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Stop telling your Children to Brush their Teeth

We have all heard the routine. Maybe last night was the last time you heard or were involved. It time for bed and the parent/s are at the usual bedtime routine.

“Have you brushed your teeth, Billy?”, comes the irritated parental voice. A kind of pregnant silence follows. The question comes again but this time there is more irritation.

“Billy, did you hear me?? Have you brushed your teeth, yet??”

“No.., not yet, Mum” come the muffled, yet noticeably exasperated reply.

“Well, get to it, - straight away. I will be checking so don’t try to skive off”

“O…K Mum!”, Billy’s voice is resigned.

Ten minutes have passed and the voice from below stairs breaks the silence. “Have you got your teeth done, Billy?”

“Just doing it now, Mum”, calls back Billy with a ‘sounding busy’ air, as he flicks the TV channel with the remote control.

“Well hurry up about it, I want you in bed in ten minutes, right?”

“Right, Mum…” Billy throws the remote on the bed and drags himself toward the bathroom. “Stupid bloody teeth… so boring…who cares anyway…” mutters Billy as he mindlessly goes through the motions with toothpaste and brush.

The shocked reaction

When I tell Mums and Dads to STOP telling their children to brush their teeth, they look at me as though I had just committed perjury. Some give me a quizzical look with a half smile waiting for me to admit that I was only joking. Others begin to laugh assuming that it is a joke. When I tell them that I could not be more serious, they are shocked and disbelieving that a dentist could speak these ‘crazy’ words.

“And whose going to tell them?” some ask mockingly.

“What kind of a parent would I be if I don’t do my duty?” one very caring mother asked me. “Don’t you think that that is a very irresponsible attitude for a dentist to have?”

These are all very understandable reactions because my advice seems to go against all understanding and reason. Surely it is the solemn duty of all parents to make sure that their children are looking after their teeth. Parents are responsible for the care of their children. Parents who do not take this responsibility seriously are not behaving as good parents.

The simple explanation

The explanation for all of this is very simple. What I have said seems to make no sense and indeed many would call it insane. Yet if we are prepared to look in simple honesty, we will see that it is society’s idea of how to teach and care for the children’s health that is actually ‘insane‘. Let me be very clear, I totally agree that it is a parents responsibility to teach their children to care for their teeth. It is on the question of how to achieve that noble goal that I differ from society. All methods are evaluated on how well they can achieve the stated goal. We ask then what it is we want to achieve and then whether or not we are achieving it. If we are not achieving what we set out to achieve, it makes sense that we then re-evaluate our methods.

When we examine the exchange between Billy and his Mum, we can gain enormous understanding of what goes wrong, why it goes wrong and how it goes wrong!

First of all, Billy doesn’t want to brush his teeth and ‘has’ to be forced by his Mum. Why is that? Why does he not want to do it? Most people assume that this behaviour is typical of a child. They believe that all children are just like that and that it something in the make up of the child. It is true to say that the behaviour is common and scenes like this one occur in most homes up and down the country. It is worthwhile noting that this applies not only to tooth-brushing but to many other things as well. How many could relate to similar problems at the table with food. Do conflicts begin at the table with a parent saying something like -

“Come on now, Lucy, eat up all your dinner. How do you hope to be healthy unless you eat properly?”

Most people know these routines and are part of them in their lives one way or another. They believe that it’s just the way things are. Its one of the difficulties that parents just have to deal with. It’s not pleasant, it’s not easy but it must be done. Many of these conflicts then spill over into conflict between the parents with one parent saying to leave the child alone and the other insisting that the teeth have to be brushed, dinner has to be eaten. Now the conflict often deepens as each parent feels unsupported by the partner and begins to hold a grievance against the other.

The Gentle Light of Understanding

This is the term that I always use to describe the way in which conflict is resolved by a deep understanding of the nature of the problem. It is through this gentle light that we can release ourselves from difficulty and bring resolution and peace. So how do we solve the problem?

We need to firstly acknowledge that our assumptions about the situation may be wrong. Secondly, we might then acknowledge that it would be better if we were wrong. By this I simply mean that if we are correct in our assumptions then things cannot change and the conflict is inevitable, whereas if we are mistaken in our assumptions then change can happen and with it the possibility for the resolution of the conflict.

