Braces are the most common appliance that comes to mind when discussing orthodontic care. In more recent years, clear aligner trays, such as Invisalign, aren’t far behind. These are just a couple of the pieces in your orthodontist’s toolkit for adjusting the position of your teeth. As you might imagine, adjusting the placement and alignment of your teeth is a delicate process. Several factors will have to be taken into account while planning the whole treatment process. A primary example is ensuring that only those teeth that need to be adjusted are moved. Orthodontic anchorages were developed to help achieve this goal with precision.
The origins of orthodontic anchorage can be traced back to a dentist by the name of Henry Albert Baker. His approach had such an impact that it is still used today under the name “Baker’s Anchorage.” From that moment forward, the innovation of orthodontic specialists led to the development of a range of anchorage techniques and styles. A system of classifying these anchorages developed with it. This system sorts anchorage types accordingly:
Each of these classifications describes a different aspect of a given anchorage. Together they create a full understanding of the number of teeth, where they’re located, and how they’re being secure. A special classification exists for anchorages set in certain bones and another for those secured with implants. Together they create systems that ensure only the desired teeth get adjusted during the orthodontic treatment process. This is a critical part of ensuring successful results from your orthodontic adjustment.
Understanding the nature of the above system helps patients understand all that goes into a successful orthodontic treatment. There has been a somewhat worrying trend of patients gravitating towards seemingly cheaper mail-in orthodontic treatments and aligners. These systems are designed with a minimum of information about the patient and don’t consider the whole picture. There is also no effective way for these third-party orthodontists to provide necessary anchorage points or consistently observe your teeth’ state during treatment. This can create a situation where teeth are moving in unexpected ways. Without addressing this, you may need further treatment, or your teeth may become damaged.
One element of oral health that patients rarely consider is our family heritage. Ongoing research into the role of genetics in our oral health has shown significant results. Many elements of our dental health are tied to those of our parents and other ancestors. How our teeth and jawbone develop and our ability to ward off periodontal disease and tooth decay are just the most prominent. There’s hope in the fact that many of the complications resulting from genetics can be managed.
It would be reasonable to state that almost every aspect of our overall health has a genetic element to it. It shouldn’t be surprising that dental health is no different in this regard. The size and shape of our oral cavity are directly related to our genetic past. So too are our jawbone strength and shape, the alignment of our teeth, and our ability to ward off oral diseases. Even our propensity to develop temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can be directly tied to our family history.
The following oral health issues can be the result of our genetic past:
These are the most common conditions that involve a genetic element, but there are others. Misalignments and natural discoloration of the teeth can be the result of genetic factors. It’s also possible for genetics to make you more likely to develop oral cancer.
Thankfully even genetic complications can be overcome with good oral hygiene and the help of your dentist. Misalignments can be addressed with the use of orthodontic appliances. Dental discoloration can be countered with teeth whitening treatments. Knowledge of a family’s tendency to develop oral cancer can put both your physician and dentist on guard. The most significant step you can take is informing your dentist of your family history and communicating with them often.
When you meet someone important for the first time, be it an interviewer or a romantic interest, a great smile makes a great impression. You want to come into every opportunity in your life looking your best, and cosmetic dentistry is a good way to achieve this. More and more men realize the importance of self-care and a beautiful smile and are turning to cosmetic dentistry to make it happen. In addition to boosting self-esteem, it also helps give them an edge in today’s competitive world.
Less than twenty-five years ago, a large portion of the male population would never consider cosmetic dentistry. There was a perception that this kind of care was for women or those who were vain or effete. Over the past couple of decades, a much healthier view of personal care treatments like cosmetic dentistry has grown. Today the line between having a filling done and getting your teeth whitened is so thin as to be irrelevant. There’s a lot of reasons this is the case, with the following being most prominent:
Countless studies reveal that the statistics are consistent. Each year, a greater percentage of the male population opts into cosmetic dentistry. We all want to look our best and know just how important that first impression is. The fact that we may not even know that we’re making that first impression due to our online presence only makes it more important.
