Tooth loss does not just ruin a person’s smile. It can cause the jawbone to shrink as well, which making those who have lost all teeth appear gaunt. The shrinking of the jaw bone due to reduced utilization causes people to look prematurely aged, and has a dire long-term effect on digestive health. Chewing food properly triggers the release of saliva which softens food for its easier transfer to the esophagus. The difficulty in chewing leads to a gradual loss of appetite, resulting in poor health.

Approximately 178 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth. To mitigate the condition, most patients undergo various dental restorative procedures, the most natural of which is dental implantation.

The key benefit of such a procedure is that the implant connects directly to the jaw bone. It makes use of titanium which biochemically attaches to the bone creating a bond that functions as well as a natural tooth. An implant also does not require the neighboring teeth to be ground down. Moreover, since it’s quite close to the real thing, it can be maintained just like regular teeth.

However, certain medical conditions may deem a patient not suitable for dental implant. An experienced dentist can discuss with you the important factors to consider before a surgery, as well as the aftercare needed. Those who wish to benefit from this procedure can visit established dental implant specialists for their own customized sets that can effectively address their unique tooth restoration needs.

Wearing metal braces has always been difficult for many people, who have always been on the lookout for better alternatives. Fortunately, Invisalign, a plastic-based teeth aligner was introduce, and has now become the preferred orthodontic appliance for many, instead of the old, painful metal brace.

Invisalign vs. Braces

Invisalign is especially beneficial to adults who may understandably be embarrassed about wearing metal braces in their post-adolescent years. A cosmetic dentist recommends these dental devices particularly to older patients and professionals who do not want to wear distracting metal braces.

Form and Function

As a corrective dental device, Invisalign braces are more versatile compared to traditional braces. Patients can readily remove them when brushing and flossing, thus making oral hygiene easier to perform. As they are made of plastic, Invisalign braces are less harmful to patients’ mouth and gums, while being just as effective in realigning teeth as metal braces. Additionally, if you are looking into whitening your teeth, Invasalign braces can also serve as trays for whitening solutions.

Patients can consult a cosmetic dentistry practitioner about Invisalign braces, and how they can benefit from them. In many aspects, Invisalign is an ideal cosmetic solution because it is both subtle and effective. 

Religiously brushing and flossing at least twice a day, however, may not be enough to keep teeth healthy. After all, certain bad habits can damage one’s teeth. I Am Dentistry names a few adverse habits everyone would do well to watch out for. For instance, many people inadvertently grind their teeth on occasion, but some people do so quite frequently as a way to calm themselves. This medical condition is called bruxism. Aside from fracturing and wearing down teeth to stumps, bruxism can also affect a person’s facial shape and even lead to hearing loss. Patients can wear mouth guards at night to protect teeth during sleep and prevent further damage.
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Back in the old days, the only way to straighten a crooked smile was to get it corrected using braces or retainers. Fast forward from a couple of decades to now, technology has made it possible for patients in Orlando and elsewhere to choose from a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures apart from braces and retainers, including cosmetic bonding and contouring, porcelain veneers and Lumineers installation.
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Telling a child that they’re going to the dentist is rarely received as good news. It can quickly turn into a meltdown complete with tears, tantrums, and very loud sobbing. This doesn’t have to be the case every single time, however, and here are a few tricks to turn dental visits into pleasant trips:

Brushing and flossing your teeth primarily removes any excess food particles that might have lodged inside the difficult-to-reach corners of the mouth, but that is not their only purpose. These oral hygiene habits are also intended to remove harmful plaque that can destroy both teeth and gums. While it is a given that plaque can cause dental cavities, its effect on gums is lesser known, although just as health threatening.

One of the unavoidable consequences of becoming a senior is to lose teeth gradually, which primarily affects digestion. As a result, the overall health of an elderly degenerates, and they’ll have to restore their lost teeth to regain their health. Fortunately, there’s an efficient solution to this problem: dentures.

Dentures as teeth replacements are expected as people grow older. This isn’t helped by the fact that seniors over the age of 65 are expected to have an average of around 18 to 19 permanent teeth left in their mouths. An unlucky 27.27% have no teeth left at all. Unfortunately, even traditional dentures can be a problem. One problem is they have to be regularly removed and cleaned to ensure problems like bad breath don’t occur. Another difficulty is that ill-fitting dentures are often uncomfortable or painful for the wearer and have a tendency to pop out, which can lead to embarrassing situations. It’s a good thing these problems can be solved by visiting a skilled dentist in Orlando, FL like Dr. Sonia Simmonds from the Simmonds Dental Center, who caters to clients, young or old, and asking about dental implants.
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The method doesn’t sound pleasant at all. Thankfully, teeth whitening would be much more effective if carried out by a skilled dentist in Orlando like Dr. Sonia Simmonds of the Simmonds Dental Center. Modern dental technology may not make the same claims as the tradition of oil pulling does, but you can be assured that you will get definite results.
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Without a doubt, having flawlessly white teeth is the primary aesthetic concern of most people. However, it’s hard to keep your teeth white when they can be stained by various foods and drinks. Coffee, tea, and blueberries are just a few examples of common items that can discolor your teeth.

