Fixing Crooked Teeth with Cosmetic Dentistry

veneers Johns Creek dentistryOver one-third of Americans are unhappy with their smile, and crooked teeth are a major reason for that. Nearly 80% of Americans also judge others with crooked teeth, assuming they’re unsuccessful or unworthy of dating. That certainly doesn’t help anyone’s confidence levels. Fixing your crooked teeth is easy with cosmetic dentistry, but that decision should always be your own as opposed to being due to others’ opinions. Fortunately, your Johns Creek cosmetic dentist can correct crooked teeth with porcelain veneers. But why should you opt for that solution? 

Porcelain Veneers Are Customizable

Porcelain veneers may be the celebrity secret to perfect teeth, but they’re meant to fit each patient’s individual needs. In other words, long gone are the old-fashioned “chiclet teeth”. Modern veneers are customized to match the patient’s existing teeth in shape, size, and shade. Since old stains can seep through the veneers and tint the porcelain, it’s important to discuss the best options with your Johns Creek cosmetic dentist. But patient happiness is always a priority.

 Porcelain Veneers Create Instant Symmetry

The most attractive smiles tend to be rather symmetrical. But countless Americans hide their smile due to crooked or misaligned teeth. Unattractive teeth can do more than create a bad smile. They can actually age the entire face and cause an overall unsymmetrical appearance. Porcelain veneers are created to conceal and correct those issues. The shells affix right to the existing teeth and provide a wider, more uniform smile that can practically reverse the effects of time while returning years worth of lost confidence.

Porcelain Veneers Correct Multiple Issues

Crooked teeth can lead to and be associated with other dental issues. Extra space between the teeth allows more bacteria to hide and produce decay. Chips, cracks, and fractures are more likely when misalignment is present. Gaps are common with crooked teeth. And bite issues easily occur, causing the jaw to re-position. Porcelain veneers can conceal and correct all of those issues and even hide moderate stains or weakened enamel. And since the dental materials used are resistant to stains and decay, proper maintenance and dental visits can help ensure your new smile remains strong and beautiful.

Porcelain Veneers Are Quick and Durable

Traditional braces and Invisalign can do wonders for permanently correcting and restoring crooked teeth. However, the time element is often a factor with adults as are personal and professional limitations. Wearing orthodontic appliances for years simply may not fit many adults’ career, social, and lifestyle needs. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are quick, easy cosmetic solutions that can easily last over 10 years with proper care and maintenance.

Porcelain veneers are a personal investment, but the entire treatment can be completed in a fraction of the time of other solutions. It takes just a few office visits to get the smile of your dreams. The first visit involves a consultation and molding. The second appointment is devoted to fitting temporary veneers and confirming the decisions for the final product. And the third visit involves placing and affixing the final shells. Some enamel usually needs to be filed for proper adherence, so porcelain veneers are not reversible. But if that’s an issue, your Johns Creek cosmetic dentist may have a solution for that as well. Give us a call to discuss your options.

 

 

 

Crooked Teeth? Get the Perfect Smile with Porcelain Veneers

porcelain veneers Manhattan cosmetic dentistCosmetic dentistry has evolved drastically over the past few decades, and several treatments can effectively correct or cure multiple dental issues. Of course, most procedures specialize in treating a specific issue or two. Porcelain veneers and dental crowns are often one-fit wonders for concealing and correcting a handful of aesthetic concerns. However, porcelain veneers are especially beneficial for those with crooked teeth. But why is this the case and how can your Midtown Manhattan Dentist help? 

Porcelain Veneers Enhance the Shape of Your Teeth 

A crooked smile can lead to all sorts of problems, including bite issues, decay, and gum disease. Porcelain veneers are customized to each patient’s needs and fit easily right over their existing teeth. Regardless of whether you have a single or several misaligned teeth, porcelain veneers can enhance and reshape your smile.

Porcelain Veneers Whiten and Brighten Your Smile

Since porcelain veneers are customizable, each patient has the opportunity to help choose the shade of whiteness for their new smile. The ultimate decision needs to be a compromise between you and your Midtown Manhattan Dentist since the shade of your existing teeth may end up seeping through the veneers. But in the end, the right choice can result in a much whiter and brighter smile for years to come.

