the most sterile environments known, and this is attributed to the extraordinary properties of bee propolis.

The use of Propolis in popular medicine goes back all the way to ancient times. Egyptians, Greeks and Romans reported the use of Propolis for its general healing qualities, but especially for the cure of skin abscesses and the treatment of mouth and throat infections, as well as caries. However, it has only been in the last twenty years that scientists have been able to prove that Propolis is as active and important as our ancestors thought.

Propolis is now considered an important part of dietetics and a natural cure by the World Health Organization. Its popularity is ever increasing, due to its many possibilities. The concentrations of bioflavonoids seem to be responsible for the great antibiotic effects of Propolis. Bioflavonoids possess many potent curative effects. Forty-one of these substances have been recognized by science.

Bioflavonoids are not only antibacterial substances, they are especially highly active for the treatment of cold and flu and certain breathing problems caused by congestion. Propolis, by nature, gives us a most powerful and versatile complement to supplement our food intake. All over the world, physicians have been astonished by the power of Propolis, since this strengthens the immune system and causes a positive effect on inflammatory illnesses. Particular ailments caused by inflammations of frontal sinus, bronchi, intestine, bladder, eyes and stomach, can be reached through the effectiveness of Propolis.

Nowadays one is limited when choosing a cold and flu medicine as many products have been banned from the market as they contained banned and doping substances such as ephedrine, pseudo ephedrine and codeine. However there are now natural products containing phyto-extracts that give good therapeutic results without causing side-effects (if taken at the recommended dose) or interactions with other medications.

A new leading product on the market is the Altacura range by ALTA CARE Laboratoires Paris. These cold and flu fighters are 100% natural with the main active ingredient being in actual fact Propolis!
To hit the influenza before it hits you, Altacura Sublingual Tablets are just what you need this season. These are to be taken as soon as the first symptoms appear, and in this way one can strengthen the body defence for the oncoming influenza in time. Altacura Sublingual Tablets give rapid onset of action which is important since time is an important factor when fighting cold and flu. Apart from the 50mg of Propolis, these sublingual tablets include vitamin C and also Zinc which is a mineral known for its defence properties and which helps to strengthen the immune system. 

Altacura Syrup is ideal for those already suffering from common cold (influenza) symptoms such as cough, fever, body aches, sore throat or running nose. It is surely a perfect supplement for children who have problems in swallowing. However this syrup could also be used as a prophylaxis for people vulnerable to catching a cold, such as teachers, health care workers or children. To shorten oneâ??s recovery time, Altacura is not only Propolis & Honey based, but also contains a good dose of non-acidic Vitamin C, Thyme -  which is a natural cough suppressant - and Peppermint oil to improve nasal flow due to its natural anti-inflammatory/ anti-bacterial properties.

I guess I have given a good indication of what will work best for you to fight all these common viruses we are constantly exposed to. Keep in mind that the natural remedy Propolis will give you the opportunity to remain on top of this cold and flu season!

www.altacare.com

 

Ivan S. Pullicino B.Pharm. (Hons.) M.Sc.
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/altacura-the-most-natural-antibiotic-ever-435606.html

Bad breath starts as a minor problem that supplies good subject matter to your acquaintances to gossip about you behind your back. But soon it turns out to be a serious threat to your social reputation to the point of isolation causing much frustration for you. But don’t despair; right mouthwash can help you to eliminate the problem for once and for all. Only you have to be particular in your selection of the mouthwash.

Why should you be cautious about the selection of your mouthwash? The simple reason is: a bad mouthwash does more harm than good for your oral health. Yes, it gives you an instant gratification; it helps you feel fresh and clean inside your mouth, but the faulty ingredients may affect your dental health in the long term. They may even lead to such condition, where your mouth becomes the breeding ground for microorganisms and the bad breath returns once again. To put it in a nutshell, a bad mouthwash only helps you to hide the bad breath for some time on a temporary basis without addressing the root cause of the bad breath.

On the other hand, a good mouthwash will give you the desired freshness, plus it will help you to eliminate the problem of bad breath for ever. A good mouthwash will provide you simultaneous protection against oral diseases like gingivitis and will prevent the plaque build up.

Let’s check, the common ingredients contained by the commercial mouthwashes. Some of them are safe and some of them not; your choice should be guided by this information.

