Cosmetic Dentistry 411

A “malocclusion” is the medical term for an overbite or underbite, which is when the top teeth overlap the bottom set (overbite) or the bottom teeth project over the top (underbite). Most individuals who experience either of these are usually recommended to undergo an orthodontic procedure in his/her teen years in order to prevent further malocclusion. Oftentimes, if left untreated, this can lead to migraines and/or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

The most common form of correction for an over or underbite is the application of braces, which have traditionally been made of metal brackets and wires. In addition to an unpleasant appearance, braces have been known to be painful and uncomfortable when adjustments are made. However, with the advancements in techniques and technology, patients now have the option of correcting malocclusion with clear, plastic trays – Invisalign ®. Custom-fitted to help the teeth gradually shift into a straighter, more pleasing appearance, these orthodontic trays are an increasingly popular option amongst patients. Invisalign trays are worn at all times for two weeks; they may be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. If you feel that Invisalign is right for you, be sure to visit a qualified dentist.

When searching for a Beverly Hills orthodontist, you can contact Kevin B. Sands, D.D.S. A well-known celebrity cosmetic dentist, Dr. Sands can help you achieve a “Hollywood smile” with the use of Invisalign. You may browse his website to learn more and schedule an appointment.

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If you have an over or underbite, then you know that some things like eating, smiling, and even talking can be difficult and/or bothersome. However, with the help of advancements in orthodontics, your malocclusion issues can be resolved with less pain and in a more aesthetically appealing manner.

An increasingly popular treatment for malocclusion is Invisalign ®, an alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign consists of a set of custom-fitted, clear, plastic trays that can be removed to eat, brush, and floss. Each set of trays is used for a two-week period until you have achieved your final results. Based on the severity of malocclusion, a straighter smile may be seen in as little as a few months. As the trays gradually adjust the teeth to a straighter position, the dental structure will align itself to a more proper bite and lessen difficulty eating; it can also help to  improve some speech impediments. In addition, treatment can help prevent tooth decay and loss, as well as provide overall better oral health.

The best way to determine the most appropriate treatment for malocclusion is by visiting your orthodontist. In Beverly Hills, Kevin B. Sands, D.D.S. can discuss your options and recommend the best orthodontic technique. A leading cosmetic dentist, Dr. Sands has the experience and training to provide you with a straighter smile.

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Today’s economic state has left many individuals searching for new employment as companies lay off their workers. Although these men and women may have the experience and skills to fulfill a certain job’s requirements, many feel that they may have a better chance at getting the job if they have a brighter smile. It is often said that first impressions are deal breakers during an interview, which may mean that a less than perfect smile could affect your likelihood of securing a second interview or the job itself.

In order to achieve a more beautiful smile, men and women alike often visit a qualified cosmetic dentist to learn of their options. The most common treatments include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, crowns, and dental implants. Based on the patient’s facial anatomy and desired outcome, the dentist can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. Kevin B. Sands, D.D.S. can help patients regain confidence in their smile with the use of cosmetic dentistry treatments. During an appointment, you and Dr. Sands can discuss your ideal outcome and perhaps begin your dental procedures at the same time.

If you would like to learn more regarding cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills or Dr. Sands, you may browse his website and schedule a consultation. He can provide further information on cosmetic dentistry procedures that fit your needs.

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In the past few years, there have been several companies who have had to downsize, letting go of many of their employees, due to the economy. Those individuals are then left searching for new employment, while competing with those in the workforce. Some of these newly unemployed men and women have not been on interviews for many years, which is why they often visit a cosmetic dentist prior to searching for a new job. Knowing that a first impression is important, job seekers want to rejuvenate their smile.

Some of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments that individuals opt to undergo include tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, tooth-colored fillings, and dental implants. By undergoing a dental makeover, men and women can regain a whiter, straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile. At the San Dimas practice of cosmetic dentist Mark R. Gadberry, D.D.S., patients may undergo these treatments, along with other family dentistry procedures. Routine check-ups, cleanings, and oral care are also available at Dr. Gadberry’s practice.

To learn more regarding the cosmetic and family dentistry treatments offered at Premier Esthetics in San Dimas, be sure to browse the website. You may also schedule an appointment with Dr. Gadberry to discuss your personalized smile makeover and achieve the smile your desire.

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American Idol is a show that pits aspiring musicians against one another in order to identify the next breakout star based on their vocal talents and showmanship. But anyone who watches the show religiously knows that the real hunt is for the rising star who most embodies the American ideals of authenticity, work ethic, and in many cases, overcoming of adversity. And these qualities are precisely what got Crystal Bowersox into the final rounds.