Porcelain Veneers Create Symmetry

Many people with crooked teeth refuse to smile because they perceive their teeth as unattractive. Crooked teeth can cause the face to lose its symmetry, but that’s easily corrected with porcelain veneers. Since the shells can be created to perfectly fit your mouth and create an even appearance for each corrected tooth, there’s no reason to hide your smile anymore. 

Porcelain Veneers Correct Other Issues As Well

Cracks, chips, and fractures can be easily repaired with multiple treatments, including bonding, bridges, and dental crowns. But if you don’t want a mouth full of different dental treatments, porcelain veneers can correct the aesthetic issues in a single swoop. Gaps, chips, breaks, crooked teeth, and bad stains can all be concealed with the help of your Midtown Manhattan Dentist and customized porcelain veneers.

Porcelain Veneers Are A Quick and Durable Solution

Braces and Invisalign are great solutions for the permanent correction of crooked teeth. However, those treatments often take several months if not years to complete. The limited freedom or lifestyle changes can be a concern as well, especially when it comes to professional needs and expectations. Unlike those restorative solutions, porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dentistry treatment that is primarily an aesthetic fix. They can correct some mild bite concerns and reduce or reverse decay risks. But otherwise, they’re primarily meant to conceal dental issues as opposed to physically correcting them. 

The porcelain veneer treatment is minimally invasive, requiring only a small amount of enamel to be removed from the involved teeth. The entire procedure can be completed within a few office visits. And when cared for and maintained correctly, your porcelain veneers can last a decade or longer without the need for repairs or replacement. Contact Dr. Michael J Wei, Midtown Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist, when you’re ready to see if porcelain veneers are the right solution for you.

Chipped Tooth? Fix It With Dental Bonding

dental bonding moorestown dentistryTeeth are incredibly resistant to life demands, but they’re certainly not impenetrable. Enamel is the strongest substance in the human body, even stronger than bone. And the average human bite amounts to 200 pounds of pressure. That’s why if you bite the inside of your mouth or tongue… ouch! You’re going to remember it. But even with all that strength, teeth can still crack or chip easily if you’re not careful. Fortunately, dental bonding can fix a chipped tooth easily and effectively. But why should you opt for dental bonding?

Dental Bonding is a Customized Solution 

Dental bonding is a simple treatment that uses tooth-colored resin to reshape damaged teeth and restore them to their original beauty and functional state. Artistic ability and experience are required to provide the best results and your Moorestown Dentist is up to the task. Resin will be carefully dyed to match your existing teeth and molded to perfectly conceal and correct the damage. The final result will be a functional tooth that only you and your dentist will ever have to know was ever chipped. 

Dental Bonding Is Quick and Affordable

There are a handful of options when it comes to repairing dental damage. However, price can play a huge part in which works best for your needs. Dental bonding is the most affordable solution for repairing a moderate-to-severely cracked or chipped tooth. Unlike veneers or implants which can cost a couple thousand of dollars per tooth, dental bonding can be completed for just a few hundred dollars per tooth. The entire treatment can be completed within a single dental visit as well, saving worry and stress along the way. 

Dental Bonding Is Durable

Dental bonding is made of high-grade resin, but it’s light-cured which significantly increases its strength. While damage can occur if you’re not careful, modern dental bonding materials are still incredibly strong and durable. When cared for and maintained correctly, the dental bonding on your repaired tooth or teeth can last up to ten years without needing to be repaired or replaced tooth or teeth. That’s a pretty impressive return on your initial investment, regardless of how you look at it.

Dental Bonding Is Easy to Maintain

More extensive and expensive dental treatments often contain materials that resist decay and stains. But that adds to the overall cost and treatment time as those materials still need to be customized and molded. Dental bonding is durable and provides a beautiful and functional solution to many dental issues, including chipped or cracked teeth. However, the bonding materials and adhesive are not stain resistant. Of course, neither is your natural enamel and yet that can remain beautiful with proper maintenance. The same is true with dental bonding.