The solution is to realise that the problem is not caused by the child but by the method that is employed by the adult. Essentially, it is the use of pressure, criticism or force. By getting on to the children to do something in this way, you engender negativity in the child and a desire not to want to do it. In the simplest terms the human tendency is to resist being pushed. If someone pushes you, you will tend to react by pushing back This is true of adults as much as children. If a child feels put upon or pushed he/she will resist. Therefore if we want our children to brush their teeth, we must stop getting on (pushing) to them to do it.

What should we do?

Simply allow the child to see that you brush your teeth and comment on how nice it feels to have clean teeth. They will soon want to experience it themselves and if the experience is positive they will want to make a habit of it. By being gentle with them and with your own brushing, teach them to be gentle. When they try, always encourage them even if they do not do well at first (nobody gets it right first time). Never comment negatively on their effort or criticise them no matter what! Say how nice they look with their teeth sparkling and I promise that you will have difficulty stopping them from brushing.

Suggest, help and praise but please, no force, push or criticism

Be gentle and fun but please not harsh or hard

Find always ways to praise the good and completely overlook the error

Remember:

Children don’t do what you tell them, they do what do!!

Are Professional Laser Teeth Whitening Techniques Better?

The latest advancement in laser whitening gel is used with an in-office laser that results in a very fast and effective bleaching system. The gel is applied to the teeth after appropriate gum and mouth soft tissue protection is placed. Then, a laser light is used to activate the chemical in the gel that has been especially designed to absorb energy from the light and quickly penetrate tooth surfaces. This technique results in a very fast laser whitening effect.

The ZOOM teeth whitening system is an example of this type of system. The length of time needed for full color restoration of course depends on the amount and type of tooth enamel discoloration apparent. Although very fast, many dentists are wary of this process due to the potential of gum and soft tissue discoloration.

The cost of this very fast laser whitening can vary based on your location with many of the larger cities being more expensive than other areas. Laser teeth whitening process in a professional dental office can be expected to cost between 250 and 500 dollars on average for the full treatment.

Generally speaking, the price of teeth whitening increases with the number of in-office treatments required. So the more discolored the teeth, the more visits are required and the potential of a higher total cost. Dental insurance typically does not cover laser whitening as it’s considered cosmetic.

Remember though that once the dentist has you in the office, they will want to do a complete exam to check for general dental health. Few if any dentists will do a whitening treatment on teeth that need corrective dental work done. That is, a good cleaning, cavities filled, etc.

Dentists, like all professionals, will push to get all the business they can from you. It’s in your best interest though to carefully consider the importance of good dental health. So if it comes to a choice between teeth whitening and good dental health, your best interests are served by having a solid set of teeth even if they may not be as white as desired. This means that if you want whiter teeth from a dentist office, plan on a full commitment to total tooth care and mouth health.

Laser teeth whitening treatments though are not more effective on whitening teeth than many quality custom tray home products. Though much faster results are available, you run the risk of gum and tissue damage due to the aggressiveness of the products used in laser whitening. Teeth sensitivity can also be an issue.

So the results are in. Much faster and expensive laser teeth whitening or a slower though probably safer home teeth whitening solution, the choice is yours.

Whiten Your Teeth with Baking Soda

Our smile is one of the biggest beauty factor for guys and girls. White teeth and a clean smile will make you more attractive and hygenic. So making sure our teeth stays white should be one of our most important task in life. However, the discolorisation of our teeth is very hard to avoid as there are many factors that cause them. From smoking to the types of food and drinks we consume. Irregular brushing of our teeth is also to blame.

Many people flock to see their doctors or dentist for cosmetics session. People pay money just to make their teeth shiny new. In view of these demands, many over-the-counter teeth whiteners products are available but usually they cost much. However many people have found that using baking soda can help to whiten your teeth without major risks to your health.

Using Baking Soda

Baking soda has been known to be able to help clean kitchen utensils and cleaning coffee, dirt or crayon stains. However, fewer people know that you can use soda to make your teeth whiter. You just need to have this soda particles to rub againts your teeth to help in the whitening process.

Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate, bread soda, bicarbonate soda or bicarbonate of soda. Its most popular use is as a leavening agent in baking. If you would like to save money in cleaning your household or you are wary of the toxic materials available on the cleaning products nowadays, you might want to try baking soda. It’s cheaper and safer.

Instructions

To get the baking soda rub againts your teeth, the best method is to sprinkle the baking soda on top of the paste on your toothbrush and brush normally. The soda will dillute very fast so you might want to sprinkle on your toothbrush again. Rinse your mouth afterwards.

More reading

There is another ingredient in whitening your teeth. That is using 3% Hydrogen Peroxide. It is reported to be stronger than soda but works well when mixed together.

