Teeth reshaping is one of the most cost-effective, and convenient dental procedures to fix a chipped, poorly aligned, or uneven teeth to help you get an attractive smile. Most dentists usually combine teeth shaping with another treatment called bonding or contouring which makes use of a resin to enhance the overall appearance of your smile.
The front teeth are typically the best candidates for this kind of treatment. We take a deeper look at how reshaping is done and what you can expect from it as a patient.
What is Teeth Reshaping?
Teeth reshaping which is commonly also called dental contouring is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that is performed to remove small amounts of tooth enamel in order to change the length, shape, or surface of the teeth.
The procedure is typically performed on patients who have crooked, cracked, uneven or chipped teeth. It is an alternative to braces or Invisalign treatments. Even a millimeter change on your teeth can help elevate the appearance of your teeth which is why it is sought out by so many.
The best thing about teeth reshaping is that you will never feel pain or discomfort when the treatment is being performed.
Are You a Candidate for Teeth Reshaping?
If you don’t like having chipped, crooked or unattractive teeth, then this procedure is good for you. Book an appointment with a dentist today to talk further about your options. With little teeth reshaping, it can make a huge difference in how your smile appears and how you feel about it.
However, keep in mind that this procedure is only suitable if the condition of the teeth is minor in nature. Because removing a lot of enamel from the teeth can weaken them, it is a good idea to go for bracers or Invisalign treatments instead.
How is the Procedure Performed?
To reshape the teeth, the dentist will first remove the enamel of the affected teeth with a drill or laser. Before they begin the treatment, they will also require a full X-Ray of your jaw to evaluate the size and location of the pulp of the teeth to ensure that there is enough space in between so the teeth don’t become loosened.
Next, the dentist starts working with the areas that are affected by shortening the long teeth or reshaping the badly shaped teeth to even them out. They may even do this to align your teeth together. After that, the teeth are polished and smoothened to give a pleasing look.
The teeth reshaping procedure usually lasts about 30 minutes but it largely depends on how many teeth the dentist has to work on.
How To Take Care of Your Teeth Afterwards
After the procedure, you may have to follow an after-care routine to maintain the attractiveness of your teeth. Bonded or reshaped teeth are highly susceptible to staining and chipping which means that you will have to avoid biting on hard things, chewing fingernails, or eating hard food.
You will also have to avoid opening things with your teeth to reduce the risk of chipping. You will have to maintain oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis.
Teeth shaping can change your life for the better. It will boost your confidence and will make you feel good about yourself. Because this procedure is relatively cost-effective and quick, we encourage you to talk to your dentist about it if you have uneven teeth.
At Celebrity Smiles, we perform teeth reshaping procedures on almost a daily basis. We have some of the best dentists in Westmont ready to help give you an attractive smile. Book your appointment today or visit our dentist’s office in Westmont to get started.
Here we discuss the most important things you need to know about care for cut on gums.
A cut in the mouth isn’t always on the gums, it can also be on the lips. It could be inside your mouth, or just near the outer lips. While most of the time the cut is left open and stitches are not needed, sometimes stitching the cut can help with bleeding.
In some cases, you may want to visit your dentist to find out if there are any other problems like a tooth injury, or a periodontal (gum disease). The dentist will take imaging tests including an X-Ray or a CT scan to see the condition of your mouth.
If there are stitches, they will often dissolve on their own but sometimes a dentist may need to take them out. Stitches on the cut may require at least 5 days before they can be removed but it largely depends on the cut type.
Celebrity Smiles, based in Westmont offers some of the best general dentistry services say that you need to be checked carefully if the cut doesn’t heal quickly because it can develop into something worse later.
Follow up care is also needed to make sure that your mouth stays in good health. Make sure to go to the dentist regularly until the problem has resolved.
How Can You Care For Cut on Gums at Home?
There are many ways you can care for cut gums at home. Whether it is on the gums, or the lips, or inside your cheeks, everything can be sorted out at home. But it may require a visit to the dentist or the doctor at least once if the cut is deep.
