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Cosmetic and
restorative
dentistry

Dental Implants are Just Like your Natural Teeth

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If you are reluctant to flash your pearly whites because of a missing tooth, schedule an appointment with your dentist who will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for Dental Implants.

Tooth replacements are certainly not new; in fact, they can be traced back thousands of years with archaeologists discovering skulls with implanted seashells, gemstones, and even animal teeth. Thankfully, because of today’s dental restoration techniques, you do not have to resort to seashells or gemstones to replace missing teeth.

Although modern dentistry has improved, there are still millions of people in the United States who suffer from tooth loss. This occurs because of injury, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. Before Dental Implants, people with missing teeth had to resort to dentures and bridges.

Dental Implants will provide you with a strong and permanent foundation for removable or fixed custom-made teeth matched to your natural teeth literally replacing the roots of your teeth.

There are several advantages including improved speech. If your dentures do not fit correctly, your teeth will slip causing you to slur or mumble when you talk. Because Dental Implants actually fuse to your jawbone, they are permanent and will look and feel just like your natural teeth. Permanent tooth replacements improve your self-esteem making you look and feel better boosting your self-confidence.

Another advantage is the ability to eat and enjoy your food again. Sliding dentures make chewing nearly impossible. Permanent replacements function like your own natural teeth allowing you to eat an apple or tuck into a nice juicy steak without worrying about leaving your teeth behind.

Tooth supported bridges require a reduction of the surrounding teeth. With permanent replacement teeth, there is no need to alter your nearby teeth in order to support your implants. With more of your teeth intact, your long-term oral health is improved.

Dental Implants are extremely durable and can last for years. In fact, the first woman who had hers placed back in 1965 still had them intact when she recently passed away. With good oral hygiene and regular checkups with your dentist, they can last for the rest of your life. 

For more information, schedule an appointment with your Jenkintown dentist who will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for Dental Implants. 

What You Probably Do Not Know About Dental Crowns

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Dental Crowns have certainly come a long way since Charles Land developed the porcelain jacket crown. Although the porcelain jacket crown was patented in 1889, it was not made available to patients until 1903.  

The original jacket crowns covered the tooth by, “Jacketing,” it with a porcelain material, and although they were quite popular, there were some issues including micro cracking. These stability issues were not addressed until the late 50s and early 60s when Abraham Weistein invented a stronger structure that attached metal implants to porcelain crowns.  

According to Web MD, Dental Crowns are used to restore a worn down or broken tooth and can be used to hold a cracked tooth together. If you have a severely decayed tooth, your dentist may recommend a Dental Crown to support the tooth, especially if a large filling is required and you do not have much of the natural tooth left. Dental Crowns can also be used to cover Dental Implants, hold a bridge in its place or to make dental cosmetic restoration modifications.  

Dental Crowns can be manufactured out of several materials including metal alloy, gold, resin, ceramic, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal.  

Metal Dental crowns can be made from base metal alloys such as chromium or nickel, or other alloys such as palladium or gold. Compared with other types of Dental Crowns, Metal Dental Crowns do not require as much tooth structure removal. Metal Dental Crowns rarely break or chip and can withstand tremendous force from chewing and biting. The only drawback is the color. 

Porcelain Fused to Metal Dental Crowns are matched to your natural adjacent tooth color, but will wear more easily. This type of Dental Crown can also break or chip. Porcelain fused to metal crowns look almost like natural teeth with the exception of the metal that can sometimes show underneath the porcelain, especially if you are dealing with gum recession. 

All resin Dental Crowns are more cost effective than other types of Dental Crowns but will eventually wear down and are more apt to break or chip. Resin crowns can be made to match your natural tooth color.  

All porcelain or all ceramic Dental Crowns provide the most natural looking dental restoration and are more suitable for patients who suffer from metal allergies. All porcelain or all ceramic crowns are not as strong as porcelain fused to metal Dental Crowns, but can be matched to your natural tooth color and are best for front teeth.   

If you would like more information regarding Dental Crowns, schedule an appointment with your dentist, Dr. Michael Weiss, today.

Talk to your Dentist about Oral Piercings

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Oral Piercings may be all the rage, but if you, or someone you know, have been considering a tongue, cheek, uvula, or lip piercing, there are some things to think about before you decide to take the plunge.

The American Dental Association explains that there are serious health risks when it comes to oral piercings. These include infection, excessive bleeding, infectious disease, nerve damage and gum disease. Other problems that could occur from oral piercing include tooth breakage and a serious condition known as Endocarditis.

Once the wound has been created by the piercing, additional bacteria is introduced to the already millions of bacteria that call your mouth home. Introduce jewelry and you are at risk of infection, especially if you or the person who places your barbell, stud, or ring has not properly sanitized the jewelry or their hands. If infection is not treated immediately, it could be life threatening.