First of all, the mouthwashes most commonly use such flavoring agents as Eucalyptol, Thymol, Menthol and Methyl Salicylate. All these agents are used to mainly improve the smell of the cigarette and they cause you no harm.

Then the ingredients such as Cetylpyridinium Chloride and Chlorhexidine Gluconate fight against plaque build ups and gingivitis. However, you have to wait half an hour before you gargle with Chlorhexidine Gluconate containing mouthwash, if you have already used another dental product. Various antiseptic agents like Benzalkonium Chloride are also added to most of the commercial mouthwashes to make them strong.

Now all these above mentioned ingredients are more or less safe with their restricted application into the mouthwash. But the ingredient that may prove to be really harmful is the alcohol; alcohol is by nature a drying agent that dries up your mouth tissues and leads to the generation of anaerobic bacteria responsible for creating bad breath.

So you can see, if you use mouthwash with wrong ingredients, you are taken to the same point where you have started; you used them for getting rid of the bad breath, but you are still living with them, some of them making you even breathe worse. Because these bad mouthwashes mask your breath, they do not kill the germs causing bad breath.

So you need the help of the proper mouthwash and an oxygenating mouthwash can be the ideal solution for your problem. An Oxygen rich oral rinse will drive out the sulfur compounds generated by anaerobic bacteria and obstruct their further regeneration. Thus try and find out a good oxygenating mouthwash to deal most effectively against bad breath.

anonymous
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/deal-with-bad-breath-choose-the-mouthwash-carefully-83925.html

We know that a smile costs nothing but buys everything. Everybody wants whiter teeth and a more beautiful smile. A smile is a natural gift and one should take an extra care for it. If you have a sweet smile then it certainly reflects your healthy lifestyle. You tend to smile more often due to your perfect shining teeth and also because of your high level of confidence .You spend lots of money to get your teeth whitened. Teeth whitening method is used to regain the whiteness of the teeth. These methods are very popular now a days because the procedure is very simple and successful and it also boosts your confidence level. As a result, you will get healthy and white teeth. All of us want perfection in our appearance and outlook and so the tooth plays a vital role.

Teeth whitening are a particular treatment that has been developed to remove yellowish stains and enhance the original color of the teeth. It is very embarrassing to see a person smiling with yellow stained teeth .You may also feel discomforted while smiling to a person who has stained yellow tooth. Dental defects are not hazardous but it needs to be treated at right time so that it can be given proper treatment. You just have to visit the dentist at the right time for the treatment. Generally, discoloration of teeth is found among various aged persons. The main reason behind discoloration can also be due to intake of caffeine products such as coffee, drugs, tea and cola. You should consider a highly experienced and qualified dentist to handle your case, so that you can get a hassle free treatment.

There are various methods of teeth whitening that help you to get the perfect smile. Gels and toothpastes are meant to get the desired perfect whitening of your teeth. These toothpastes have to be applied at every portion of your teeth for some duration till you get the desired color. The process can take longer time also as you may have to apply the whitening toothpastes and gels continuously for few months. You must consult the dentist before using teeth whitening toothpastes and gels, also make sure that the toothpastes should be approved by American Dental Association. The products approved by ADA give confidence about the quality of the product.

Following the teeth whitening bleach treatment under the guidance of a dentist helps you to get rid off the problems of your teeth. The bleach used to get a perfect white teeth has certain amount of peroxide in it. These peroxide components play a very important role in teeth whitening procedure. The amount of peroxide used in the treatment depends on the level of stains on your teeth that has to be whitened. Many dentists use higher amounts of peroxide to give faster whitening to your teeth while others use less amount of peroxide also depending on the fact that on how much your teeth requires .It is sure that you cannot eat or chew properly without a healthy teeth so you must do all possible things to get rid off. Another perfect teeth whitening procedure is the in-house bleaching treatment that involves the use of plastic tray .Bleach is put into the tray and then the tray is fit into the mouth. You need to wear it for some months depending on the amount of stain in your teeth.

Brad Taylor
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/perfect-teeth-whitening-can-make-your-teeth-even-more-brighter-130088.html

The “Hollywood Smile”

The “Hollywood Smile” is a media ideal dating back to the early 1900â??s. Teeth were in such disrepair that people would not smile for photographs. The only smiles seen were created in published media as cartoons. Artists depicted teeth as solid white areas with the upper and lower teeth separated by a curved line following the lower lip. The curved line created an image of the front teeth being the longest and every tooth gets shorter all the way to the corners of the mouth.