Although her musical chops were significant, her small town roots, her years struggling as a busker in Chicago and her relatable spirituality, and relationship woes (she broke up with her longtime boyfriend just hours before the final performance) made her a fan favorite during the ninth season of American Idol.

But just before embarking on her nationwide American Idols Live! Tour, she made a controversial reveal. Bowersox, who previously commanded a certain unpretentious, au natural appeal with her earthy dreadlocks and conspicuously gap-toothed smile, had apparently visited a cosmetic dentist. San Diego’s CBS 8 ran the TV Guide story that showed a picture featuring the 24-year old singer/songwriter with a pearly white row of gorgeous, perfectly aligned teeth.

Bowersox’s decision to invest in cosmetic work initially touched off some knee jerk backlash from her fan base. Some fans lamented the loss of her distinctive gap while others accused her of succumbing to vanity in the face of blinding stardom. But there’s more to the story than appearances.

Just prior to the final round of voting, Bowersox disclosed that she had been a longtime sufferer of diabetes. According to a USA Today interview, Bowersox had been reduced to begging outside of pharmacies in order to afford her insulin. “No one should ever have to do that,” she said, while pledging to use her platform as a celebrity to raise awareness and support for childhood diabetes. Individuals with diabetes are highly susceptible to dental health problems, which likely explains Bowersox’s own issues, which were not mentioned in the story circulated by CBS 8 San Diego.

Dental bonding, dental implants, and other cosmetic dental procedures have helped Bowersox rectify a symptom of her diabetes in a way that is symbolic of her crusade to help undo the damage that too little awareness of childhood diabetes has wrought upon the public at large.

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Like medical surgery, dentistry is a practice which has a distinct cosmetic offshoot. To protect the safety of the public, government agencies oversee the licensing of all practicing dentists and medical doctors. But because artistry and mastery over cosmetic procedures fall into more subjective realms, certification of cosmetic dentists isn’t typically subject to oversight from federal licensing boards.

In other words, while a licensed doctor may be guaranteed to have met the minimum standards and qualifications to perform routine dentistry, their licensure does not speak to their proficiency or academic background in cosmetic work.

In the world of cosmetic surgery, under-qualification is a persistent issue. Doctors from other specialties—such as internal medicine or podiatry—often switch over to cosmetic surgery seeking higher profits. This issue extends into the field of cosmetic dentistry. The responsibility then falls upon the consumer to determine which cosmetic dentists are true specialists.

One sign of a highly qualified cosmetic dentist is training from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI). This highly acclaimed post-doctoral educational institute exposes dentists to specialized training in cosmetic procedures, such as dental implants and tooth whitening. The beauty of LVI dentist training is that it is an internationally recognized credential that can be easily verified by consumers who are researching a cosmetic dentist. San Diego patients can run a search online to see which courses have been completed by any given cosmetic dentist. La Jolla patients, New York patients, Chicago patients and patients from any city in the world can use the same system in order to verify that their cosmetic dentist has specific training in the procedures they offer.

In summary, it’s important to remember that cosmetic dentists are not required by law to have any post-doctoral training or education in new aesthetic procedures. Cosmetic dentists who wish to provide superior results, the utmost in safety, and more confidence in their services can voluntarily pursue additional training in the procedures and technologies they wish to utilize. By seeking an LVI-trained cosmetic dentist, you can be assured that your doctor has the knowledge and experience required to perform excellent work.

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Individuals who are missing one or more teeth no longer have to struggle with removable dentures and/or bridges. With the continued advances in dental implants, permanent tooth replacement is more accessible than ever. In the past, only surgical specialists were able to perform this treatment; however, general practitioners who undergo the appropriate training can now offer this dental procedure to their patients. This has allowed several dentists to help many patients achieve a more attractive smile with the use of dental implants.

Those who have used removal dental fixtures in the past are now able to do away with the daily hassles. A dental implant is a sterile, titanium cylinder that permanently replaces the natural tooth root and holds a substitute tooth in place. Patients who receive dental implants and porcelain crowns may brush, floss, eat, and smile with greater confidence. While temporary dentures and bridges provided some functionality, they oftentimes cause further damage to the surrounding teeth and gums. Now, with the implants holding the replacement tooth/teeth in place, there is no additional irritation to the rest of the dental structure.

If you are currently using removable dentures and/or bridges, you may wish to visit a qualified dentist. Those in the Morristown area of New Jersey interested in dental implants often turn to Dr. Robert Rosenthal. You can visit his website for further information regarding this restorative procedure.