Whether you’re male, female, or non-binary, a great smile can help you achieve a look that’s the perfect you. That shining smile will help you feel better about yourself overall and enhance the rest of your look and your self-esteem with it. It all starts with a call to your cosmetic dentistry provider. From gummy smiles to yellow-stained teeth, there’s a cosmetic procedure to help bring out your brightest smile.
Each time you visit your dentist for a standard six-month check-up, they perform an oral cancer screening. As they check your gums for disease and your teeth for cavities, they’re also keeping an eye out for the tell-tale signs of oral cancer. This check is performed at every dental appointment with the aim of catching them early. Successful treatment chances are improved by catching this cancer as early as possible. If you want to learn more about how your dentist can identify this health condition and help treat it, keep reading.
Medical professionals often disagree on whether or not oral cancer screenings are effective or necessary. There are those who stand by the idea that only those at risk of oral cancer need to have a screening performed. While it’s true that there is little evidence indicating that oral cancer screening actually prevents death from this condition, one thing remains true. Oral cancer treatment is significantly more effective when the lesions are identified earlier than later. Either way, there is no additional cost for this screening.
During your oral exam, the dentist is checking to see if they see any indicators of oral cancer. This is in addition to the other oral health concerns such as tooth decay and gingivitis. If oral cancer lesions are caught early, your medical specialist may be able to easily remove them.
While the exact causes of oral cancer are not well known, there are things that are associated with increased risk.
Recent statistics have identified a rising trend of oral cancer in the past decade. While the reason for this is still being investigated, the Human Papillomavirus is a primary suspect. If you’re wondering about your risk of developing oral cancer, be certain that you speak to your medical professional.
If your dentist identifies signs that indicate oral cancer may be present, they’ll direct you to your medical professional for testing. While the oral cavity may develop sores from time to time, cancer is rarely the reason for them. As your dentist can’t identify oral cancer on sight alone, they’ll arrange for other tests when it’s suspected.
These tests will be aimed at identifying the underlying cause of the sore or lesion. In almost every case cancer will be ruled out. If there is reason to believe that the sore is cancer, your medical professional may order a biopsy. This procedure takes a small sample of tissue to check for signs of cancer.
If you have a sore that appeared in your mouth and are concerned about what it may be, call your dentist today! They’ll perform a thorough exam and set your mind at ease.
One thing frequently encountered by dentists is patients with brown spots developing on their teeth. If you’ve looked in the mirror and seen your teeth beginning to develop brown spots, it’s time for a visit to your dental care provider. When you speak to them they’ll be able to help you find ways to slow the advance of brown spots and perhaps eliminate them altogether. These spots can come in a variety of colors, including black-brown and yellow-brown. Over time they can grow to different sizes and can represent a threat to our oral health. We’ll be going over a few facts about brown spot fluorosis, and what you can do to prevent, or reverse it.
It probably comes as no surprise that brown spot fluorosis most commonly starts from drinking or eating foods that are strong in tannic acid. Red wine, coffee, and strong teas all contain this staining agent and can contribute to the development of these spots. If poor oral hygiene practices are involved, it’s entirely possible for these stains to become permanent. Other ways that brown spot fluorosis can begin include:
The approach your dentist takes to treating your brown spot fluorosis will largely depend on the source of the condition. Regular discoloration can be reversed through a variety of cosmetic procedures. If thinning enamel is responsible, restoration techniques may be necessary. In many cases, the stain may not be able to be removed, and a veneer will have to be put in place to hide it. Speaking to your dentist is the best way to know what the right approach is for you.
Healthy smiles have teeth tightly close together, with minimal spacing in between for ease of flossing and brushing. For many orthodontists and dentists, healthy mouths are a top priority, and one of the most well-known problems people face with their teeth and gums is a visible condition characteristically known as black triangles. These triangles are empty spaces in between the teeth where the gums or teeth should be, and this condition can result from numerous underlying causes. We’re here to help you better understand your concerns and give you some options for treatment.