Normally, brushing isn’t going to be enough to keep or even make your teeth white, which is why some people have resorted to oil pulling, a method performed by swishing a tablespoon of oil inside one’s mouth.

Dentists can also put patients at ease by showing off state-of-the-art equipment designed to minimize pain and the chances of a procedure failure. Offering amenities such as headphones and snacks are also great ways to distract patients from their fears. What could prove most effective, however, are solutions addressing the roots of dental fear that a highly skilled dentist in Orlando, FL and elsewhere employ. One of these is the Oraqix® anesthetic delivery system.
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Orlando cosmetic dentistry services like Simmonds Dental Center typically wouldn’t recommend veneers for people with bruxism or excessive teeth grinding. Bruxism can fracture the thin veneers, which, in turn, can result in extensive damage and eventual detachment. A study in 2012 shows that bruxism helps increase the failure rate of veneers eightfold. A dentist may still apply veneers on a patient with bruxism, but most likely, only when they are to be protected by night guards. These devices will protect teeth and veneers from the effects of bruxism, particularly when the patient is asleep and has no control over the condition. It also pays to wear a mouth guard when engaging in sports. It wouldn't take more than a well-placed hit to dislodge a tooth, let alone a veneer.
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As far as prosthetics go, dentures perfectly serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Aside from allowing users to eat and talk properly, dentures give them the impression that they still have perfect rows of teeth. Indeed, dentures convincingly look just like real teeth from a distance. However, like all prosthetics, dentures do not grow to accommodate the changes their users’ mouths undergo, and it can complicate the way they fit.

The gum ridges of dentures users shrink with age, and this shrinkage loosens the fit of the dental appliances. Additionally, the bone density of users’ jaws can shrink as well, and may cause lopsided denture fittings. While these misalignments initially cause slight frustrations, awkward jaw appearances, and discomfort, if left unaddressed they can cause mouth sores and aggravate gum disease, among other things.

If dentures no longer feel right to wear, users should immediately see their dentists for replacements. The experts will thoroughly examine the prosthetics for any damage, as well as the conditions of their patients’ mouths, before creating a new pair of dentures for use. Dentures, like shoes, can be outgrown, and users should closely monitor the comfort and feel of their prosthetic teeth in order to avoid serious dental complications.

In celebration of World Hepatitis Day last July 28th, the Florida Department of Health held a free public screening in Panama City, urging hundreds to check if they're positive for the disease, particularly the notorious Hepatitis C. Baby boomers are most vulnerable to this disease due to the increase in cases of Hepatitis C during the 1970s and the 1980s.
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While contagiousness is often associated with dreaded diseases, it is also a quality of some of the most pleasant things in life, such as a smile. As the saying goes, it takes less muscles to smile than it does to frown. Moreover, a smile can be transmitted from one person to the next, and somehow generate a positive outlook all around. There's even scientific evidence to back up this claim.
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A competent family dentist plays a vital role in a family’s oral health. Hiring the right one could provide a solution to your family’s dental issues because he or she would know what your family really needs and offer you the right treatments. Doing so can also improve your family’s smiles and confidence.

Family dentists fulfill a more significant role in your family’s life than general dentists. The former’s job is to keep a family’s oral health in check; however, they cannot perform complex dental procedures and can only recommend skilled general dentists to seek treatments from. Family dentists usually provide services that include fillings, X-rays, cleaning, tooth extraction, and preventative care in some cases.

Regularly seeing the family dentist is also an advantage to those with children. A lot of children fear the dentist, but if a child sees his or her parents receiving treatment from the family dentist, his or her anxiety will go away. An excellent family dentist will also provide tips on the brands of oral products your family should be using.

Regular visits to your family dentist can be beneficial in the long run. With their assistance, you can make informed decisions about the dental treatments you need so you can have a healthy, bright and confident smile. 

In commemoration of World Hepatitis Day last July 28, the Florida Department of Health held a free public screening in Panama City to increase public awareness of hepatitis. Health experts emphasized that they are most cautious about Hepatitis C, which is notorious for increasing the risks of liver damage and for having a shorter incubation period than Hepatitis B.

As Hepatitis C may be transmitted via used needles and medical equipment, some patients may be apprehensive about getting the services of dental and medical professionals. However, these patients can rest assured that reputable dentists make proper sterilization a priority in their services.

