Archive for the 'Trends' Category

The Art of Teeth Braces


Image Source: cosmetic-dentistryinfo.com

The surge in popularity of plastic surgery treatments, it’s no surprise that orthodontic procedures are on the rise.

In fact, if you go to an orthodontist, you will very likely hear different opinions about how to treat your teeth. If the orthodontist suggests invasive treatments, like pulling several teeth to create more space or jaw surgery, and you don’t feel comfortable, it’s a good idea to seek a second or even third opinion. It is hard to replace extracted teeth. In some cases there may be a less invasive treatment polishing off some of the enamel between teeth, to create more space. Be sure to inquire about alternative treatments and the possible risks each option poses. Ask the orthodontist if you can see pictures of cases similar to yours that were treated in the same manner. Better yet, if you could talk to former patients who have gone through the same treatment and are willing to talk to potential patients about their experience.

Even orthodontists admit that straightening teeth is not an exact science it is an art.

Dental Care in Cats

It’s not only us humans who need dental care. Pet lovers and veterinarians agree that pets, too, need oral hygiene. Dogs, cats, and other animals that live alongside people should have their teeth taken care of.

In cats, for instance, regular brushing, diet controls and regular cleaning of teeth can extend the life of the animals’ teeth, and even prevent painful conditions at later ages. And your cat would look better, too. It’s not that difficult to take care of your pet’s teeth. There are various products you can purchase for kitty teeth care, and there are even some are regular household or kitchen items (such as chicken necks).

If it’s your first time to brush your cat’s teeth, you might want to try flavored toothpaste. Some pet stores have fish-flavored toothpastes that your feline friends would likely love. And do start with dental care at a young age. Older kitties are more difficult to train, and brushing them might result in scratches!

The Old-faithful of oral care, the Toothbrush

dental2.JPGDo you know that though your toothbrush seems to last forever that they do loose their effectivity in cleaning your tooth? Yes they do, most of us have the same toothbrush for a half a year with some even for the whole year. Today�s dentists and oral care specialists recommend that toothbrushes be replaced at least once every three months for the nylon bristles do tend to loose some of the stiffness they had when you first bought them leaving bent and ineffective bristles.

The design of more expensive toothbrushes even has dye�s incorporated into some of the bristles that tell you it�s time to replace your toothbrush. Most toothbrushes made by Oral-B have incorporated within them some of the latest technology has to offer all bundled into one tiny package. They even have an electric toothbrush that has an interactive guide that tells you where you haven�t brushed yet. Some other toothbrushes have incorporated tongue cleaners or scrapers that helps you clean your teeth and tongue at the same time or on the same brushing.

The Rise of Dental Tourism

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Some people will go to great lengths (and distances) to get savings. For example, would you belive someone would travel from half a world a way for a tooth extraction? Yes, welcome to the world of dental tourism.

The prices draw in the tourists. For example, one person went to Costa Rica to have 27 crowns, 9 tooth implants, and jaw bone surgery. In the US, it would’ve cost him $40,000 and up but he just paid half of that, $10,200; that’s a $29,800 savings right there! Although we haven’t accounted for the airline tickets and accommodations yet, but it’s still a heck of a whole lot!

It seems that this is the next phase of tourism.

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Finland’s Children in (Dental) Trouble

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Finland kids are having dental problems. Dentists say that the main culprit are round-the-clock snacking and poor dental hygiene.

The international study reports that boys have more dental problems because just one-third brushes their teeth twice a day. According to Oral surgeon Veikko Tuovinen of the Central Hospital of Central Finland there’s been a higher rate of children getting general anesthesia for dental treatments compared to previous years.

Possible reasons? Candy and sweets consumption has skyrocketed and less money has been allocated for dental care due to recessions. This causes less dental checkups and dental hygiene education gaps.

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Flouridated Toothpastes

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New studies show that the use of fluoridated toothpaste without the taking into account the amount of fluoride in the water, food and drinks that may have the tooth protector can have a detrimental effect on oral health. Too much fluoride is bad for your teeth as has been found by studies a few years back. The new study shows that the increased use of supplements in foods and drinks have further raised the risk of too much fluoride in the human body which discolors teeth and causes spots. Children that are between 2 to 7 have an average fluoride intake of around 1/4 a milligram which is too much and is due to their ill developed swallowing reflexes. Younger children aged six months to three years should not have more than 1/5 milligram’s intake of the additive. Even infant formulas and other baby products have fluoride supplements which should b factored into the computations to ascertain the right amount of intake. A move to stop the addition of the additive to the water supply is currently being evaluated due to the proliferation of other fluoride in other products. Besides, the taking out of fluoride from the water treatment plant will result in savings for them which would in turn lower the prices customers have to pay for their water supply.

Erbium Yag Lasers

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Erbium Yag LasersThe debate has been going on for the duration of its existence with both sides saying the technology does seem promising yet their use is still highly disputed. ER:Yag Lasers have been around since the late 80’s when they were first studied for their potential as a tool for both dental and medical applications. Dental applications seem to have a more positive effect due to the shortened treatment periods needed for treatment of dental problems for with operations on tissue it has the added benefit of shorter healing times. It also has a good use as a cleaner when preparing cavities for it destroys diseased tissue while leaving the healthy ones intact. It can also be used to treat lesions in the mouth where sores are exposed and cleared of any long term problems in one sitting. The benefits of such technologies have long been recognized and newer versions even have them in combination with CO2 lasers for use on hard tissue as opposed to the effectivity of ER:Yag for soft tissue use. Combined, a tool that is capable of handling soft and hard tissue such as the gums that has less healing and need for prolonged antibiotic treatment is truly a welcome sight that is to smile about.

Ceramic Lumineers

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They are veneers that are quite steep for their price of $700.00 per tooth but the benefits are very delightful due to it’s non-invasive nature. The ceramic veneer is as thin as a contact lens and can be used directly over old bridgework that has discolored (maybe more or less than the natural teeth making them stand out) in time. May it be natural or bridgework, the veneer works and it makes better smiles. The price is quite steep for a cosmetic treatment but for that glow without the drilling and abrasion with traditional treatments this is the way to go. It leaves teeth sparkling white and has the added benefit of being tough (because of the ceramic nature) that protects teeth from further decay.

More on Mouth Rinses and Washes

mouthwashes_too.jpgThese products are supplementary aides in the drive to attain better smiles and should always remain that way. There are some hazards to their use for depending on the brand and types used which can cause a wide range of illnesses from ulcers, sodium retention, stains, root sensitivity, soreness, numbness and a chemical reaction in your taste buds that can alter your ability to taste. Some of these liquids can contain 18 to 26% alcohol can become habitual leading to the burning sensation in your teeth, gums and cheeks. Never allow children to use mouth rinses without adult supervision for they tend to swallow more than their fair share of these seemingly harmless liquids.

Mouthwashes mostly Hog-wash?

mouthwashes.jpgNot all dentists recommend rinses and mouthwashes for they argue that rinsing with water after proper brushing, has the same desired effects which is to remove food debris and plaque loosened by brushing. Using them to hide or conceal bad breath may prevent dentists from actually detecting serious dental infections which result is such smells and undesired odors. These rinses and mouthwash are to be used only to supplement daily brushing and should not be treated as a permanent replacement for a regular dental exam. Improper brushing results in lessened effectivity of rinses and mouthwashes which emphasizes that the key is the proper toothbrush, frequency of use and regular check-ups by your dentist which is still best for your teeth.

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