Today, the “Hollywood Smile” is an improved media ideal. The lips are filled with very white teeth that block out darkness in the back of the mouth. Incising edges of top teeth follow the line of the lower lip coming within a millimeter of contact. Two front teeth are most prominent with adjacent teeth appearing sequentially smaller from the front teeth to the corners of the mouth creating perspective. Ideally, each tooth looks one sixteenth smaller than the adjacent tooth in front of it. There is symmetry of tooth color, shape and position right side to left side of the midline.

A masculine smile has square teeth. Incising edges of top teeth follows a straighter line. A feminine smile has rounded teeth. Incising edges of top teeth follows the lower lip line closer creating more curvature.

The Natural Smile

Natural smiles are seen everyday. Teeth fill the space between the lips and block out darkness in the back of the mouth. They are shades that blend with skin tones. Incising edges of top teeth follow the line of the lower lip, however, the two lateral incisors adjacent to the front teeth are shorter. The eyeteeth appear longer. Two front teeth are most prominent with adjacent teeth appearing sequentially smaller from the front teeth to the corners of the mouth creating perspective. Ideally, each tooth looks one sixteenth smaller than the adjacent tooth in front of it. There is symmetry of tooth color, shape and position right side to left side of the midline, however variation creates a natural appearance. Development and aging of teeth alters these relationships.

Natural smiles often have rotated, tilted, crowded, or spaced teeth. There is wear of outer and biting surfaces, gum recession and root exposure, chips, cracks or cavities. The four front incisors are the same color, the eyeteeth darker and the bicuspids and molars slightly lighter. Each tooth has great color variation over its surface. Teeth have a relatively translucent enamel shell with yellow dentin under it. As enamel thins and shows through yellow dentin, the tooth looks more yellow as occurs in the third of the tooth closest to the gums. Areas where dentin is not behind enamel as occurs between teeth and along the biting edge, appear dark gray because the translucent enamel allows darkness of the back of the mouth to show through.

The back of the mouth is a dark space as no light enters. Incorrect tooth position, tooth loss, malformed teeth, and loss of tooth structure from trauma or cavities create spaces that show the darkness of the back of the mouth.

Perception Esthetics

Perception esthetics recognizes that various smile designs and tooth defects are used to produce natural-looking smiles, and that a dentist’s perception of a patient results in a final smile design that fits the individual. Defining patient esthetic values and appreciation levels is essential to patient satisfaction.Without proper assessment, final smile design becomes the artistic interpretation of the dentist, which may or may not be acceptable to the patient. A dentist who does not understand perception esthetics produces the same smile for every patient, within the bounds of physical or financial limitations. The perfect smile, based on the â??Golden Ruleâ? of esthetic dentistry can be ideal for a 20-year-old patient but not ideal for an older patient. Table 1 lists the types of imperfections that need to be evaluated to ensure patient satisfaction.

Restoration goals must be balanced with limitations of ideals and limitations of treatment. Limitations of ideals include general traits (cultural, physical, and personality limitations), detailed inspection, and visual perception. Limitations of treatment include patient and dentist limitations. Patient limitations include physical, psychological, and financial limitations. Dentist limitations include artistic, perceptive, and technical ability (i.e., material and laboratory limitations).”

Tooth and Smile Defects

Tooth defects that affect smile esthetics include color, shape and position. Correctionsof unacceptable defects improve smiles. Inclusion of acceptable defects creates a natural smile. Aesthetics is an art and consequently, beauty is a personal preference and defining a patientâ??s preferences is critical.

Treatment

Treatment goals must be realistic based on limitations of ideals and limitations of treatment. Perception Aesthetics is a concept I published in the Journal of Esthetic Dentistry in the 1990â??s. Perception Aesthetics review all factors that define realistic expectations for treatment goals.

Aesthetic Recontouring

Aesthetic recontouring is the process of selectively remodeling teeth to affect their shape, position, length, and contours. Youthful, feminine smiles are typically characterized by rounded edges. In a more masculine smile or one characteristic of an older individual, flat worn surfaces are more prominent. Significant generalized changes are possible when treating front teeth visible in the patient’s smile. Ideally, recontouring is confined to enamel and results in teeth of proper proportion. Significant changes are possible when treating front teeth visible in the patient’s smile.