Proper oral health habits are essential regardless of which treatment you choose for your dental needs. Brushing twice a day with a soft brush, flossing once, and visiting your Moorestown Dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups will keep your dental bonding strong, healthy, and beautiful for years to come.

Improve Your Love Life with Biomimetic Porcelain Veneers

Moorestime Dental There’s no doubt Americans are obsessed with their teeth. But few people are born with perfect smiles. Maintaining proper oral health habits and keeping up with your dental needs can do more than give you a glowing report from your Moorestown Biomimetic Dentist. The right biomimetic dentistry procedures can also improve your life in countless ways. Porcelain veneers are the “celebrity secret” to red carpet smiles, but anyone watching the latest Hollywood drama or blockbuster from their favorite recliner can get the smile of their dreams just as easily and potentially even ride off into the sunset with the partner of their dreams; or at least keep their social calendars booked for a while. But how and why can biomimetic porcelain veneers improve your love life? 

Keep More of Your Healthy Tooth Structure
The entire purpose of biomimetic dentistry is to keep as much of the patient’s original tooth structure as possible. Porcelain veneers usually require removing a small portion of the enamel from the tooth or teeth needing to be repaired. While that doesn’t usually hurt, it can be uncomfortable. Enamel doesn’t grow back or regenerate, so once it’s gone, it’s really gone. That causes the tooth to become more flexible which, in turn, can make it crack or loosen the bonding agent over time. Biomimetic porcelain veneers need even less enamel removed which translates to stronger, healthier teeth now and in the future. Healthier teeth mean healthier smiles. And that’s always good for your love life. 

Avoid and Prevent Further Tooth Staining or Discoloration
Even one badly stained tooth can be enough to keep you from smiling and interacting with the potential love of your life, and the home whitening kits can’t fix intrinsic stains. One of the main reasons people get porcelain veneers is to conceal or correct moderate-to-severe tooth discoloration. Porcelain veneers are customized to fit each patient’s specific needs, so the new addition will blend in instead of stick out. In fact, you’ll look like you were born with that perfect new smile. 

Multiple Issues Can Be Corrected or Concealed
Small cosmetic dental issues can create a big problem when they compound. And the more issues, the more work needs to be done to correct them. Fortunately, porcelain veneers can correct several issues at once. Cracks and chips can spread and lead to bigger concerns including full-blown tooth fractures and avulsion if ignored too long. And a moderate diastema or even a minor tooth gap can lead to serious ongoing confidence issues. Properly formed and placed porcelain veneers can cover and conceal all the small issues before they become big pains. And once you start smiling again, others will surely notice. 

Biomimetic Porcelain Veneers Are Easy to Maintain and Keep Beautiful
The last thing anyone wants is for their dental work to dull or worse, pop out or be an embarrassment during a social or intimate moment. Fortunately, biomimetic porcelain veneers are easy to maintain. Simply brush twice a day and floss once like you would with your natural teeth. And don’t forget to schedule and keep necessary checkups and annual appointments with your Moorestown Biomimetic Dentist. Give us a call when you’re ready to see how porcelain veneers can improve your love life.

 

5 Benefits to Choosing Dental Implants to Replace Missing Teeth

dental implants new york cityApproximately seven percent of people in America have lost at least one tooth by the time they turn 17. This can include wisdom teeth. That percentage soars to 69% for people between 35 and 44. The average American loses 12 permanent teeth by the time they reach 50, and 26% of seniors between the ages of 65 and 74 are completely edentulous. People lose their teeth for a number of reasons, but tooth extraction is usually due to either excessive decay or ignored or untreated periodontal disease. Dentures are often chosen to replace original teeth, but those can be uncomfortable and problematic. Fortunately, your Midtown Manhattan Dentist can correct your tooth loss issues with dental implants. But why should you consider dental implants to replace missing teeth? 

Dental Implants Look and Feel Natural
Dental implants contain two components: a titanium root and a prosthetic crown. Like basic crowns, when performed correctly by a competent dentist, dental implants look identical to your healthy natural teeth. Once the abutment is accepted and the crown is finally in place, your dental implants will look, feel, and perform daily life needs as easily and efficiently as your original chompers did on their best days. 