Black triangles are more common than you would think – according to some review studies, these studies have shown that black triangles can occur in over 60% of people over the age of 20, making it rather common and consistent. Black triangles can be visually unappealing to some, and health-wise can lead to poorer oral health. Most often, this condition occurs due to genetic factors affecting their oral anatomy and poor oral hygiene. However, this condition can also occur from reasons such as:
While black triangles appear to be a cosmetic problem, it isn’t. As a matter of fact, having black triangles in between your teeth can lead to higher plaque accumulation due to the ease of food particles and bacteria getting in between the teeth. That’s also why it’s important that with any cosmetic concern, you should visit your dentist!
Dental black triangles are a complex problem to treat, and because of this, it requires an interdisciplinary approach from cosmetic dentists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons alike. Managing this condition takes time, but through these treatment options, those black triangles can be removed, and you’ll have a healthier mouth:
To prevent the onset of black triangles, it’s important that you take care of your teeth, and if you notice signs of black triangles, visiting your dentist is the first and best solution towards better oral care all around!
Our oral hygiene is an important and predictable part of our morning and evening rituals for most of us. We pick up our favorite products, squeeze the toothpaste out on the toothbrush, and away we go. In all the years we’ve been using these products, it’s likely we’ve never spared the ingredient list a single glance. Even those who lean towards products that use more natural substances may never get beyond the ‘all-natural labeling to find out what they’re using. So long as the ADA has approved the product, you can generally assume they’re safe. However, you may be interested in knowing more about how these natural options work to protect your smile.
Natural oral hygiene products usually contain an ingredient list that’s easy to read and understand. The lack of manufactured chemicals tends to guarantee it, though you may not know what all of them are for. These ingredients are often included and provide a range of benefits.
One common ingredient in mainstream dental products is triclosan. Triclosan was shown to be effective at eliminating bacterial contamination. However, ongoing studies revealed that it could also have unfortunate consequences. These include boosting antibiotic resistance in bacteria and causing complications for our endocrine system. These properties led to its use being banned in body wash and soap. This ban did not go so far as to prevent its use in toothpaste, however.
This has led natural toothpaste producers to find an alternative to this unfortunate substance. The most popular replacement is tea tree oil. This oil is known to prevent the development of fungus and bacteria in the body and to have wonderful antiseptic properties. Reductions in gum inflammation and strengthening of the enamel have also been associated with tea tree oil.
Many of us, even those with good oral hygiene, struggle with halitosis. This condition, also more commonly known as bad breath, can be unpleasant for the sufferer and those they’re around alike. Magnolia bark has been demonstrated to reduce the presence of the bacteria responsible for halitosis and tooth decay. This property made it an easy shoo-in for natural toothpaste and chewing gum.
Chewing gum plays an unexpectedly important role in the preservation of your teeth. Its gummy texture helps to scrub out the spaces between your teeth. Xylitol is often used as a sweetener instead of sugar. This is great news since Xylitol has been shown to battle bacteria responsible for tooth decay. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also capable of reducing how effectively bacteria can stick to our teeth. It’s a double-point attack on tooth decay.
These are just three of the substances you may find in your natural toothpaste ingredient list.
Your dentist will take steps to provide you with a greater insight into natural and safe dental options. They’ll inform you which have been shown to be effective and which are best left on the pharmacy shelves. Speak with them during your next bi-annual dental visit.
Living with diabetes can add significant difficulties to managing your overall health. High blood sugar, in particular, can have a broad range of impacts. One of the areas it can affect is the health of your teeth and gums. Thankfully a little vigilance can help counter these concerns, along with a little preventative care. This guide is going to help you understand the struggles you face with dental health while living with diabetes.
Both diabetes types 1 and 2 involve managing your blood sugar level. Left unmanaged, this rise in blood sugar can result in multiple issues. Among these issues is the following list of oral health concerns:
These five concerns are frequently experienced by those with diabetes. They are more common in those who don’t maintain good oral hygiene practices, including dental visits.