Teeth Whitening

Bleaching lightens teeth by removing stain caught in microscopic holes within enamel. The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents iscarbamide peroxide, also known as urea peroxide; when water contacts this white crystal, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth. Bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth bleaching if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond better to lightening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline are lightened, but results are not as dramatic. Every case is different. Typically, there is a multiple-shade improvement as seen on a dentist’s shade guide. If you have very sensitive teeth, or teeth with worn enamel, your dentist may discourage bleaching. Existing restorations such as crowns and fillings do not change color.

The dentist or hygienist will make impressions of your teeth to fabricate a bleaching appliance for you. The appliance is custom made for your mouth. Along with the appliance, you’ll receive the bleaching materials and you’ll be given instructions on how to wear the appliance. Some bleaching systems recommend bleaching your teeth from one to four hours a day. Generally this type of system requires three to six weeks to complete. Other systems recommend bleaching at night while you sleep. This type of system usually requires only 10-14 days to complete.

Lightness should last from one to five years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea. At this point you may choose to get a touch up. This procedure may not be as costly because you can probably still use the same appliance.

The retreatment time also is much shorter than the original treatment time. Several studies, during the past ten years, have proven bleaching to be safe and effective. The American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval to some tooth bleaching products. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.

Composite Fillings - Front Teeth

A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass. Composites are not only used to restore decayed areas, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.

In order to bond a filling material to your tooth, it is first necessary to remove decay, prepare the tooth and then to condition the enamel and dentin. Once conditioned, a thin resin is applied which bonds to the etched surface. The bond strength of these fillings is incredible.

Following preparation, the dentist places the composite in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth. The dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear. Bonding increases the strength of these restorations far beyond those of only a short time ago.

Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes. After receiving a composite, a patient may experience post-operative sensitivity.Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if the patient drinks tea, coffee or other staining foods. The dentist can put a clear plastic coating over the composite to prevent the color from changing if a patient is particularly concerned about tooth color.

Composites tend to wear out in larger cavities, although they hold up well in small cavities. After placement, you may chew right away. The light instantly hardens these fillings. Your teeth may experience some degree of temperature sensitivity for a few days to a week. If it does not disappear within that period of time, contact your dentist.

These light cured composites are extremely cosmetic and most often bonded into place in one appointment. They are often referred to as â??bonding.â? Studies have shown that composites last 7-10 years.

In the past, teeth were most commonly repaired with silicate or acrylic restorations. Thanks to advances in modern dental materials and techniques, teeth can be restored with a more aesthetic and natural appearance. There are different types of cosmetic fillings currently available. The type used will depend on the location of the tooth and the amount of tooth structure that needs to be repaired.

White Composites - Back Teeth

A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass. In the past, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth.

Following preparation, the dentist places the composite in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth. The dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear. It takes the dentist about 10-20 minutes longer to place a composite than a silver filling. Placement time depends on the size and location of the cavity and the larger the size, the longer it will take.

The average cost of posterior composites is about one-and-a-half to two times the price of a silver filling. Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of the composite up to the price of a silver filling, with the patient paying the difference. As composites continue to improve, insurance companies are more likely to increase their coverage of composites.

Esthetics are one of the main advantages, since dentists can blend shades to create a color nearly identical to that of the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage, minimize leakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes.

After receiving a composite, a patient may experience post-operative sensitivity. Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if the patient drinks tea, coffee or other staining foods. Composites tend to wear out sooner than silver fillings in larger cavities, although they hold up as well in small cavities. Studies have shown that composites last 7-10 years, which is comparable to silver fillings except in very large restorations, where silver fillings last longer than composites.

In the past, teeth were most commonly repaired with amalgam (silver) fillings or gold restorations. Thanks to advances in modern dental materials and techniques, teeth can be restored with a more aesthetic and natural appearance. There are different types of cosmetic fillings currently available. The type used will depend on the location of the tooth and the amount of tooth structure that needs to be repaired.

The other type of â??white fillingsâ? are called Composite or Porcelain Inlays and Onlays. These fillings are usually placed in back teeth when esthetics is of utmost concern. In order to increase their strength and longevity, they are fabricated in the laboratory and then bonded into position in the office. This is a two visit procedure rather than the one visit required to place a direct composite filling. However, when it comes to strength and cosmetics, the extra time and expense is well worth it! I hope that you now understand a little bit more about white fillings.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to the front of teeth. They can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Porcelain veneers are placed to mask discolorations, to close spaces, to brighten teeth, to straighten teeth, and to repair broken tooth structure. Highly resistant to permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking, the wafer-thin porcelain veneers can achieve a tenacious bond to the tooth, resulting in an esthetically pleasing naturalness that is unsurpassed by other restorative options.