Dental Implants Are a Permanent Solution
Dental materials are stronger than ever, and many cosmetic and restorative procedures are strong enough to handle life demands for quite a while before needing to be repaired or replaced. Dental implants top all of those procedures in durability and life resistance. On average, dental implants can easily last 15-25 years or longer. In fact, one patient had theirs for 40 years without a single problem. Depending on the age the patient is when receiving the procedure, dental implants can be a permanent lifelong solution. 

Dental Implants Resist Decay
Unlike natural teeth, dental implants usually resist decay. The titanium abutment is the primary cause of that since titanium not only doesn’t corrode, but it also discourages bacteria formation around the implants. Decay can still form around the gums, crowns, or surrounding teeth if oral and dental care are lacking after the procedure. But if you maintain the implants correctly, they should continue to resist decay and look beautiful for years to come. 

Dental Implants Can Save Your Remaining Teeth
Dental implants can only be offered to patients with strong jawbones as the abutment acts as an anchor. Once dental osseointegration is completed, dental implants help maintain and strengthen bone density. Unlike bridges that require two existing teeth to anchor the device, dental implants can stand alone. Therefore, they don’t compromise or weaken existing and surrounding teeth. That helps ensure your remaining teeth have a fighting chance.

Dental Implants Boost Confidence and Improve Life
Dental implants won’t slip, shift, or suddenly adjust in the mouth. Because they’re thoroughly anchored, they won’t loosen or pop out while eating popcorn or at a family barbecue. Dental implants look, feel, and perform just like your natural teeth did at their strongest moments. So you can smile, chatter away, and eat your favorite foods without worrying about embarrassing or painful issues popping up. Give your Midtown Manhattan Dentist a call when you’re ready to discuss if dental implants are right for you.

Top 5 Behaviors That Can Stain Your Teeth

teeth whitening new york dentistAccording to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7% of Americans credit the attractiveness of one’s smile for social success in life. Since the U.S. holds the biggest share in the global teeth whitening market, it’s no wonder the entire teeth whitening industry is expected to reach almost $7.5 billion annually in USD revenue by 2024. The tooth whitening market contains countless whitening treatment options, including pastes, rinses, flosses, strips, and professional teeth whitening options. What the products claim they’ll do versus what they actually manage to do are often different stories altogether. Some stains and tooth dullness during life can’t be avoided. However, your own personal habits and behaviors may be adding to the problem. Try to avoid or adjust these common behaviors to avoid unexpected tooth discoloration and stains.

Your Eating and Drinking Habits
What you put into your mouth can do far more damage than lead to weight issues or potential bodily diseases. The wrong food and drinks can also damage and stain your teeth. But even some relatively “harmless” or healthy options can do the same. Beets, berries, soy sauce, and tomato sauce can take a real toll on the vibrancy of your teeth. Soda, energy drinks, citrus juice, wine, coffee, and tea can also dull your smile. Tannins and acids, often from sugar, are the culprits. The right whitening treatment options can go a long way to reversing and putting an end to the trouble once and for all as long as you don’t wait too long.

Smoking, Chewing, or Vaping Tobacco Products
Smoking habits are responsible for approximately 6 million deaths annually and almost 900,000 smoking-related fatalities are due to secondhand exposure. Nicotine is the primary cause of addiction and the use of vaping products has given the habit a resurgence as almost 3 million American high school students and nearly 700,000 middle school-aged kids admit to using tobacco products. Approximately 40% of those younger users admit the “fun flavors” hooked them. Beyond all the other health issues surrounding the disgusting habit, smoking stains teeth. The nicotine and dozens of other harmful chemicals can leave behind yellow, gray, or brown stains, often resulting in permanent dots. Moreover, the acids and ash can weaken enamel, lead to tooth loss, and damage your gums. 