You can expect these professionals to employ hospital-grade sterilization methods, which are compliant with the CDC's 2008 Disinfection & Sterilization Guidelines. One compliant procedure involves the use of steam to kill pathogens in instruments after a dental procedure, which dentists typically perform using an autoclave. An autoclave sterilizes equipment in a vacuum chamber using blasts of highly saturated steam, killing even the hardiest bacteria as a result.

Aside from sterilization, dentists also follow safety and sterilization protocols endorsed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These include having an exposure control plan in place.

The threat of hepatitis should never be disregarded. However, patients of trusted dental practices can relax, knowing that the right precautions and practices have been put in place to protect their health.

Individuals adopting natural health therapies should be extra discerning since there are those which work and those that are actually mere hype. One of the most recent health product fads is coconut oil, which some claim to help people have whiter teeth. Through a technique called oil pulling, the oil is said to be effective in washing the grime out.

Oil pulling began as a technique in ancient Ayurvedic medicine, which was practiced some 2,500 years ago. Special oils were an essential health elixir for Ayurveda or traditional Indian medicine due to their cleansing properties.

So far, though, oil pulling as an effective teeth whitener is still open to debate. Research on coconut oil's purported benefits, for one, has yet to go past the preliminary stages. Given that oil is spat out and not swallowed, its effects on one’s diet do not seem to be an issue. If you're determined to try oil pulling, however, it wouldn’t be wise to solely rely on that method.

Professional dentists are still your best source when you want whiter teeth. An in-office whitening procedure performed by a dentist is effective in removing stains and any signs of discoloration. Medically-approved whitening agents have proven their efficacy time and again. As long as studies on oil pulling are few and far between, any claim, testimony, or clinical study about its supposed usefulness should be taken with a grain of salt.

Reliable dentists usually perform an x-ray of the child’s teeth to uncover related issues, especially when caries have reached the roots of the teeth. Whatever findings and procedure plans would be discussed gently with you and your child, and a separate appointment would be set for the extraction. Since the thought of an extraction may still be unsettling for your child, however, you can arrange for the procedure to be carried out under oral conscious sedation. A practitioner like Dr. Simmonds may recommend that the child ingest an oral sedative or inhale nitrous oxide to calm his or her nerves and still remain conscious. The objective is for the extraction to push through without your child remembering much of what happened. The doctor would then propose a post-recovery plan that focuses on the child’s diet and recommended recovery activities, such as eating soft food only and rinsing with a salt-water mixture.

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To stave off the dental phobia of their patients, many dentists choose varying means of applying sedatives before certain treatments, especially invasive ones, like implant surgery. One such technique involves the use of nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas. Here are a few basic facts about this sedation:

In many cases, tooth contouring is combined with cosmetic bonding, a dental treatment that uses a tooth-colored composite material to shape the enamel. A composite resin mixture is applied on the tooth, and a curing light hardens the material. As the latter solidifies, the dentist uses a variety of tools to refine the shape. The entire procedure is usually accomplished during a single appointment and does not need anesthesia.

Dental contouring has its fair share of benefits. Residents in need of tooth reshaping or bonding can go to an Orlando cosmetic dentistry practice like Simmonds Dental Center.

http://www.simmondsdentalcenter.com/blog/info-article/dentist-in-orlando/

Most of the time, people do not notice that something is wrong with their teeth until they visit the dentist. Unfortunately, at that point in time, it may already necessitate serious solutions like extractions or root canals. The key to making sure this doesn’t happen is to keep your teeth in great shape. Here’s a few tips on how to do this.

• Brush Your Teeth. The most basic of all tips to keep your teeth pristine. However, a lot of people still forget to do this. You don’t need to brush after every meal; two times a day is enough. Do a thorough job and don’t rush. Additionally, use a brush that has a small head so you can reach the back parts of your mouth.

• Have a Proper Diet. The sort of food you eat determines how strong your teeth are and what sort of material gets exposed to it. Calcium-rich foods will reinforce them, while vitamin C is needed to keep your gums healthy. Try to avoid too much sugar, like those in soft drinks or candies; they become acids in the mouth and damage your teeth.

• Use a Mouthwash. Brushing often isn’t enough. Rinse out your mouth with a decent anti-bacterial mouthwash. This helps stop bad breath and removes the presence of germs.