The Ten Signs of Teething !

Teething is one of the significant milestones of your baby’s development. Memories of your baby’s first big toothy grin will stay cherished forever. Some babies hardly appear to have any trouble at all and are boasting their first teeth before you know it, but for others it can be a more uncomfortable time, causing distress to both you and your baby.

Just like adults, all babies deal with pain differently. As a result, some will have an easier time with teething than others. However, most babies will have grouchy and irritable periods!

The first signs of teething usually begin a few months before the first tooth appears, so you will need to look for particular symptoms to ensure that the symptoms you notice are truly teething-related. While most parents generally agree that some or all of the symptoms below occurred around the time of teething, it is still recommended that you check with your pediatrician to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms, especially if you’re baby is running a fever (temperature above 39C [102F]) and/ or appears lethargic and unwell.

1. Irritability: As the new tooth rises closer to the surface your baby’s gums may become increasingly more sore and painful, leading to fussiness and crying.

2. Drooling: From three to four months of age you may see your baby start drooling more often than normal. Teething stimulates drooling, which may be worse with some babies than others.

3. Coughing: The increase in saliva can cause your baby to occasionally cough or gag. As long as your baby shows no signs of a cold or flu and does not run a high fever, this is noting to worry about.

4. Chin rash: If your baby is a heavy drooler, the constant contact with saliva may cause the skin around the chin and mouth to become irritated. Gently wipe your baby’s mouth and chin periodically throughout the day to help prevent chapped skin and rashes.

5. Biting & gnawing: A teething baby will gnaw and gum down on anything. The counter pressure from biting helps relieve the pressure from under the gums and temporarily numbs the pain. Teething aids designed specifically for babies are safe and effective.

6. Cheek rubbing and ear pulling: Pain in the gums may spread to the ears and cheeks particularly when the back molars begin coming in. This is why you may see your baby rubbing their cheeks or pulling at their ears. However, keep in mind that pulling at an ear can also be a sign of an ear infection, especially when accompanied by a fever.

7. Diarrhea: Most parents usually notice slightly looser bowel movements when a baby is teething. A recent study done by the Children’s Hospital in Australia found this to be the most common symptom of teething, yet many doctors still disagree and discount diarrhea as a symptom of teething. The most likely cause of diarrhea during teething is the extra saliva swallowed, which then loosens the stool. Report any diarrhea that lasts for more than three bowel movements to your doctor.

8. Low-grade fever: A fever is another symptom that doctors are sometimes hesitant to directly link with teething. Many parents however find their baby gets a low-grade fever while teething. Notify your doctor if the temperature rises above 39C (102F) or if the temperature remains elevated for more than 2 days.

9. Not sleeping well: You may find your child wakes more often at night. Most parents agree that night waking occurs more frequently when the molars are coming in.

10. Cold like symptoms (runny nose, etc.): Some parents find that their baby displays cold-like symptoms when teething. Runny noses, coughing and general cold symptoms are believed to be a result of frequent hand-to-mouth movements in an attempt to alleviate the pain. Notify your doctor if cold-like symptoms occur for more than 3 days and do not improve on their own.

The process of teething frequently follows hereditary patterns, so if the mother and father teethed early or late, your baby may follow the same pattern. On average the first tooth comes in during the seventh month, although it can arrive as early as three months, as late as a year, or in rare cases even earlier or later.

In total there are twenty primary (first) teeth. The full, adult set of teeth comprises of thirty-two permanent teeth. Most children have a full set of primary teeth by the time they are around two or three years old. These primary teeth usually last until about the age of six, when the teeth that were first to appear become loose and fall out as the second teeth begin to push through the gums. The primary teeth continue falling out until roughly the age of twelve. Again, these ages mentioned above are only averages and your child may follow an earlier or later pattern.

High Cost Cosmetic Dentistry

Very few people are able to visit the clinics because of the high cost of cosmetic dentistry. Only a few others have constantly and regularly followed their clinic schedules for check-ups.

The costs of porcelain veneers are extremely high. They range from $975 per veneer to a high of $2200 per veneer. But this rate will depend on the country you are in; different countries have different charges. Some countries may be charging a lot, but this is an expensive service. Rates for cosmetic dentistry procedures are high, even in the early years. If you want to be a wise dental consumer, you must understand some of the basic information with regards to cosmetic dentistry and its fees.