Porcelain veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns or fillings in many situations. They provide a conservative approach to changing a tooth’s color, size, shape or position. Porcelain veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline, by an injury, or as a result of a root canal procedure, and are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider porcelain veneers. Generally, veneers will last for many years, and the technique has shown remarkable longevity when properly performed.

Patients may need several appointments for the entire procedure including diagnosis and treatment planning, preparation, and bonding. It’s critical that you take an active role in the smile design. Spend time in the decision-making and planning of the smile. Understand the corrective limitations of the procedure to correct tooth defects, color or position.

The preparation appointment will take from one to several hours. To prepare the teeth for the porcelain veneers, the teeth are lightly reduced to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Usually, about a half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which may require a local anesthetic. At this appointment, a mold is taken of the teeth, which is sent to the laboratory for the fabrication of the veneers. This can take about one to three weeks. If the teeth are too unsightly a temporary veneer can be placed, at an additional cost.

Bonding of veneers will take about one or two hours. First, the dentist places the veneers with water or glycerine on the teeth to check their fit and get a sense of the shade or color.While the veneers are resting on your teeth, view the esthetic results, and pay particular attention to the color.At this point, the color of the veneers can still be adjusted with the shade of the cement to be used. The color cannot be altered after veneers are cemented. To apply the veneer, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. Once a special cement is sandwiched between the veneer and tooth, a visible light beam initiates the release of a catalyst to harden the cement.

All porcelain restorations are called veneers when they cover only the front of teeth. They are crowns when they cover all surfaces of teeth. Restorations are three quarter crowns when they do not cover the surface of teeth toward the tongue. It is often difficult to distinguish one type of restoration from another and therefore, it is easier to call them bonded porcelain restorations.

Crowns - Front and Back Teeth

Crowns are used to support a tooth when there isn’t enough of the tooth remaining, protect weak teeth from fracturing, restore fractured teeth, or cover badly shaped or discolored teeth. A crown is a restoration that covers a tooth like a thimble to restore it to its normal shape and size while improving strength and appearance of a tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is generally broken down and fillings won’t solve the problem. If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn’t get worse.

To prepare the tooth for a crown, it is reduced so the crown can fit over it. An impression of teeth and gums is made and sent to the lab for the crown fabrication. A temporary crown is fitted over the tooth until the permanent crown is made. On the next visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and cements the permanent crown onto the tooth.

Crowns require more tooth structure removal, hence, they cover more of the tooth than veneers. Crowns are customarily indicated for teeth that have sustained significant loss of structure. Crowns are made from various materials including plastics, porcelains and metals or combinations of these.

The dentist’s main goal is to create crowns that look like natural teeth. To achieve a certain look, a number of factors are considered, such as the color, bite, shape, and length of your natural teeth. When the procedure is complete, your teeth will not only be stronger, but they may be more attractive.

Crowns should last approximately 12 years. However, with good oral hygiene and supervision most crowns will last for a much longer period of time. Some damaging habits like grinding your teeth, chewing ice, or fingernail biting may cause this period of time to decrease significantly.

To prevent damaging or fracturing the crowns, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects. You also want to avoid teeth grinding. Besides visiting your dentist and brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth is vital with crowns. Floss is important to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. Plaque in that area can cause dental decay and gum disease.

Replacing Missing Teeth

Fixed Bridges and Implants

A fixed bridge replaces missing teeth. Teeth on either side of the space are prepared for crowns. Crowns are joined together so crowns on either side can support the missing teeth in the middle.

Implants, usually made of titanium metal similar to that used in pins to join fractured bones, are permanent replacements for missing teeth. Part of the implant acts as the root of a tooth and supports a section that extends above the gums. Replacement teeth may be permanently fixed to the sections above the gums, like fixed bridges, or can be removable similar to overdentures.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures replace missing teeth supported by gums and remaining teeth. Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored resin bases, which are connected by a metal framework. Removable partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with rests, guide planes and metal clasps. The metal clasps often shows when smiling. A denture helps you to properly chew food, improve speech and prevent a sagging face by providing support for lips and cheeks.A full denture is held in by suction so function is compromised.