Used and Relied Upon Medications
You can’t always avoid medication, but certain medications can stain your teeth. Antipsychotics and medications for hypertension can discolor teeth from the inside. Well-known antibiotics like doxycycline and tetracycline do wonders with treating acne and other skin infections. But when those two antibiotics are given orally to kids under the age of 8, tooth discoloration and stains often occur. Over-the-counter antihistamines can also discolor teeth in kids and adults. 

Being a Competitive or Habitual Swimmer
Swimming is a great fitness option and a favorite one at that for millions of Americans. But if your teeth hurt or become sensitive after pool time, you’re not alone. Pool water is chemically treated and has a high pH level that keeps saliva and enzymes from doing their job in your mouth. The more exposed you are to those chemicals in pool water, the more likely they are to wear down the enamel and stain your teeth. Fortunately, the damage usually first appears on the front teeth and can be easily treated by your Midtown Manhattan Dentist.

Poor Or Inconsistent Oral Health Habits
Inconsistent oral health habits can lead to all sorts of dental problems, including stains and permanent discoloration. When acids sit on your teeth too long, they weaken the enamel and allow bacteria and decay to destroy the dentin. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once can remove surface stains while removing hidden food that bacteria rely upon in your mouth. Scheduling and keeping appointments with your Midtown Manhattan Dentist can also help ensure any future issues are caught quickly to keep your smile bright and beautiful for years to come.

5 Reasons Teens Love Invisalign

Invisalign Red BankSmile quality is an important quality to almost every American, but only around 35% of people have straight teeth heading into adulthood. Braces used to be a rite of passage for adolescents, but more and more adults are waiting to get their own orthodontic work done later in life. Childhood is hard enough without the hindrance of traditional metal braces. Fortunately, Invisalign can save them years of added emotional trauma and confidence issues. But why do kids love Invisalign for teens? 

Invisalign Is Clear
Invisalign aligners are made from a special material called SmartTrack®. This FDA-approved thermoplastic material is specifically made to be clear, strong, and do the necessary job in as little time as possible. The aligners fit right over the teeth, so there are no brackets, wires, or metal components to worry about. That means your teen can socialize, smile, and enjoy their friends without feeling like they’re sticking out like a sore thumb. 

There Are no Food Restrictions
When getting braces, your dentist will usually give you a long and specific list of off-limit foods. This is to protect the appliance and avoid causing extra issues such as bacteria buildup and decay between appointments. That’s not a concern with Invisalign. As long as you follow the care instructions, no foods are off-limits simply because they could harm the aligners. You’ll still need to follow a healthy diet and enjoy special snacks in moderation for health reasons, but you won’t have to avoid your favorite treats just because of dental issues.

Invisalign Is Removable
One of the best parts of the Invisalign for teens treatment is that the aligners are removable. The aligners need to be worn for 20-22 hours a day to do their job. But they need to be removed for eating, drinking, and maintenance purposes. Each aligner comes with its own specially designed carrying case, so there are no worries about misplacing the aligners as you eat. Simply remove them, place them in the container, eat your meal or snack, brush your teeth and the aligners as your Red Bank Dentist recommends, and replace the aligners back in your mouth. It really is as simple as that.

Athletic or Active Lifestyles Are Permitted
Extracurricular activities such as sports and even music endeavors are essential to adolescent growth. However, many coaches, instructors, and even dentists refuse to sign acceptance forms for kids who wear braces. Besides the potential appliance damage, rough behavior via sports or even adjusting the mouth correctly for band can lead to popped wires, sharp metal edges, and mouth injuries. That’s not an issue with Invisalign. The aligners can often be kept in while participating in the activity. But even if that’s a concern, Invisalign is removable and can potentially be replaced after practice or the event. 

Invisalign Requires Fewer Trips to the Orthodontist
Traditional braces require orthodontic appointments to be scheduled and kept on a 4 to 10 week basis. That can be a chaotic challenge for any busy family. Invisalign, however, only requires visits to the orthodontist every 10 to 12 weeks. And since the Invisalign for teens treatment averages 10 to 18 months for completion compared to several years for braces, that leaves a lot of extra time for family fun. Give your Red Bank Dentist a call to discuss if Invisalign is right for your teens.