A lot of people wonder why cosmetic dentistry fees are not declining at all. There has never been a time when dentist services were priced low. Porcelain is notably high —the cost of all-porcelain crowns is the same as for porcelain veneers.
The cost of white fillings used for black teeth is charged according the amount and the number of the surfaces that are covered by the fillings. In a one-surface filling, the fees will range from $150 up to $250. For the two surfaces, the cost will run from $200 up to $400, and for three surfaces it ranges from $250 up to $500.

Bonding a front tooth is another expensive service you can choose. When bonding the tooth involves a corner of the tooth, it will range from $300 up to $1600. These costs are unbelievably high and expensive because the dentists who do this work need to have a high level of skill and artistry. A dentist carefully fixes patients teeth with expertise and preciseness. They spend long hours fixing up a patient’s teeth.
Braces can cost from $5000 to $7000 to cover a complete case — a substantial investment.

Cosmetic dentistry is costly because it the use of expensive materials, first-class cosmetic dental labs, and usually extra time and effort on the part of the cosmetic dentist. All these extra costs are factored into the fee. A clinic also must be very clean, comfortable and free from bacteria, which adds to the cost of this type of dentistry. In fact, these services might even get more expensive in the coming years if the dentists become less common.

You need to keep in mind that as a consumer, you are in the most difficult position of not being legally covered or protected from bad cosmetic dental care. Cosmetic dentistry requires a lot of expertise. It is not really a legally distinct specialty. The dentist during his study years may have been through a lot of training or he might even traveled to remote areas for training. You should ask these questions, and be sure of any professional’s credentials before you begin a treatment program.

Selecting a Cosmetic Dentist is Easier than You Think

As society has become more image-conscious, the profession of cosmetic dentistry has grown as well. Cosmetic dentists are those who specialize in the appearance of teeth and often work closely with traditional dentists and orthodontists. They may frequently perform many of the same procedures. In addition to teeth cleaning, tartar removal, and filling cavities, they are adept at techniques that help one’s teeth look whiter and straighter. And who wouldn’t want their teeth to be shiny white and straight.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Some of these procedures include veneers, teeth whitening, and the use of Invisalign teeth straighteners. Veneers are a type of tooth covering that does 2 things - enables teeth to appear whiter while also protecting them from further decay. Veneers have become a very popular procedure and one that is not covered by all insurance - so be sure to check yours. This is because teeth whitening is a physical procedure which adds chemicals to the teeth, a type of bleach. It is an aesthetic benefit helping teeth become and stay whiter and free from stains.

How to Choose the Right Cosmetic Dentist

To decide on the best cosmetic dentist for you, you can evaluate a website resource such as the one below. Also consider these factors. Primarily, you want to evaluate their location - obviously the closer they are to your home, the better. Additionally, consider their qualifications. While their graduate degree is in dentistry, do they have the necessary certifications and trainings to do cosmetic dentistry? Also, have they had the type of experience with situations like yours? Given this is most likely an out-of-pocket expense, you don’t want someone to be using you as an experiment. Finally, ask to see before and after pictures of those who have undergone similar treatments. Also check with the dentist on how these changes have affected them physically and emotionally. This will ensure that you really do want what you’re considering. By being diligent in your search for the right cosmetic dentist, you can get the smile you’ve always wanted.

Family Dentists Fill Crucial Roles

A person gets known by the smile that gets flashed across the face. The smile is enhanced when the teeth of the person is sparkling white, even well set and well maintained. People with not so good teeth wish intensely for it and explore ways of modifying their existing teeth towards the attainment of good teeth. This calls for adoption of good habits. This is where the role of a dentist steps in.

The role of dentist is of paramount importance. As in case of family retailer, a family solicitor, there is a family doctor. A family dentist is a very important person for a family. The teeth of the family members of family is not taken care of, teething problems get attended to as and when arise. In a huge city like Los Angeles it is always a good idea to have a family dentist.

Nobody accepts bad or crooked teeth, stained and discolored teeth or for that matter broken teeth. Why, for that matter, gaps between teeth, cracks or cavities, chips or rough spots lends an ugly appearance to the person when forced smile. Sporting a smile having ugly teeth is just no sporting matter! It would seem that the person is damned to live with ugly teeth and there is no way to come out of this, save by extracting the entire teeth and having a new teeth replaced. This is shuddering and is easier said than done.