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(credit: DrAharonov.com)

It takes an artist to recreate the subtle details that create beauty. When it comes to creating an attractive facial appearance for women or for men, it’s all about the little touché. That’s why plastic surgeons and cosmetic dentists are getting ever more detailed in their work. Once upon a time, it was sufficient enough to simply remove fat using liposuction; today, plastic surgeons are actually shaping and sculpting bodies and smoothing the overlying skin. Likewise, cosmetic dentists have gone beyond straightening teeth and ensuring cleanliness. They’ve moved onto tooth whitening and now, “dimpleplasty.”

Dimpleplasty is exactly what it sounds like—a cosmetic surgery procedure that adds a dimple (or two) to your smile. It’s a logical advancement in aesthetic surgery. With so much attention being lavished on the teeth for the sake of a stunning smile, it only makes sense to take a holistic approach and consider the entire face. The addition of a dimple is a subtle improvement, but it can make a big difference. Perhaps that’s what makes it so apt of a procedure. It is simple, quick, and non-invasive. The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the skin from the outside, which creates a small depression. A temporary suture is then put in place to hold the underside of the skin to a deeper layer. Once the suture dissolves, scar tissue holds the skin in place naturally, creating a permanent, artificial dimple. The procedure is very low risk and has minimal downtime—about a week of bruising is all.

Dimpleplasty is a relatively new procedure, but it’s expected to become a regular complement to tooth whitening. For example, Drs. Scott Meester and Mel Olafsen, two San Diego cosmetic dentists, offer a number of procedures alongside their most popular treatment: tooth whitening. As part of their “full smile makeover,” patients may receive non-surgical gum therapy, porcelain veneers, enamel reshaping and other procedures that contribute to a perfect smile. As dimpleplasty surgery gains popularity, you can expect to see this procedure offered alongside such smile-centric makeover packages.

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Athletes are no strangers to heavy injury, especially when it comes to hockey players – losing their teeth is one of the most common problems that they experience.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith can attest to this type of injury. Recently, in a game against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center, the puck hit his mouth and he lost a total of seven teeth. “I felt a chunk of some tooth,” Keith said, as reported by ESPN. “Teeth were falling out as I skated off. I coughed one up.” Needless to say, this hockey player would benefit from some, or a lot of, dental work.

Chicago cosmetic dentist Dr. Benjamin Fiss is one such professional who is skilled in improving a person’s smile with dental implants. No longer are dentures the only route to replacing missing teeth; dental implants resemble real teeth and are placed in the gums, typically with a titanium screw as the permanent root. Whether an individual needs to replace just one tooth, or a full set, dental implants provide security and will contribute to natural-looking results. Dental implants can restore both function and cosmetics. Crowns may be necessary when the tooth still exists, but is largely ruined. As for Keith’s situation, crowns would not be conducive to his condition.

As for brightening one’s smile, porcelain veneers or teeth whitening can do the trick, depending on the individual’s problem. Dr. Fiss will select the appropriate treatment plan for each patient should he or she qualify for a cosmetic dental procedure. To learn more about Dr. Fiss and his specialties, visit his website for additional information.

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Many individuals who experience chronic headaches and migraines often go many years without properly diagnosing the cause. It is not until a visit to the dentist that most discover that their ailments are due to an improper bite. Either from improper jaw development, unbalanced muscle function, unbalanced dental treatment, or tooth loss/wear, persistent pain is present if not corrected. Now, with the advanced technology in the neuromuscular dentistry field, those who suffer from these undesirable aches can undergo treatment that will help to eliminate problems with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ or TMD) and fibromyalgia.

It is important for patients to visit a dentist who is trained and experienced in this type of dental treatment in order to ensure optimal results. Neuromuscular dentistry professionals have the ability to properly diagnose patients who are experiencing head and neck pains, as well as postural issues that stem from an improper bite. At the Columbus, Ohio practice of Mark Levy, D.D.S., he performs various tests to determine how to manipulate the bite; these tests include computerized jaw tracking, electromyography, sonography, and Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation (TENS). A relaxed bite is recorded.

The first step to treat TMJ is the use of anatomical orthotics to align the teeth and correct the bite, allowing the muscle to readjust in a more natural manner. Phase two involves more long term orthotics or orthodontics (braces) to fully improve the jaw’s position and reduce strain on the muscular structure that causes headaches and migraines.

In addition to treating patients with TMJ, Dr. Levy often meets with those who suffer from sleep apnea and/or snoring. Those in the Columbus, Ohio area may browse his website to schedule an appointment.

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