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One of the things we make it a point to do when removing braces from our patients is to make sure their teeth are white and attractive after all corrective devices have been taken out of their mouths. Not only do we remove brackets and wires, but we also give patients tooth whitening trays to make sure they enjoy a cosmetic outcome to the corrective orthodontic treatment they have experienced. There are 2 different methods that we use for removing braces. The choice of method depends on how the treatment of the patient concludes.
If the patient is seeking an adjustment, and their teeth are exactly where they are intended to be, we take out the wires, make alginate impressions of both dental arches, and put the wires back in. We then pour the impressions and send them to the lab to make bonded retainers. We schedule an appointment for removing braces appointment in 3 weeks. When the patient returns, we bond the permanent retainers to their teeth. We then take new impressions of both arches, and schedule another appointment in 1-2 weeks.
When the patient returns, we give them the bleaching trays and the backup removable retainers. These retainers are made from the models we created using the PVS impressions, and are manufactured from .040 ortho splint material and are trimmed 2mm from the gingival margin. They work exceptionally well as back-up retainers and whitening trays. Patients need these trays, along with take home whitening material, because after we finish removing braces there is always some tooth discoloration where the braces have been. Typically, 2 weeks of cosmetic teeth whitening at home removes this discoloration.
Sometimes, however, a patient comes in when their teeth are almost in perfect alignment. Before removing braces in these instances, we have to make the necessary adjustments first. Normally, we give the patient approximately 1 month for these adjustments to take effect. The patient the patient returns, and after we have completed removing their braces, we take out any cement or pieces of bracket that remain attached to their teeth. We then polish their teeth and deliberately leave the majority of the bonding material in place. This glue acts like a reservoir for custom bleaching when we pour the models. We take impressions, pour the models with a material called stat stone that sets in 5 minutes, and we make the removable bleaching/retainer trays while the patient is in the offices.
While the retainers are being made, the rest of the glue is polished off of the teeth. The patient leaves the office with their removable retainers, whitening trays, and material. A follow up is scheduled in 2-3 weeks for the patient to have their bonded retainers placed. The PVS impressions are then sent to the lab for the fabrication of the bonded retainers. When the patient returns, the bonded retainers are placed. After this, the removable retainers can now be trimmed on the lingual from canine to canine to fit over the bonded retainers. Labels: braces, cosmetic dental braces, cosmetic teeth whitening, removing braces, taking braces out
Ask The DentistThe Cosmetic Dentistry Center in the Houston Medical Center Dental Group offers the full range of cosmetic dentistry procedures and general dentistry practices. Every patient is treated as a genuinely unique individual with his or her own set of unique and specific needs. We like to say that no two smiles are exactly alike, so when you come to our office, you can be confident we provide your smile with a restorative or cosmetic solution that is specifically created just for you.____________________________________________________________________________I would like to know the cost of a fullmouth gingivectomy and how soon a appointment for this procedure can be scheduled.Thanks, Shawna____________________________________________________________________________Shawna,
We would have to see you to determine exactly what is needed. There are times that gingivectomy is minimal and easy -- and there are times that gingivectomy is a major project and complicated. Your medical history is important in this – patients on anti-convulsant medicines commonly have this need, and we need to know all about that history if it is your situation.
There are other times that gingivectomy surgery is not needed, that laser periodontal treatment will solve the problem without surgery.
Read through this information about non-surgical laser treatment. It may answer some questions.
http://www.cosmetic-dentistry-center.com/lanap-t-48.html
Bottom line is that we need to see you and your x-rays to understand the problem and the needs you have. If you will call our office, you will find that we can see you quite quickly for an exam and conversation about what we feel your needs are. Prices can be discussed when we understand the problem.
Chuck Campbell, DDS
Dale Brant, DDS
713-795-5905Labels: gingivectomy, LANAP
Ask The DentistThe Cosmetic Dentistry Center in the Houston Medical Center Dental Group offers the full range of cosmetic dentistry procedures and general dentistry practices. Every patient is treated as a genuinely unique individual with his or her own set of unique and specific needs. We like to say that no two smiles are exactly alike, so when you come to our office, you can be confident we provide your smile with a restorative or cosmetic solution that is specifically created just for you._____________________________________________________I'm interested in the Snap On Smile and pricing._____________________________________________________
I’m not sure what you are looking for – and the degree of problem you have. I will try to answer your question, but there are several materials that might fit for your situation…it is always better to come in and have a conversation about your specifics.
“Snap On Smile” is the name of an appliance that has come into the market for about the past year. It is being marketed quite a lot these days, and there has been public interest in this service. The material used is somewhat unique – kind of like traditional denture acrylic, but more flexible. The appliance is removable – and, as it suggests, it snaps into place. We primarily use this material as a short term temporary appliance when we are doing a complicated case – implants, full mouth restorative, etc. It is marketed as being a permanent restoration, but in our opinion, it is not tough enough for that. As a quick fix for an esthetic problem, or as a neat temporary while doing more complex dental work, we have used this product for several months now…a great “BandAid”. The cost is usually between $1,000 - $1,500 if there are no other dental needs. In our practice, this service is very useful, but very limited.
