Cosmetic Dentistry : Smile Therapy

June 15, 2015

When you think of a dentist, the first thing that probably comes to your mind is an extraction of teeth or filling them. However, there is more to dentistry. More people are turning to cosmetic dentistry to improve their appearance. It’s the same way that you could change your hairstyle or undergo cosmetic surgery to improve your appearance.

There are a wide variety of cosmetic treatments available. If you want to improve your appearance, ensure that you consult a dentist on the different treatments and which would be best suited for you.

To Get The Dental Care You Deserve From An Affordable Dental Care In Goodyear, Arizona. Call Dr. Caleb Goodman Today at (623) 925-8822 or make an appointment.

Tooth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic treatments. It is a method used to lighten the color of your teeth. The bleaching process, if done by a qualified professional, does not result in the removal of the tooth surface. This is a great solution for people with stained teeth. The procedure is non-invasive. Treatment can take up to SEVERAL weeks depending on the level of whitening you require.

Some people opt to whiten their teeth at home using home whitening kits. These kits include whiteners to paint on or strips placed on the teeth. It is still important to consult your dentist before using a home kit as these may have disastrous effects.

Dental veneers are thin GLASS slices that are placed on the front surface of the teeth, much like fake fingernails are affixed on real fingernails. Veneers are a great way to mask unsightly or terribly stained teeth. They can also be used to repair chips, cracks or close gaps between teeth.

The installation of veneers involves the buffing down of the front surface of the teeth to remove some enamel. An impression of your teeth is done and a dental technician makes the veneers to fit onto the surfaces of the teeth. Veneers are BONDED to the surface of teeth permanently. This treatment option is non-invasive and gives a natural looking result. They can be quite unsightly if veneers don’t match the color of the neighboring teeth.

Composite bonding involves the application of a special resin to the teeth. The resin hardens when placed under a special light. The resin bonds between the teeth as a result, therefore, restoring or improving the appearance of the tooth. This treatment can be used for various situations including close gaps, change the shape of teeth, repair cracked or chipped teeth.

Composite bonding is one of the simplest and affordable cosmetic treatments available. It only takes one visit to have it done. However, it is not completely stain-resistant, and neither does it last as long as some of the other protective procedures such as fillings, veneers and crowns.

Dental crowns are treatment used mostly for badly broken teeth. The treatment is also used to strengthen teeth that are weak as a result of extensive filling. The method involves taking an impression of the tooth that is used to make a crown. The crown is like a cap that is placed over the teeth. The crown is made of porcelain. A temporary crown may be placed on the teeth before the permanent one is fitted as part of preparing the tooth. The process takes up to two weeks.

Many cosmetic treatments are non-invasive and safe when done by a qualified and professional dental team. Dr. Caleb Goodman and his team are just that. Contact them today to learn more about cosmetic treatments and on which would be most suitable for you. The team will be happy to guide you.

The Smile Team provides the best in family dental treatment. Your comfort and care are of the utmost priority to the team.

About the Practice

Dr. Caleb Goodman offers expert general and emergency dental care in Goodyear, AZ. With a gentle, patient-first approach, our team provides thorough evaluations, pain-free tooth extractions, and comprehensive post-op support to help patients recover quickly and comfortably. Whether you’re dealing with an emergency tooth extraction or a planned procedure, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Call us at (623) 925-8822 or request an appointment online.

Dry Mouth?

April 19, 2013

What do I Need to Know About Dry Mouth?

Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while — if they are nervous, upset or under stress.

But if you have a dry mouth all or most of the time, it can be uncomfortable and can lead to serious health problems.

Dry mouth …

Can cause difficulties in tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking
Can increase your chance of developing dental decay and other infections in the mouth
Can be a sign of certain diseases and conditions
Can be caused by certain medications or medical treatments
Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. So if you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or physician — there are things you can do to get relief.

What is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth is the condition of not having enough saliva, or spit, to keep your mouth wet.

Symptoms Include:

  • A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
  • Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting or speaking
  • A burning feeling in the mouth
  • A dry feeling in the throat
  • Cracked lips
  • A dry, tough tongue
  • Mouth sores
  • An infection in the mouth

Why is Saliva so Important?

  • Saliva does more than keep the mouth wet. It helps digest food
  • It protects teeth from decay
  • It prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth
  • It makes it possible for you to chew and swallow
  • Without enough saliva you can develop tooth decay or other infections in the mouth. You also might not get the nutrients you need if you cannot chew and swallow certain foods.

What causes Dry Mouth?

People get dry mouth when the glands in the mouth that make saliva are not working properly. Because of this, there might not be enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. There are several reasons why these glands (called salivary glands) might not work right.

  • Side effects of some medicines — more than 400 medicines can cause the salivary glands to make less saliva. Medicines for high blood pressure and depression often cause dry mouth
  • Disease — some diseases affect the salivary glands. Sjögren’s Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease can all cause dry mouth
  • Radiation therapy — the salivary glands can be damaged if they are exposed to radiation during cancer treatment
  • Chemotherapy — drugs used to treat cancer can make saliva thicker, causing the mouth to feel dry.
  • Nerve damage — injury to the head or neck can damage the nerves that tell salivary glands to make saliva.

What Can be Done About Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth treatment will depend on what is causing the problem. If you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or physician. He or she can try to determine what is causing your dry mouth.
If your dry mouth is caused by medicine, your physician might change your medicine or adjust the dosage
If your salivary glands are not working right but can still produce some saliva, your physician or dentist might give you a medicine that helps the glands work better
Your physician or dentist might suggest that you use artificial saliva to keep your mouth wet

What can I do?

  • Sip water or sugarless drinks often
  • Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth
  • Sip water or a sugarless drink during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of food
  • Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; citrus, cinnamon or mint-flavored candies are good choices
  • Don’t use tobacco or alcohol. They dry out the mouth
  • Be aware that spicy or salty foods may cause pain in a dry mouth
  • Use a humidifier at night

    (Dr Caleb Goodman recommends Biotene, read the blog about Biotene)

Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

Remember, if you have dry mouth, you need to be extra careful to keep your teeth healthy. Make sure you:

  • Gently brush your teeth at least twice a day
  • Floss your teeth every day
  • Avoid sticky, sugary foods. If you do eat them, brush immediately afterwards
  • Visit your dentist for a check-up at least twice a year.
  • For more information on Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren’s Syndrome is a major cause of dry mouth. You can get information about dry mouth related to Sjögren’s Syndrome from:

Sjögren’s Syndrome Clinic
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Building 10, Room 1N113
10 Center Drive MSC 1190
Bethesda, MD 20892-1190
Tel: 301-435-8528
Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation, Inc.
Suite 530
8120 Woodmont Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
Tel: 301-718-0300 or
800-475-6473
http://www.sjogrens.org

article from crest website

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