An overdenture is a denture that uses precision dental attachments to hold the denture down. The overdenture attachment can be placed in tooth roots that have been saved, or placed onto dental implants that have been placed to receive them. When proper smile design principals are applied to dentures, they can look very natural. Indeed, most denture patients want more imperfections in their denture teeth so they look more natural.

Full Dentures

There is a substantial difference between full dentures and your own teeth since it is only suction which holds a full denture in place.

Dentures may move or come loose when the tongue, lips, cheeks and muscles push against it. Good impressions provide an accurate fit and seal around the edges. Retention and stabilization can be aided by the shape of bone and firmness of gums which make it more difficult to break the suction.

It is difficult to predict how a patient will adapt to dentures.A stable, retentive denture increases success, but people must adapt psychologically and learn techniques of functioning with a denture. Speech patterns must be relearned and chewing efficiency may be dramatically reduced. For these reasons, full dentures are the last resort of dentistry.

There are two alternatives to full dentures: overdentures and implants. Occasionally weak teeth can be used to stabilize dentures. Teeth reduced in height are much stronger because forces are closer to the gums reducing the force generated on their roots.

Overdentures are dentures which fit over weak teeth reduced in height after root canals. In addition, precision attachments can be placed in these teeth and dentures for added retention. Retaining roots will also help maintain bone height which might recede if roots were not there.

Dental Implants

Often, implants are preferred over fixed bridges because natural adjacent teeth are not damaged making their long term prognosis better. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is osteointegrated (bone joins to it) into your jaw. Permanent replacement teeth are joined to implants appearing and functioning like your own teeth. Often, implants are preferred over fixed bridges because natural adjacent teeth are not damaged making their long term prognosis better.

The modern day implant has been done for over forty years with great success. The jaw must have enough bone to place implants and a patient should be in good health. Diabetes, smoking, and other systemic diseases can limit implant success. Proper brushing, flossing and maintenance procedures are critical to maintaining gum and bone health that support implants.

If teeth are extracted, bone must fill the space where the tooth was prior to placing an implant. Healing can be six months or more before bone is dense enough to accept an implant. Placing the implant is a surgical procedure done with just local anesthesia.

Healing of bone into the implant requires three to six months and after the implant is exposed through the gums, restoration can take an additional three to eight weeks.

Since implants involve surgery and are more involved, they cost more than traditional bridge work. However, some dental procedures and portions of the restoration may be covered by dental and medical insurance policies. Your dentist can help you with this process.

Paul Chalifoux
http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/the-aesthetically-perfect-smile-122937.html

Most of us indefinitely postpone our scheduled visits to the dentist. In our subconscious mind there is a certain misgiving associated with approaching an oral healthcare specialist about any problems regarding our teeth unless it has aggravated to a major state. Maybe the reason behind it is that we are aware of having neglected our oral health causing dental problems like bleeding gums, toothaches, bad breath, discoloration and many more such problems. Most of would not like the dentist to remind us of our negligence and are also afraid of the treatment being painful. A dentist in New York could help to change the age old perception attached with the dentists.

A dentist New York may be the ideal solution you have been looking for to cure all your dental problems. The latest technologies and innovations in the field of dentistry have opened up a world of opportunities for corrective dental procedures. A dentist New York can offer solutions for every dental problem that your may be facing. It could be teeth whitening for discolored teeth, alignment with regular and invisalign braces for alignment problems, dental implants for broken or chipped teeth and so on and so forth. The biggest advantage of improving technology and advancements is that now no one needs to know if you have had a corrective treatment done for your dental problems. A dentist in New York or any other state can ensure even great results with devices such as invisible braces which are difficult to spot even at close quarters.

Todayâ??s lifestyle brings with it a lot of stress induced addictions such as smoking, drinking coffee and even chewing tobacco. A lot of people fall prey to dental problems due to these negative habits which need correctional treatment by a dentist in New York or any other state where they reside. Many of us also face dental problems and diseases without realizing the source of such a problem. It is now common knowledge that consuming excessively hot or cold edible items could lead to dental problems. However many children and even adults fail to consciously remember to inculcate this fact in their day to day food habits. A visit to the dentist has therefore become more of a lifestyle necessity. Regular and timely checkups by a competent dentist can ensure that your never have to face any severe dental problems causing not only physical pain and discomfort but also distorting your appearance.