4 Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Dental phobias and anxiety are very real problems that affect many Americans. Dental phobias are severe versions of anxiety which can easily keep the sufferer from ever seeing a dentist on their own. These phobias only affect up to 15% of the population. Dental anxiety, on the other hand, can range between being moderate fear to being just as paralyzing as a phobia at times. Some type of dental anxiety affects closer to 85% of the population. Fortunately, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can help set your mind and nerves to rest with the right gentle medications. But what are some benefits of sedation dentistry

Sedation Dentistry Can Reduce or Eliminate Pain
dental sedation in johns creekSerious dental fear and phobias often surround the preconceived notion of pain during the procedure. There’s usually more than enough pain due to the dental issue leading to the corrective treatment as it is, so why add to it? Fortunately, sedation dentistry has you covered there. The brain connects pain sensation with negative memories, but specific anesthetics don’t allow the brain to register that pain and build new or connective memories. No pain in the dentist’s chair means less pain later.

Sedation Dentistry Can Reduce Anxiety
Dental anxiety can be so stressful and severe that the patient can break into nervous sweats and be ready to bolt as soon as they see the ‘s chair. Add in nausea and heart palpitations, and dental anxiety is no fun for anyone. Sedation dentistry can easily reduce anxiety so you can breathe and relax during the treatment. Yes, you’ll still need to get control of yourself prior to the medication. But some can even be administered prior to entering Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for the procedure, so all you have to do is have a trusted friend or loved one get you to and from the office.

Sedation Dentistry Can Control the Gag Reflex
Most people have a gag reflex, and that’s a good thing since it helps dispel foreign or dangerous objects from the esophagus. But that reflex is easily triggered in certain dental procedures that require a more in-depth exploration of the mouth region. Competent dentists are used to the natural behavior and can work around it most of the time. But it can potentially keep the dentist from going deep enough into the oral cavity to correct or diagnose the patient’s issue or condition. Sudden spasms can also end up causing damage or injury to the patient. Certain medications, such as nitrous oxide, in sedation dentistry helps temporarily numb or paralyze the reflex so the dentist can do their job without any unnecessary risks.

 Sedation Dentistry Can Help Your Dentist Work Faster
A nervous, anxious, or scared patient almost always has trouble staying still while the dentist is working on their teeth. The more nervous the patient is, the more they’re bound to move, shift, and even slide around in the chair to avoid any preconceived or expected discomfort. That makes it very difficult for the dentist to do their job, let alone avoid unnecessary problems in the process. Sedation dentistry can relax the patient just enough to bypass the squirming or lull them into a gentle sleep so they wake up refreshed right after the procedure is over. Give Family & Cosmetic Dentistry a call when you’re ready to discuss sedation options and regain control over your oral health.

4 Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

cosmetic dentistry smile makeoverThe concept of cosmetic dentistry often is associated with smile makeovers and with good reason. After all, almost one-third of Americans don’t like their smile. But a quarter of American adults also face undiagnosed or untreated tooth decay which leads to serious problems, including tooth loss. It’s a serious enough concern that over 120 million Americans have at least one missing tooth while almost 40 million Americans are completely edentulous. And 90% of adults missing their natural teeth eventually opt for dentures. Of course, cosmetic dentistry can do a lot more than save your teeth. But what are some major benefits of cosmetic dentistry, and how can your Midtown Manhattan Dentist help you acquire the smile of your dreams?

 Correct Multiple Aesthetic Issues

Cosmetic dentistry involves multiple treatment options that can correct a variety of aesthetic flaws. Chips, cracks, gaps, misaligned teeth, receding gums, and yes, even missing teeth can all be corrected with a simple treatment or the right smile makeovers. Chosen wisely, it can result in the smile of your dreams and renewed confidence for a lifetime.

Reduce Premature Aging

Aging is a natural process that affects every part of the body including the teeth. Years of eating or drinking specific foods and beverages and even vices such as smoking and drinking can darken the teeth, damage the gums, and result in early or extreme facial wrinkles. Poor oral health care only exacerbates the problem. Osteoporosis and dental health also go hand-in-hand as lifelong tooth grinding or wear can lead to bone loss in the mandible. That causes teeth to loosen and fall out which results in the surrounding facial skin to concave, leading to premature aging. Your Midtown Manhattan Dentist can offer several suggestions to correct the issues and help you practically age backward.

