Crooked teeth are common; however, whether one’s teeth are crooked may or may not matter. Slightly crooked teeth may have no consequences for their owner, but more seriously crooked teeth can lead to a wide range of difficulties, both physical and psychological. Physical Effects TMJ disorders TMJ disorders can occur with the temporomandibular joints…(Read More)
“Gummy smile”, also known as “excessive gingival display” occurs when the upper gums appear beneath the upper lip, especially when smiling. A gummy smile is primarily an aesthetic concern and can lead to the feeling that one’s smile is less attractive than it could be. A gummy smile is largely a matter of the…(Read More)
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding of the teeth against each other, often but not always during sleep. Teeth grinding can result in substantial wear and damage to the teeth. The second form of bruxism is clenching, in which the jaws are held tightly shut in an involuntary action. Determining when bruxism is occurring Identifying teeth…(Read More)
The goal of dental bone grafting is to create a solid base to support a dental implant, by replacing and regenerating lost bone. Implants need to be established in sound bone because of the forces of chewing. Grafting is necessary if the site for implanting lacks adequate bone; either the jawbone is not thick enough…(Read More)
While we all hope for better luck, sometimes a tooth is significantly damaged and cannot be treated with a simple filling. The damage could result from blunt force trauma, tooth decay, or other cause. Regardless of the origin of the damage, the dental goal is to return the affected area of the mouth to full…(Read More)
In considering whether manual or electric brushing is the better way to brush teeth, remember first: brushing teeth any way is better than not brushing teeth at all. Both technologies are effective at removing plaque and reducing the opportunity for harmful bacteria to assist in forming dental cavities. Advantages of Manual Toothbrushes While they are…(Read More)
The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) is a professional organization whose mission is to promote optimal prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up services in the field of traumatic dental injuries. In August of this year, the fourth version of IADT guidelines for the management of dental trauma will be published in Dental…(Read More)
What are Ortho-Spacers and Why are They Used? Ortho-spacers (or “space maintainers”) are temporary dental appliances used to maintain a separation between teeth in the jaw. Normally, teeth are arranged side by each, and each tooth is fixed in place by the teeth adjacent to it. However, the mouth is actually a dynamic…(Read More)
Dental research has a new area of investigation: the role of Vitamin D in the development of prenatal teeth, and how that development might be a factor in preventing Early Childhood Caries (ECC). While the studies showing the positive role of Vitamin D in the dental condition of older children and adults is fairly well…(Read More)
When should dental care begin? A baby’s dental care should begin even before their teeth have appeared. Care begins with cleaning the baby’s gums, and continues from there on. Their primary teeth will be a part of your baby’s eating, speaking, and appearance in their early years. Moreover, some of those primary…(Read More)