Fortunately, it is not that dark as it seems. Science and technology has benefited mankind all these years, how can “teeth” remain untouched and unaffected by this! Recent developments in dental techniques have given rise to cosmetic dentistry. Like cosmetic surgery that changes face of the person which is made ugly or unacceptable either at birth or by a mishap, cosmetic dentistry also gives the much desired face lift to the setting of the teeth. Several dentists in Los Angeles are well-equipped with modern technologies and expertise to give your teeth a new look and shape.

What’s more, there is a wide range of options are available with dentists in Los Angeles to choose from while availing any particular type of treatment. Tooth whitening, metal free fillings, porcelain veneers, fresh breath treatment, crowns, bridges and instant orthodontics are the frequently availed dental services in Los Angeles that necessitate a visit to dentist.

Color and shape of teeth get improved by using thin shell of porcelain or plastic that gets bonded to the teeth. Space between teeth can get narrowed or closed. Small teeth can get lengthened, unshapely teeth get evenly shaped, and stained or dark teeth get whitened. These get accomplished through a process called bonding. White fillings employing porcelain and composite resin truly make the teeth durable and strong, apart from making them attractive. Porcelain is also used in bridges and crowns. The dentist in Los Angeles uses the skills through well laid procedures that could not be time consuming but also requires an intense follow up. Reshaping the teeth, capping the tooth, problems relating to root canals constitute some of the specialized areas with cosmetic gum surgery, so that the person smiling does no less painstaking and less consciously.

Dentists in Los Angeles, as seen above, are very important for a person, and by extension, for a family. Children and some adults have misplaced fears about dentists and dental procedures that can be dispelled. Dentists also possess sense of refinement in suggesting an impressive pattern of teeth setting out of the present set up.

Thus a million-dollar smile may not cost millions although it is worth it if the teeth happen to be attractive and strong. Behind all these is the hand of the dentist, the architect of the much sought after teeth. The other person also earns the much elusive smile from one who, though wanting to smile, is constrained to do so in the absence of good teeth, will have to thank the dentist.

Cosmetic Dentistry - For That Brilliant Smile

”Cosmetic dentistry offers options ranging from polishing, bleaching, covering techniques, bonding, implanting and orthodontia for complete mouth over, to give you the perfect smile. Recent medical advances have reduced the pain and trauma associated with dental work. An experienced dentist can help you to get that beautiful, brilliant and dazzling smile you always aspired for.

Types of Cosmetic Dental Works

Teeth Whitening: Stained or discolored teeth can be lightened with tooth bleach technique, either at home or at dentist. Weak hydrogen peroxide gel in a plastic tray cup of your teeth size worn on teeth for 4-5 hours daily for a week effectively whitens the teeth. High intensity light along with 35% peroxide for one hour under doctor’s supervision too whitens teeth.

Veneers: Crooked, chipped, spaced teeth can be covered by wafer thin porcelain laminated veneer bonded on to the original tooth enamel. This is a very effective treatment for front teeth correction.

Implants: Dental tooth implant made of titanium is surgically placed permanently into the jawbone of missing tooth. It is designed to act as tooth root to hold on to any artificial tooth, crown, bridge or denture.

Crowns: Badly chipped, broken or decayed tooth is capped or crowned with acrylic or porcelain fused with metal. It covers the tooth so that it can stand biting pressure without further damage.

Bonding: Mild scraping of original tooth enamel can reshape front teeth. Then tooth colored composite plastic enamel of desired shape is bonded on the original tooth. This is hardened and polished with special light to give you a winning smile.

Shaping: Enamel shaping is process of reshaping teeth with filing or removing some enamel for immediate, painless teeth correction.

Orthodontic Treatment: It is best for crooked or buck teeth and can be done on children and adults alike. Invisible lingual braces are inserted behind teeth to straighten them and also to correct bite related problems.

Dentures: Whole set of teeth worn on under lying bone can correct major tooth problems.

A skilled dentist can cosmetically change your teeth for that confidant, brilliant smile while largely preserving the original teeth. ”

The Truth About Your Teeth

Our teeth are important in proper speech delivery, proper digestion and food appreciation. These are also important in maintaining good self-image. Often, many of us fail to take care of our dentition properly. With proper understanding of dental disease and by following good oral hygiene, dental caries, gum disease with its accompanying pain and bad breath can be prevented.