 Improve Your Romantic and Professional Opportunities

 Multiple studies have shown that a great smile can affect and benefit all aspects of your life. This is especially true when the smile is natural and not forced. First impressions can determine future outcomes and both romantic and professional connections make instant decisions based on your smile. An attractive smile can determine whether you’ll score a second date or whether you seem successful and trustworthy enough for that second interview or promotion. The right smile makeovers can quickly pay for themselves and continue doing so for years to come.

Prevent Future Health Issues and Dental Damage

Almost 50% of American adults have moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis. This advanced stage of gum disease can be treated to a point, but it can also be completely reversed or avoided altogether in its earlier stages with proper oral health care and dental attention. Untreated gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss and can be linked to other diseases and conditions such as respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. But other diseases such as arthritis, hepatitis, liver disease, emphysema, and obesity may also increase dental issues. Beyond diseases alone, the right smile makeover can help diagnose and stop or reverse early concerns such as hairline cracks, fractures, and exposed roots that may lead to potentially serious future issues. Give your Midtown Manhattan Dentist to regain control of your life with the perfect smile makeover.

3 Warning Signs of Gum Disease

gum diseaseOver 42% of Americans over the age of 30 who still have at least one tooth also have some form of periodontal disease. While gum disease is often just blown off in today’s society with the promise to brush more often or eat less sugar, there’s often far more to the condition. The truth is, gum disease is categorized into three stages and only the earliest stage of gingivitis is easily treated and reversed primarily by stabilizing or improving home dental habits. Undiagnosed or ignored, periodontal disease spreads rapidly and can lead to edentulism and several bodily diseases including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Fortunately, if caught quickly enough your Fort Lauderdale Dentist can treat and reverse the condition. But what are some obvious warning signs of gum disease?

 Sore, Inflamed or Bleeding Gums

Gum tenderness or mouth soreness can occur for a number of reasons including eating or drinking acidic items, sports injuries, or even simply brushing your teeth too hard. But if your gums are regularly inflamed or bleed often, it’s usually a sign that bacteria has built up beneath your gums. This is especially the case if your gums are sore or bleed often while brushing your teeth. Sore, inflamed, and bleeding gums are usually the first signs of gingivitis–the first stage of periodontal (or gum) disease. Brushing harder isn’t the cure, but brushing smarter is. Your Fort Lauderdale Holistic Dentist can help stop and reverse the disease easily at this point.

Sensitive Teeth

Sudden or consistent tooth sensitivity is also a sign of gum disease, especially moderate-to-advanced stages. Tooth sensitivity may simply be due to weakened enamel and temperature changes due to cold or hot food or drinks. But if it’s an ongoing situation or gets worse, look deeper. Your teeth may be cracked, allowing bacteria to slip inside and eat away at the dentin or your gums may be receding and exposing tooth roots. Exposed roots allow bacteria to burrow inside the gums easier and attack the teeth at the roots where they’re most sensitive. The results can include discomfort, pain, sinus problems, headaches, and tooth damage or loose teeth. Your Fort Lauderdale Holistic Dentist should be contacted as soon as the sensitivity issues are discovered to diagnose the problem and begin necessary treatment.

Gum Recession or Pockets

Gum recession tends to be an indicator of age and can be brought on by vices such as smoking or making poor dietary choices. But it’s also a major sign of advanced gum disease or periodontitis. The advanced stage of gum disease can also provide signs of gum pockets. These pockets are actual spaces between the gum tissue and the teeth. The pockets allow bacteria to invade, thrive, and breed while decaying the teeth and gums further. Infections occur regularly at this point and the gums may continually bleed or fill with abscess-like puss. Even if you can’t personally see the pockets, they may still be present and even cause tooth loss. Your Fort Lauderdale Holistic Dentist can easily determine the stage of gum disease, either reverse it completely or treat it to stop it in its tracks and discover and potentially reverse any other issues simultaneously.