Oral piercings pose a potential threat when it comes to the risk of blood borne disease such as herpes simplex virus and hepatitis B, C, D, and G. According to the National Institute of Health, oral piercings can transmit these infectious diseases.

Even if you have your tongue, cheek, lip, or uvula pierced by an experienced piercer, there are things that could go wrong. Your blood vessels could become punctured leading to excessive bleeding, not to mention the numbness that naturally occurs after the procedure. In some cases, that loss of sensation could cause permanent nerve damage.

Swelling is natural after a tongue piercing, but it has been reported that some people have been sent to the hospital, as the swelling was so severe that it blocked the airways making breathing next to impossible.

In a recent dental journal it was reported that more than 47 percent of people who had oral piercings and wore mouth jewelry damaged dental restorations and chipped at least one tooth.

Your dentist will tell you that gum disease is more prevalent in people who have had oral piercings. This could be due to the long stemmed tongue jewelry, or barbells, that are worn in the cheek, tongue, and lip. If the jewelry is exposed to the soft gum tissue, it could cause gums to recede, exposing the gum line to tooth decay or eventual tooth loss.

If jewelry becomes loose inside your mouth, jewelry aspiration is a real possibility. If you swallow or choke on part of the barbell, stud or ring it could cause injury to your lungs or digestive track.  Contact our office if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Weiss to evaluate your oral health with piercings. 

When Was the Last Time you had your Fillings Checked?

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Dental fillings will not last forever and if you have restorations that are ten, fifteen or even twenty years old, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you have dental carries under your existing fillings. According to Colgate, silver amalgam fillings last on average about twelve years. Composite fillings have a shorter lifespan. 

Most people have no idea that tooth decay can invade a tooth that has already been filled whether it is a silver amalgam filling or a tooth colored resin filling. Cavities occur if fillings leak, are cracked or simply worn out.

Both composite and silver amalgam fillings can leak. Leaking occurs when the side of the restoration does not fit tightly against and around the tooth. Saliva and food particles can seep between the tooth and the filling, which will eventually lead to discoloration, sensitivity and tooth decay. Both amalgam and resin fillings can leak over time, and should be replaced by your dentist.

Tooth clenching and grinding can also cause filling wear. Not only does grinding and clenching put extra pressure on your fillings, but it can also cause craze lines, cracks, and chips. Craze lines are tiny cracks that your dentist can see when a light is shined on your tooth. If you grind or clench your teeth, it is imperative that you schedule regular checkups with your dentist.

Old composite fillings can become discolored picking up stains causing them to darken and yellow over time. No amount of tooth bleaching will fix the problem as fillings, crowns and other dental restorations will not be affected by tooth whitening products.

Fillings can also fall out if you bite too hard, especially on a larger filling. Biting too hard can crack your filling, but it can also break your tooth.

Both composite and silver amalgam fillings can crack over time even if they have recently been placed. Talk to your dentist if you are experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold, as your fillings may need to be replaced. 

If you cannot remember how old your fillings are, or have had issues with new restorations, schedule an appointment with your dentist who will be able to determine which fillings are still sound, and which fillings need to be replaced.

What you eat could be Harming your Teeth

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Watching what you eat is just as important for your teeth and gums as it is for your waistline. In fact, some things that you put in your mouth should be avoided at all costs.

According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, it is best to avoid soft drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks. Loaded with sugar, these types of beverages also contain citric and phosphoric acids that can erode the enamel on your teeth. Quench your thirst with unsweetened tea, water, or milk. If you miss the fizz, drink carbonated water or opt for diet drinks that do not contain sugar.

If you have a sweet tooth, it is best to rinse your mouth after you have enjoyed that bag of gummy bears. Caramels and other sticky candies contain refined sugar and can easily hide between your teeth. When you suck on a lollypop or a butterscotch, you are bathing your teeth with sugar. Hard candy can also cause a chipped or broken tooth. If you must indulge, go for something that dissolves quickly.

You may think you are doing yourself a favor by eating pretzels instead of potato chips, but both are just as bad when it comes to your teeth. Starchy foods such as French fries and white bread get trapped in between your teeth. If you do have something starchy, rinse with water or chew on a piece of nature’s dental floss, celery.

Those dried apricots and figs may be lower in calories than the cookies you usually snack on, but dried fruits contain added sugar, not to mention the natural sugar that you will find in dried prunes and dried mangos. Sticky foods will stick to your teeth so if you find yourself noshing on trail mix with dried fruit often, be sure to rinse afterwards.

Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and even tomatoes are extremely acidic. Too much exposure can begin to erode the enamel on your teeth. Citrus fruits are best eaten as part of a larger meal or followed by a glass of water.