Conditions like diabetes have a broad range of potential health concerns. As a result, it’s essential that you involve your dentist in your oral care. Their efforts, combined with that of your medical practitioners, can help keep the potential health consequences at bay. Throughout it all, it’s essential that you maintain a healthy oral hygiene practice. These steps are your only defense between your bi-annual visits with your dentist. When you arrive at these visits, your dentist will be able to identify any trouble areas or developing concerns. They’ll also provide a deep clean that will serve to complement the hard oral hygiene work you’ve done between visits.
If you’ve lost a tooth, you may be finding yourself considering an implant. Whether through extraction or trauma, losing a tooth can have other consequences. Those who have lost a tooth often discover that their jawbone begins to degrade. The jawbone has degraded too far to hold an implant in more than half of all implant procedures. When needed, a dental bone graft may be considered. This procedure can reinforce the existing jawbone. The result is restored bone health that permits the insertion of an implant.
The ability of the body to restore bone is impressive but may not be enough. Bone grafts are the best approach for most patients who lack the bone density to support dental implants. Bone grafts can supplement the body’s natural processes to produce better results. Bone grafts are accomplished by the placement of special material at the weakened area. The natural healing process of the bone will incorporate this material to produce stronger bone.
There are four common forms of bone graft:
When possible, dentists prefer to use autografts in this procedure. This material produces the highest rates of success and least complications. These are the benefits of using material from the patient’s own body.
Those who have lost bone due to health conditions or trauma may need a bone graft to receive implants. Periodontal disease, aging, missing teeth, and other concerns are common factors. Genetics and developmental defects may also be involved. After examining the health of your jawbone, your dentist may suggest a bone graft before getting implants. As mentioned earlier, almost half of all implant procedures need a bone graft.
These days bone grafts are a generally routine procedure. The first step to receiving one involves meeting a periodontist or oral surgeon. These specialists will determine what material will best suit your health needs. They’ll also take the time to create a treatment plan with you that will improve the procedure’s success. No two bone grafts are the same, but the following steps are involved:
Reach out to your dental specialist to receive more information about bone grafts. They’ll help determine if you’ll need a bone graft before receiving implants.
Do you maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine? Have you ever experienced sore teeth or gums while having a nasty cold? It’s possible that the symptoms you’re experiencing are actually the result of congested sinuses. This is why that pain will sometimes fade after your congestion passes. We’re going to explain how sinus pressure can cause oral health concerns, and how to tell the difference. Allergy sufferers are often familiar with this experience. However, they aren’t the only ones who can be affected. Sinus infections, severe colds, or the flu can all be involved.
The reason that sinus pressure can cause dental pain stems from their placement. Your sinuses occupy a large space just above your oral cavity. They also extend behind your upper jaw a short way. There is very little space between your rear teeth and the sinus cavity. Pressure in this cavity can therefore put pressure on the roots of these teeth. This pressure is the source of dental pain from sinus pressure.
There are a few indicators that your dental pain may be from sinus pressure
While the pain may be from sinus pressure, tooth infections are possible. When you’re sick your immune system is busy fighting that disease. As a result, it may not be able to protect your teeth as well. The bacteria can have an easier time getting a foothold, resulting in decay or the development of periodontitis. Between dental pain from sinus pressure and this increased risk of infection, cold and allergy season is known as ‘toothache season’.
The best way to determine the source of your dental pain is by reaching out to your dental provider. They have the knowledge and equipment to accurately determine the source of your discomfort. A final diagnosis may require the use of dental imaging to ensure no hidden decay is taking place. It’s also worthwhile to speak to your primary care provider to get their insight on your symptoms. Between these two providers, you’ll be able to get a definite conclusion and steps to take to resolve it.
Sinus dental pain is a well-known concern for allergy sufferers. The yearly appearance of their symptoms makes their struggle with sinus pain a constant. Many allergy sufferers also have suppressed immune systems. This means they’re more likely to experience sinus infections that can create sinus pressure and pain. Whether you suffer from allergies or not, sinus pressure can be a real pain in the mouth. Before cold and allergy season comes around, make sure you speak with your dental health provider. They’ll provide you with ways of identifying this form of dental pain, and what to do when you do. Reach out to your provider for an appointment today!