Please consider coming in for a complete exam in order to learn what are the proper options for your long term dental needs. Only this way can we truly diagnose your situation and offer various options.
Chuck Campbell, DDS
Dale Brant, DDS
(713) 795-5905Labels: Snap-On Smile
An Unerupted Tooth Must Be Extracted and Replaced With a Single Dental Implant
When a tooth forms but does not emerge into the mouth, it is known as an unerupted tooth. This can create other problems in the mouth, such as damage to surrounding tooth gums and supporting bones. It can even contribute to cyst and tumor formation, which in turn can damage the jaw bone. Dentists take no chances with unerupted teeth. We extract them.
This condition occurs most frequently with the wisdom teeth in the back of the mouth, which are also known as third molars. These are the last teeth to develop, but by the time they are ready to emerge, there is no room left for them in the mouth. Other teeth that sometimes fail to emerge are the cuspids, which are the four pointy teeth that dog lovers nickname canine teeth, and the bicuspids, which are between the cuspids and the molars.
The most common symptom of this condition is painful swelling in surrounding gum tissue. X-rays will indicate if there are one or more unerupted teeth. We can then extract them before they lead to further, more serious complications. If this sounds intimidating, keep in mind we can make it painless for you with either oral or intravenous sedation.
Prior to extraction, we take a close look at your medical history to see if you are allergic to anything and to study any relevant dental history, such as previous extractions, root canals, etc. We also x-ray the tooth and measure its full shape, size, and position of impact.
Once the tooth has been extracted, there are specific instructions that we give patients to follow. You should put pressure on the area by biting gently on a roll that we give you. Do this for several hours until a clot forms. After this, do not disturb the area. Also, avoid rinsing, spitting, smoking, and drinking with a straw for 24 hours at last. For the first 48 after having an unerupted tooth removed, drink only liquids and eat the softest foods only. Chew on the side of your mouth opposite the extraction area. You can brush your teeth, but do not brush near the open wound.
It is important to follow these instructions without exception to avoid complications. There are postoperative infections that can develop, and nerves can become temporarily numb. There have also been cases of dry socket, jaw joint pain, and even jaw fracture resulting from the failure of blood to clot and the subsequent exposure of bone to air.
As extreme as tooth extraction sounds, keep in mind that the Houston Medical Center Dental Group also specializes in cosmetic dental implants. Once you have healed up from the tooth extraction, we can replace the unerupted tooth with a single dental implant and restore the beauty and the health of your smile. Labels: single dental implant, tooth extraction, unerupted tooth
Parents can seldom force adolescents to do anything. The offer of better outcomes usually produces changes in behavior. If your teenager smokes, do not start screaming scolding when you discover the truth out. Instead, bring your son or daughter to the Medical Center Dental Group to have a complete dental checkup and thorough tooth cleaning. Explain this will improve their smile and make them look better.
Most teens begin to smoke while in middle school. This has been happening since the early 20th century. During The Great Depression young worked side by side with adults. These adults saw nothing wrong with passing a cigarette to an 11 year old junior while he was milking a cow or patching a hole in a fence.
In that era, such action was considered manly and proper. Smoking was viewed almost as an initiation or strange rite of passage. When you went to work in those days, you smoked and drank with the crew, regardless of your age.
This was ignorance, of course, but back then, people did not know any better.
Since learning of all the harmful effects of cigarettes, we are disappointed to say that we have yet to see a generation of kids come along that will leave smoking alone. Kids are still smoking, and starting at the same young ages as they did in the 20s and 30s.
Why?
The answer lies in the way tobacco companies advertise their product. To be brutal with the truth, they target young people. Because they cannot compete with each other by cutting prices, and because they cannot advertise on the radio or television, either, they package cigarettes in imagery intended to entice adolescents to buy. This is a sleazy way to do business. Nicotine is more addictive than crack, yet these companies deliberately target junior high and high school kids.
Do you have any idea how hard it is for a teenager to quit smoking once he or she starts?
Here are some very alarming facts that we all should be concerned about:
· Every day, over 3,300 kids become habitual smokers. One third of die of a tobacco-related illness.
· The average age of experimentation is 12. 4,800 adolescents start experimenting with smoking between the ages of 11-17. The statistic is 5,500 if the 18-20 demographic is included.
· 4.5 million kids are addicted to smoking.
· Current usage, if it continues, will kill over 5 million kids under the 18.
· 90 percent of all adult smokers said they started smoking at or before the age of 18.
· 86 percent of all cigarettes are sold to youth. The most popular brands—Marlboro, Camel, and Newport—are now iconic in teenage popular culture.
· Science has proven that tobacco is a gateway drug. 65 percent of cocaine users started smoking cigarettes. Other adolescents who smoked tobacco moved on to heavy drinking.
Before they are even 20 years of age, 75 percent of all teenagers regret ever starting smoking. That is an extremely high regret factor for the prime of youth to have. Labels: kids, smoking, teenage smoking
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