Dental problems are not always a result of your negligence. It could occur due to some mishap like an accident where your teeth may be broken or chipped. A broken tooth can completely deform your appearance, making you completely withdrawn from any kind of social interaction. A dentist in New York can give the assurance of restoring your looks and with it, your confidence. A pleasing smile can brighten anyoneâ??s day even under most depressing circumstances. And a dentist in New York can guarantee that the pleasing smile belongs to you. A little awareness and oral healthcare can go a long way in ensuring a trouble free smile for your entire life.

Erzana Jones
http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/dentist-new-york-offers-the-best-solution-for-oral-healthcare-167032.html

In treating hypertension, the second qigong/chi kung practice I recommend: Increase your exposure to sunlight.

Sunlight regulates much of our bodily functions: sleeping patterns, moods, immune system, stress levels and resulting blood pressure.

What happens when there is not enough sunlight entering our eyes? The body becomes tired and lethargic. Growth in children is affected and our immune systems become compromised. It can even affect our mood swings.

For people living in the northern hemisphere, this can be a problem during long winter months when there are shorter daylight hours. Many people, especially women, may experience the â??winter blues,â? a condition stemming from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD for short), exhibiting symptoms of lethargy, drowsiness, irritability, food binges, loss of sexual drive, social withdrawal, mood swings, and depression.

The solution? Supplement natural sunlight with artificial emulated sunlight in the form of full spectrum lighting, (FSL). First introduced by fast motion photographer John Ott, full spectrum lighting, in effect, provides most of the benefits of sunlight without its harmful UV effects.

In his book Health & Light, Ott describes the many health benefits of sunlight and FSL, including:

• reduction or elimination of arthritic symptoms

• better concentration and reduced hyperactivity
• reduction or prevention of dental decay in schoolchildren
• elimination and prevention of migraines
• alleviation of pain and promotion of the body’s healing process
• reduced aggression in animals
• improved vision and better color perception
• improved productivity in the workplace
• light therapy for cancer patients
• treatment of SAD syndrome
• treatment for sleep disorders
• improved vitamin D synthesis in the body
• improved immune system, endurance and stress tolerance
• reduction of hypertension, respiration, lactic acid, blood sugar and heart rate

Ott’s observations have also been substantiated with other studies in North America: experimental schools with FSL have found symptoms of hyperactivity in ADHD children significantly educed, overall concentration and on-task performance significantly higher, and incidences of dental caries, as well as absences due to various illnesses significantly reduced.

Studies have also found where FSL is used in workplaces, the incidences of stress-related illnesses and illness-induced absences significantly reduced.

My personal experience with full spectrum lighting has also been very positive. Two years studying under the light enabled two students living with me to reduce their prescription lenses for nearsightedness. My qigong/chi kung students and other visitors noted the lights had a calming effect on them. Many of them informed me that unlike regular incandescent light bulbs or cool white fluorescents, these were not only brighter but “more comfortable” on their eyes.

There is ongoing debate whether the effects of FSL are largely psychological, but personally, I have also found them much easier on the eyes and find I’m able to concentrate better.

How does full spectrum lighting treat hypertension? It affects the hypothalamus center in the brain and the photo-sensitive pineal gland that produces the “hibernation hormone” melatonin for sleep. Increased light entering the eyes signals to the brain via optical nerves to decrease melatonin levels, increase oxygen intake and production of serotonin, the hormone responsible for mood elevation, and reduce production of stress hormones such as cortisol.

Full spectrum lighting alone will not cure your hypertension, but, in combination with other qigong/chi kung practices, can definitely help in reducing high blood pressure. Having said that, not all FSL is the same in quality: educate yourself and shop around.

There are two main kinds of full spectrum lighting: one in the form of a light bulb, the other as a fluorescent tube. Appearance aside, I prefer the fluorescent tube, as it has a higher quality of light â?? 10,000 LUX (candlepower), which also works out cheaper and lasts longer than your average light bulb.

If you are using FSL for reading, position it two feet overhead to shine in a 45 degree downward angle. Ideally, you should have two fluorescent tubes to get enough light intensity to equal that of a midday sun. Do not cover them with anything that will filter the light â?? your eyes must be directly exposed to the full spectrum in order to benefit from it.

Try it â?? sunlight and full spectrum lighting for hypertension and a host of other benefits.

H. Wei Williams
http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/seven-qigong-practices-for-hypertension-2-222770.html