"Teeth that are only partially decayed, however, may not need to be extracted at all. As shown in the Dental Economics article, solutions for a partial replacement may also be applied by a skilled Orlando dentist. In addition to pulp capping methods, the dentist can perform a root canal and use special filling to restore a decayed tooth. Severely decayed teeth that are causing excruciating pain may just have to be extracted. Partially decayed ones, however, may still be saved if detected and treated early enough. For this reason, it is very important to have regular dental visits and halt tooth deterioration before it gets worse."
http://www.simmondsdentalcenter.com/blog/info-article/consider-your-tooth-replacement-options-from-a-caring-orlando-dentist/

"So far, oil pulling as an effective teeth whitener is very much open to debate. Research on coconut oil’s purported benefits, for one, has yet to go past the preliminary stages. Given that oil is spat out and not swallowed, its effects on one’s diet do not seem to be an issue. If you’re determined to try oil pulling, however, it wouldn’t be wise to rely on it alone. In-office teeth whitening from a dentist in Orlando, like Simmonds Dental Center, is still the most effective method available in the city. Whitening agents have proven their efficacy time and again. As long as studies on oil pulling are few and far between, any claim—testimony or clinical study—should be taken with a grain of salt."
http://www.simmondsdentalcenter.com/blog/industry-news/oil-for-whiter-teeth-orlando-dentist-urges-caution-on-health-hypes/

Have you ever wondered why it is important to always visit your dentist at least two times per year? What could necessitate regular visits and what do they do when you go for a check up? We'll try to answer these questions and explain how visiting your dentist is good for your oral and overall health.

Dentists are commonly associated with oral care: the protection of our teeth against cavities and of our gums from bacteria. They are medical professionals that provide solutions to prevent damage and maintain dental health, as well as treat diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. In a way, they are also surgeons as their work would sometimes involve invasive procedures such as tooth extraction and placing of dental implants.

More than their basic functions, dentists also interpret x-rays and various forms of diagnostic tests. They can also perform surgical procedures to the bone and soft tissues of the oral cavity. Evaluation of your gums, and head and neck examination also happen during visits to the dentist as this helps in determining if patients are prone to oral cancer, diabetes or have vitamin deficiencies.

The dentists' role have also expanded into taking actions to maintain people's overall health. Precautionary measures that dental medicineprofessionals provide make sure that the body's natural defenses and good oral health care can keep the bacteria in the mouth under control. These issues and more make it vital to visit the dentist regularly.

Bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding, occurs mostly while sleeping. This habit can cause terrible problems such as pain and discomfort in a patient's jaw, and potential wearing of the teeth. Here are some ways on how to manage bruxism:

Mouth devices

Patients can utilize devices like mouth guards and mouth splints to combat teeth grinding. A mouth guard creates a space between the upper and lower teeth to protect them from damage. Moreover, it helps reduce any grinding noises made while sleeping. Mouth splints cost more than mouth guards as they are made from harder plastic, and fit precisely over the teeth.

Mandibular advancement devices (MADs), often used for sleep apnea, can also help in treating teeth grinding. They can hold the lower jaw and tongue forward to allow more space for breathing.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Mouth devices can only control the condition, but not treat its underlying causes. Through cognitive behavioral therapy, a trained professional can aid patients in managing their problems. Patients are encouraged to talk about their thoughts and feelings, and address the anxiety and stress that may be triggering the teeth grinding habit.

Habit reversal techniques

Becoming aware of the habit makes it easier for patients to avoid it. If they're awake, they can record the number of times they grind their teeth, and work out when they are more likely to do it and why. A dentist can guide and advise patients regarding techniques to help overcome this nasty habit.

A child will continue to grow at a rapid pace, and they usually end up ignoring good dental habits for games and other things that distract children nowadays. This reality makes good communication on dental hygiene, alongside a reliable dentist in Orlando, FL, a must to keep a child’s smile as beautiful as it can be. Of course, every child can feel intimidated by dental procedures. If the method prescribed by Dr. Kahn does not work, talking to the child helps. Describing the dental methods in a way that will not scare the child will go a long way to calming him or her before the appointment. Aside from telling the child that what the dentist will do is good for him or her, it also pays to acquaint the child with a gentle pediatric dentist in Orlando. These dentists are specifically trained to perform dental procedures on children, so the parent can be assured that the child is in safe hands.

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Although most of the benefits that cosmetic dentistry provides are visual in nature, many treatments can also have positive effects on a patient’s oral health. For example, fixing the alignment of teeth and reshaping crooked teeth can help to improve a patient’s bite, and closing spaces between teeth can help to keep food from getting lodged in the gaps, reducing the risk of tooth decay. The Right Procedure You might feel that any of the procedures described above fit a current dental need. If you do and you plan to undergo a procedure at an Orlando cosmetic dentistry practice yet aren’t sure what’s best for you, then Know Your Teeth, a website maintained by the Academy of General Dentistry offers this piece of advice: “Your dentist can answer any questions you may have about techniques used to improve your smile. The condition of your teeth and desired result you want often dictates the best procedure.”

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