With advances in cosmetic dentistry, you no longer have to live with an unsatisfactory smile. Today’s cosmetic dentists can perform a wide variety of procedures intended to make your smile brighter, more youthful, and aesthetically pleasing.
Some of the most popular procedures currently being performed by qualified cosmetic dentists include the following:
Teeth whitening or bleaching eliminates tooth stains and discoloration
Dental implants, both mini and full, give a more natural look and feel than traditional dentures
Dental bonding corrects broken, crooked, or uneven teeth
Porcelain veneers can correct both heavily discolored or severely damaged teeth
White or composite fillings are used to treat damage to the teeth caused by cavities, and are a more natural looking alternative to traditional silver fillings
Dental contouring aligns overlapping or crooked teeth, or helps correct the shape of teeth
Cosmetic gum surgery can correct a receding gum line caused by natural aging or gum disease
Accelerated orthodontics offers the same straightening benefits as braces with a much shorter treatment time
A dental bridge or fixed partial denture helps eliminate a flat look caused by missing teeth, and helps bring back the appeal of your natural smile
Nearly all of these cosmetic procedures can be completed in one to two dental visits, are relatively painless, and require minimal recovery time. Cosmetic dentistry offers a multitude of treatments to help you improve your smile and boost your self-confidence. Consult with a qualified cosmetic dentist to find out how you can reshape your smile and enjoy greater self-esteem for years to come.
You have scheduled athletics physicals and bought back-to-school clothes, shoes, and supplies. However, when preparing your kids to head back to school this Fall, don’t forget to take care of their oral health as well. When establishing school year routines, be sure to include regular oral health care on your to-do list.
Follow these tips from your family dentist to guarantee a smile as bright as your kids’ new shoes:
Schedule a back-to-school dental examination. The American Dental Association recommends that your children visit the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and exam to prevent tooth decay, as well as help children learn proper dental care throughout the year.
Establish regular brushing and flossing habits with your children. To encourage your children to brush and floss regularly, allow them to pick out several new soft-bristled toothbrushes and some fun kid-flavored fluoride toothpaste while you are out shopping for school supplies. Remember to have them replace their toothbrushes about every three months.
Encourage proper nutrition by packing healthy snacks and lunches. Eating at least five servings of fruit and vegetables daily will help to prevent cavities. Pack milk or water and avoid sugary foods and drinks. Baby carrots, fruits, nuts, cheese and yogurt are great healthy food options to give kids the fuel they need to make it through the day.
For children that play sports or participate in PE classes, you may want to talk to your family dentist about having them fitted for a protective mouth guard to protect their teeth from damage.
Following these tips from your family dentist in Morehead City will help to ensure your child will start and finish the school year with a bright, healthy smile.
Nobody really looks forward to going to the dentist, and most of us are relieved when the appointment is over, but some people suffer from far more deep seated phobias that can prevent them from visiting a dentist altogether. It is estimated that anywhere between 9% and 15% of the population will actively avoid seeking help for dental problems until they are experiencing a lot of discomfort or pain.
Is There a Difference Between Dental Anxiety and Phobia?
Yes, as people with dental anxiety can often manage to keep it under control for long enough to receive essential dental care. Dental phobias are more intense, and people with this phobia can often feel terrified about visiting the dentist. Someone with a dental phobia is more likely to suffer from dental diseases and tooth loss, and this can negatively affect general health. Clinical studies have linked poor oral health to numerous general health conditions.
What Causes Dental Phobia and Anxiety?
Anxiety and phobias can arise due to a number of different factors. Feeling helpless in the dental chair can be more than some people are able to cope with, while others are afraid of pain or are simply embarrassed over the state of their teeth. Some people have had negative experiences in the past, or will have had dental phobias and anxiety passed on to them by their parents.
Your Dentist Can Help
If you do experience anxiety or have phobias over visiting the dentist then talk to your dental clinic about your concerns. Modern dental care is designed to be non-threatening, and sedation techniques can enable even the most nervous patient to receive dental care; there is certainly no need for dentistry to be painful or upsetting. You will find your dentist is sympathetic towards patients who feel nervous or anxious, and there are lots of different techniques that can be used to help you feel more at ease and more in control. Gentle dental care can be provided at a pace you’re comfortable with, helping to restore your oral health.
A cosmetic dentist is someone who has chosen to concentrate on providing cosmetic dentistry techniques and who has a real interesting in creating beautiful smiles. Any dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist, so it does pay to shop around and to select someone who has the necessary training and experience required to help perfect your smile.
It can be tricky to find the right cosmetic dentist, so listed below are a few tips to help in your search.
Ask friends, family and colleagues for recommendations as personal referrals are an excellent way to get started. In addition, search online as you should be able to read patient reviews and information about qualifications.
Make sure your dentist has relevant experience and training in specific areas that interest you, and ask if they belong to any professional associations such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Book an initial consultation and write down all the questions you want to ask beforehand.
Ask to see before and after photographs, or check out their website as many dentists have a smile gallery.
Trust your instincts, as it is important to select someone you feel comfortable working with. Your chosen dentist in Morehead City should take the time to answer all your questions, and you need to feel confident in their abilities to create your dream smile.
Taking your time picking the right cosmetic dentist in Morehead City will help you find someone with the following attributes:
Your chosen dentist should be current in the latest technologies and will actively pursue continued professional development courses in their chosen specialties.
A good cosmetic dentist will be able to make over your smile in a way that complements your facial structure, your skin tone and even your personality.
Choosing a dentist who has the sufficient experience and expertise will help achieve your goals. You should be able to discuss your aims, see examples of treatments relevant to your needs, and will receive a detailed treatment plan showing a complete breakdown of costs.