Take antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor and do not stop taking them until the recommended time and dosage has ended. You need to make sure you go through the full course.
If you feel pain, you can also take over the counter pain killers. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package.
You can also cool the inside of your mouth by using a piece of ice or sucking on an ice lolly.
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, especially after a meal. Saltwater accelerates the healing process. The solution must include one tsp of salt with 1 cup of water for the best results.
Try and eat soft foods like tomatoes, bananas, and other pureed food. Avoid any food that is spicy or salty and acidic such as fruits juices containing citrus fruits.
Try using topical medicine found at general drug stores to relieve pain.
If the cut doesn’t heal or show improvement within two days, visit your dentist for a consultation. The healing process depends a lot on the individual immunity of the person and your commitment to the care for cut on gums. If you are an aged person, or you suffer from conditions like diabetes, the cut may not heal as fast as it should. In times and conditions like this, always take professional consultation from a doctor or a dentist.
Dry mouth, that awful feeling in your mouth can not only make it hard to swallow food but sometimes it can get in the way of talking too if it gets severe. Dry mouth is not only uncomfortable but also brings with it odor-causing bacteria and a higher risk of cavities.
Although many patients we see at Celebrity Smiles, Westmont believes that dry mouth is a side effect of being old, it doesn’t necessarily cause dry mouth. It is a very common side effect of consuming over the counter and prescribed medication which is what older people have to experience a lot.
Still, dry mouth isn’t a condition that affects older people, some individuals suffering from autoimmune diseases like the Sjogren’s syndrome may also experience severe dry mouth. Other chronic conditions including diabetes may also be the cause.
Sometimes you can easily remedy the situation by controlling tobacco use (if you smoke) or by reducing the amount of alcohol you use. If you still think you do not have enough saliva in your mouth, it could be an underlying mouth condition that needs to be remedied through general dentistry services from a dental clinic.
Other times, you can try these 5 easy dry mouth home remedies to see if things get better for you.
Increase Water Intake
One of the easiest ways to remedy a dry mouth is to drink lots of water. Keep taking small sips of water throughout the day to keep a dry mouth well hydrated. Water doesn’t aggravate the acid balance in your oral cavity so it is a safe way to relieve dryness.
Sometimes however water may not be enough to provide relief.
Try Sugar-Free Candy
Sugar-free candy can stimulate your mouth to produce more saliva. But you need to approach this solution with caution. It is well known that chewing or sucking on sugar-free candies can lead to cavities.
However, sugar-free gum containing xylitol can be of great help because it has well documented cavity-fighting attributes and is typically formulated in a way that it helps maintain beneficial pH levels of the mouth.
Try Using Oral Rinse
Oral rinse products are also a good way to fight back mouth dryness. These rinses, which are easily found over-the-counter in many drug stores, are specifically made to help with dry mouth and any accompanying conditions it brings with it.
Just remember to use it wisely and equally with brushing and flossing. Rinses are made with certain ingredients that can be harmful to your health if you swallow it or do not use it in moderation.
Keep an Eye On What You Eat
Last, but not least, if you consume a lot of caffeine-containing beverages, including coffee, soda, and tea, you can end up with a dry mouth. Alcohol consumption particularly causes this problem in individuals who drink without moderation.
On the other hand, salty food such as crisps and other snacks can also contribute to mouth dryness. Controlling what you eat can help relieve these bothersome symptoms.
At the end of the day, dry mouth could be caused by various underlying conditions of the mouth that require immediate attention from the dentist. So make sure to regularly visit a dentist – at least two times a year to ensure perfect oral health.
There is no doubt that laser teeth whitening is one of the best procedures for people who seek a quick way to whiten their teeth. The procedure is readily available in almost every dental office near you including Celebrity Smiles in Westmont.
The reason why people often go for professional teeth whitening is that it can deal with multiple oral conditions through a single procedure, including tooth decay, gum disease, and of course, teeth whitening.
Laser teeth whitening is a very quick procedure thanks to the laser that activates hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide solution to produce fast results.
