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ASK THE EXPERT: WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY TEEN IS MISSING A TOOTH?
By: NYMetroParents - Dr. Ronald P. Knoll, D.M.D., M.S.
"If you have a teenager who has a missing tooth or has teeth with poor aesthetics, it would be worth your while to have a consultation with a prosthodontist. Teeth can be missing due to a sports injury or other traumatic injuries. Teeth can also be missing congenitally (from birth). Common missing teeth are the upper laterals (the smaller teeth adjacent to the two front teeth). Your child's self-esteem is very important, not to mention the importance of the function of their teeth, especially as they move toward adulthood and have many years ahead of them. Whereas years ago there was no option and a removable appliance was often worn—or healthy teeth had to be cut down to support a missing tooth—today implants are the most desirable way to replace missing teeth.
What's the first step? It's recommended that a specialist be seen. Thorough and sophisticated measures are taken to ensure the longevity and aesthetics of the implant. The prosthodontist is a highly trained specialist with an advanced degree whose skills are especially suited to such matters. A thorough evaluation is done to see if your child is a candidate for implants. Depending on the jaw growth, the specialist will determine if your child is ready for implants. A thorough evaluation is done to examine the bite (occlusion) and determine the projected aesthetics. There are multiple steps involved to achieve the best results.
A team approach, with a prosthodontist at the helm choreographing the planning stages and treatment, is the path we recommend. Having one person coordinating the treatment makes it easier for the patient and parents involved. The oral surgeon or periodontist places the implants as guided by the prosthodontist. An oral surgeon or periodontist should not be the first to determine the needs of the patient as they are not involved in the aesthetics (cosmetics) or bite (occlusion) afterwards. All the practitioners, however, work as a team, so your teenager can best benefit from the results and follow-up care.
In short, an initial consultation is important to help provide you with the best alternatives and choices and to determine if your teenager is a candidate for little to no out-of-pocket expenses for the entire treatment based on available insurance and treatment direction.
Dr. Ronald P. Knoll, D.M.D, M.S. is a prosthodonist on Long Island with offices in Plainview and Lynbrook; he practices with his wife, Dr. Carole Horowitz, a family and cosmetic dentist. Dr. Knoll graduated from Boston University School of Dental Medicine and was awarded an M.S. degree in Prosthodontics from the University of Michigan. He served as an assistant clinical professor at N.Y.U Dental School and helped to originate the department of dentistry at the Gurwin Geriatric Center on LI."
INFORMATION ABOUT THE LATEST FORMS OF COSMETIC DENTISTRY
By: Laine McKenna
"At a time when job seekers are searching for every advantage possible to 'one-up' the competition, many people are turning to cosmetic dentistry. After all, a healthy, vibrant smile subconsciously evokes images of happiness, wealth, and prosperity.
Cosmetic dentistry, just as its name suggests, involves all facets of dentistry with a strong emphasis on improving the aesthetics and function of the teeth. Cosmetic dentistry involves tooth whitening, veneers, contouring, bonding, bridges, and orthodontics, although sometimes, you will need to see an orthodontist for certain conditions that cannot be corrected by a dentist.
The most popular form of cosmetic dentistry, particularly among working professionals is tooth whitening. Years of coffee and soda consumption can cause discoloration of the teeth. Tooth whitening can revitalize a person's smile and given them a sense of confidence. It can be done in-office, using a method such as BriteSmile, or at home using a take-home kit such as Sapphire Whitening. Depending on the method of treatment chosen, patients can expect to see results from these procedures within one visit for in-office treatment, and within 14 days for at-home teeth whitening.
Another popular procedure for cosmetic dentistry is Invisalign. Years ago, if a person wanted straight teeth, he or she would have to wear the traditional silver braces, made from stainless steel and/or nickel titanium. Traditional braces, while considered almost a rite of passage in junior high, aren't exactly an attractive option for working professionals.
With the new Invisalign, also known as "invisible braces," people, particularly adults, don't have to deal with the embarrassment of wearing braces. These clear, removable retainers gradually move the teeth into proper position, just as traditional braces, but without the wearer feeling self-conscious. These aren't typically an option in severe cases of orthodontic problems, but they work well for people with slight ones.
A third form of cosmetic dentistry are veneers. Veneers are ultra-thin porcelain laminates that are bonded to the tooth. They can close gaps in teeth and can also be used to whiten smiles that don't respond well to traditional tooth whitening. Veneers typically require some filing of the enamel of the tooth, although a new form of veneers called Lumineers, recognized as the painless and safe porcelain veneer, has made it to where patients may not need any filing at all.
If you are interested in any of these forms of cosmetic dentistry, check with your current dentist. Cosmetic dentistry is now more attainable and affordable than ever."
Tustin Cosmetic Dentist
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COSMETIC DENTISTRY: JUST THE FACTS
By: Yoli C. Di Giulio DMD
“Without doubt, a smile is the best and most important way to communicate. It displays your image, your mind-set and your personality. A bright and sunny smile can also have an affect on your sense of self worth and pride. These simple and excellent opinions are also the thoughts of most... cosmetic dentists.
The ideals of cosmetic dentistry are based around a unique and straight-forward opinion that everyone merits a smile, and they should be able to feel good about it. From traditional dentistry to treat the cause of tooth pain and tooth ache, to the newest technologies in remedial and cosmetic techniques, the aim of cosmetic dentistry is to provide patients with a smile that they deserve…
There are many of the older generation who would like to keep their real teeth because a smile can show the physical signs of aging. New developments in traditional and cosmetic dentistry enable the signs of dental aging to be reduced, and this can mean individuals can have a much younger appearance. This is what makes cosmetic dentistry so unique, and why it is important to find a dentist who can perform gentle dental work for things such as porcelain veneers, dental implants or root canal work.
More people than ever are undergoing some form of cosmetic dentistry and this can very often mean any restoration treatments which are carried out apart from the typical maintenance and health checks of the teeth. These specific treatments should be carried out by a qualified … dentist.
It may be that you simply need a crown to cover a chipped tooth in order to improve your smile... The cost of having cosmetic work done can be outweighed by the rewards and the price can be a small price to pay once the work is completed.
One of the more modern procedures is tooth whitening, which can help to enhance a persons looks. ... As a dental patient it is important that you are aware of all the facts before starting your dental treatment. The procedures for teeth whitening change and differ with each … dentist… "