Alcohol will dry out your mouth. People who consume beer, wine or hard alcohol will suffer from dehydration. Heavy drinkers will find that their saliva flow decreases over time. According to your dentist, dry mouth can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Coffee and tea are usually healthy, but not when you add sugar or sweetened creamer to the mix. Try drinking your tea or coffee black and keep those cups to a minimum. Tea and coffee will also stain your teeth.  

For more information regarding healthy foods for teeth and gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Is Your Chronic Bad Breath Ruining Your Life?

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If people are running away in droves when you open your mouth, it could have something to do with your breath. According to Web MD, more than 65 percent of Americans suffer from bad breath with nearly forty million having chronic halitosis. Ninety percent of bad breath is actually oral and not systemic. 

People in the United States spend about a billion dollars every year on bad breath products, but unless the problem is taken care of, those toothpastes, mouthwashes, gum and breath mints are only masking the problem.   

The number one cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Food that is not removed from your gums, tongue, and teeth will convert to sugar and acids from the bacteria in your mouth. The dying and dead bacteria living off of this food release a sulfur like compound that causes halitosis. Brush your teeth twice, floss once each day.  

Bad breath can also be caused by certain foods. If you indulge in garlic and onions be aware that those foods will stay in your system up to 72 hours after digestion, as they are absorbed into your bloodstream before being released into your lungs. Try skipping certain ethnic foods such as curry and give the onions and garlic a rest for a week or two, as it could be the cause of your halitosis.  

If you are a chronic dieter, your breath could be suffering. People who fast or are constantly dieting will develop bad breath. 

One of the biggest causes of chronic halitosis is gum disease. Food that is trapped between the teeth and beneath the gums will convert to plaque and tartar causing gingivitis and periodontal disease. Only your dentist can tell if you are suffering from gum disease, but if your gums bleed after brushing and flossing it would be wise to schedule an appointment with your dentist.  

Dry mouth, which can be caused by certain medications, could also be the reason people cover their nose when you speak. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, means that you have a decrease in the flow of your salvia. Saliva removes the particles and cleans your mouth. Talk to your doctor if you have dry mouth, as your physician may be able to change your medication.  

Smoking and chewing tobacco are just as bad for your teeth and gums as they are for the rest of your body. Cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products stain your teeth and cause halitosis. Irritated gums, the inability to taste, stained teeth and of course, bad breath can be reduced if you kick the habit.  

If you have healthy teeth and gums, your bad breath could be a sign that you have a health problem. Chronic sinusitis, respiratory tract infections, chronic bronchitis, postnasal drip, gastrointestinal disorders, and diabetes can all cause halitosis. If you have a kidney or liver ailment, your breath could also be suffering.   

Chronic halitosis is nothing to laugh about and if you are tired of talking with your hand over your mouth, schedule an appointment with your dentist who will be able to help you determine the cause of your bad breath.

Tooth Whitening Has Always Been Popular

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The most popular Cosmetic Dentistry technique in the world is tooth whitening, but teeth bleaching certainly isn’t new, in fact, for thousands of years, people all over the planet resorted to some pretty unpleasant tactics when it came to their pearly whites.

The ancient Egyptians used ground pumice and wine vinegar to make a paste to whiten teeth while the ancient Romans preferred human urine. In the 16 th century, barbers got into the act adding tooth whitening to the mix. After a shave and a haircut, barbers would file down clients teeth before soaking with acid. This worked quite well for tooth whitening, but because this method of tooth whitening took the enamel as well, tooth decay was the price one had to pay for tooth bleaching.

These days, thanks to modern Cosmetic Dentistry, you do not have to do what your ancestors did to get that million-dollar smile. Over the counter tooth whitening products account for millions of dollars in sales every year, but because those products are made for the masses, you may not be getting the results that you should.

Talk to your Cosmetic Dentist in East Montgomery County about Venus® Teeth Whitening. Available from Dr. Michael Weiss this chair side tooth bleaching system could give you that movie star smile or natural smile that you always wanted.

Venus® Teeth Whitening is an in office treatment that is fast, effective and affordable. All it usually takes is just one in office treatment and subsequent at home bleaching sessions with your take-home tooth whitening kit to give you your new smile.

Your actual tooth whitening appointment starts with the application of a special hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth. Almost immediately your teeth. Great care is taken so there is very little tooth sensitivity or discomfort.

Although your teeth are ready for a night out on the town, it does not stop there. Your Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Weiss and his caring team will supply you with a tooth whitening kit so that you can maintain your new smile in the comfort of your home. All you have to do is fill your custom whitening trays with a special whitening gel and wear them for a set amount of time to keep your new gorgeous smile white and bright.

Stop wasting your money on over the counter tooth whitening products and schedule an appointment for Venus® Teeth Whitening with Dr. Weiss today.