Dental decay is caused by the breakdown of sugar into acid by bacteria. The acid attacks the enamel creating a minute cavity. In time, the dental decay progresses further into the dentin and the pulp. The basic rule for preventing dental decay is through a healthy diet containing as little sugar as possible. Studies show that the Eskimos rarely had incidences of tooth decay until they switched to a high sugar Western style diet. Moreover, dental decay was not rampant among the European population during World War II because of the scarcity of sugar supplies. Evidently, sugar plays a major role in the incidence rate of dental caries. The love of sweet foods is not a very healthy habit but it can be reversed or controlled. It is always a good practice as parents to let your children know the disadvantages of having a sweet tooth and curbing the habit early in life, while they are still young, will prove beneficial. Be mindful of what your children eat and drink. Give them water instead of soft drinks. It is more thirst quenching and healthy without the added disadvantages of the excessive sugar that is commonly found in soft drinks. Raw vegetables, bread, fruit or nuts are better and healthier snack alternatives than candies and cookies that contain a lot of sugar.

Studies show that the amount of sugar that enters into the mouth is less important than the frequency of sugar ingestion. The saliva can repair small amounts of damage caused by the acid formed by the bacteria and sugar interaction in the mouth. However, if the teeth are constantly bathed in sugar, the saliva’s capacity to repair minor damage will become useless and the repair process will be halted. This is why ingestion of sugar in between meals is more damaging than when taken during mealtimes. Frequent sugar intake between meals will prolong the teeth’s exposure to sugar.

In order to minimize dental decay, proper dental care is necessary. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day although doing it after every meal is highly recommended. It is even advisable to brush and floss your teeth after eating snacks, since food taken during these times are often high in sugar and starch like pastries and cakes. Always keep a travel toothbrush handy. Proper tooth brushing techniques, the use of dental floss and mouthwashes can remove plaque build-up. Plaque is a sticky thin film containing bacteria, food particles and saliva. When this sticky film is left on the tooth’s surface, over time there will be a bacterial breakdown of sugar into acid that will jeopardize the enamel’s integrity and starts dental caries.

A regular visit to the dentist is necessary in order to maintain and preserve your oral health. Always take care of your teeth and maintain that beautiful smile till you grow old.

Cosmetic Dentistry

The objective of cosmetic dentistry, which is elective dental work, is to improve the appearance of the teeth and to enhance one’s smile. Cosmetic dentistry does not contribute to the health of the teeth.
The art and science of dentistry has made advances such that one need not remain resigned to stained or chipped teeth. There are several cosmetic techniques available that allow one to correct dental anomalies that can impair appearance. These include:
Bleaching
The process of bleaching or tooth whitening helps to brighten teeth that become dark with age or get stained due to smoking, tea/coffee drinking, etc. Bleaching removes extrinsic as well as intrinsic stains. The process, which can be carried out once every three years, is carried out largely by using hydrogen peroxide solution. Bleaching can whiten teeth by up to 5 times the original shade. A bleaching tooth tray that carries the peroxide solution can cost between $ 200 - $ 500.
Bonding
The appearance of teeth that have spaces in between or are cracked and chipped can be improved by the bonding process in which a hard, sterile, and inert tooth-colored plastic is affixed to the teeth. The manner in which bonding is done affects the shape, size, and appearance of teeth. The composite fillings wear more quickly than the traditional silver fillings and patients are usually advised to refrain from hard foods that may result in the chipping of the bonding material. The bonding process takes 10-15 minutes for a tooth and can cost around $ 300 to $ 700 for a tooth. The bonded restoration stains similar to natural teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
These are extremely thin shells used to cover the front side of the teeth. Porcelain veneers are more resistant to stains and chipping as compared to bonding. They are bonded to the teeth using a special bonding material and can be used to alter the appearance of teeth, provide fullness to the upper lips, and fill gaps between teeth. Porcelain veneers enable a more consistent appearance as compared to bonding, they do not stain and a veneer treatment can last for up to 15 years. Veneer application on a single tooth can cost up to $ 2,000. As compared to the application of crowns or caps, teeth are ground to a lesser extent during veneer treatment.
Orthodontics and periodontics
Orthodontics deals with the prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Braces are used in orthodontics for the treatment of crooked teeth, protruding teeth, widely spaced teeth, an underbite, etc. Metal braces made from titanium are expensive and need to be worn for 2-3 years. Non-invasive straightening braces cost less and require to be worn for a lesser period of time. Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth and are ideal for those who lay emphasis on cosmetic appeal. Periodontics helps individuals to enhance their smile by altering the contours of the gums, it is a simple surgical process accomplished using laser and can cost up to $ 2,000.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are used for broken teeth, teeth with silver filling or those with excessive decay, and also teeth that have undergone root canal treatment. Crowns can be matched to tooth color.