Although the procedure is quick and easy, you have every right to know about the pros and cons of laser teeth whitening. We talked to Celebrity Smiles and they let us know both the good and the bad sides of this specific dental treatment.
Pros of Laser Teeth Whitening
One of the best things about laser treatment is that the effects can be seen in just a few hours after the procedure has been completed. Laser treatment is being used everywhere in the medical industry today and it has the capability of achieving faster and better results.
The less time the patient has to spend at the clinic is one of the best things about this procedure since everybody is busy with their lives and anything that can be done in a matter of minutes or hours is welcoming.
Imagine you had an upcoming family event and you wanted to quickly turn those pale teeth into bright pearly ones, would teeth-whitening toothpaste work? Certainly not, at least not in a few days.
Cons of Laser Teeth Whitening
The only thing dentists warn about laser teeth whitening is that you may feel increased sensitivity in your teeth after the procedure is completed. This is because of the laser and the peroxides that are used.
Peroxides are usually used in high quantities for the procedure and it may not suit everyone. Some people even complain that experience certain gum related problems and other complications after the procedure has been completed.
Even though the side effects of the treatment are very few, you should still know what will happen if you go through the procedure. The dentists have a moral duty to tell you this, so never hesitate to ask them about the risks as well as the benefits.
At Celebrity Smiles, we believe everyone has the right to make an informed decision, this is why we hold a consultation session before we begin the treatment where the patient is told about everything they need to know about laser teeth whitening.
It’s not uncommon to have a root canal once in your life. However, the procedure itself has a reputation for being painful even days after it has been performed. By now you are probably already aware of what happens during the procedure but have you wondered what happens afterward and what post-treatment care is like?
We sat down with dentists at Celebrity Smiles, Westmont to discuss how your post root canal treatment care should be like.
What Happens After Root Canal
After the procedure has been performed, your dentist will send you home with a few instructions for immediate pain management and how to take care of the affected tooth after the procedure, and most likely a follow-up visit. It is very important to follow these guidelines especially if there is a temporary filling or crown in place.
Dentists use a special medication to numb the area around where the procedure is performed and this may wear off soon after. When it wears off, you will feel a little discomfort and tenderness in the affected area for a few days until everything heals.
These are temporary symptoms that can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication. But sometimes, a dentist may choose to prescribe strong pain relief medication or antibiotics depending on your problem.
It is very important to follow the instructions given to you by your dentist because strong pain management medication can make you feel drowsy so you should be very careful when performing tasks such as driving or operating risky machinery at work.
When Should You See a Dentist After Root Canal?
You are likely going to feel a different sensation in the treated tooth for some days. But if the symptoms such as pain are getting worse, you may have to immediately see your dentist again. These symptoms can range from:
Visible swelling in or outside your mouth
Severe pain lasting days after root canal
Returning symptoms prior to the procedure
Allergic reaction to a medication such as itching or rash
Post Root Canal Treatment Care Tips
After a root canal, you must wait until the numbness wears off before you eat anything. You must not chew or bite anything with the treated tooth until it has been completely healed and checked by the dentist in a follow-up visit.
Remember to continue to follow your oral care routine consisting of regular brushing and flossing. This will allow you to keep the treated area clean and avoid infection.
Once the root canal procedure and follow-up visits with the dentist are done, you will have to return to your dentist once again for the final crown to be placed so the tooth can be restored completely.
It is very important to make this appointment immediately after the root canal procedure has been completed. If everything goes accordingly, the treated tooth can last as long as any of your other teeth.
As a final note, make sure to continue to brush and floss your teeth alongside regular visits to the dentist for general dentistry. This way you are less likely to suffer from conditions that require a root canal.
We hope you never find yourself in this situation, but just in case, here are four toothpaste alternatives when the real thing is not within reach.
Have you ever been in this scenario? You squeeze down the very last ounce of toothpaste from the tube and the next morning you go to the bathroom to brush your teeth only to find out that there is nothing left.
What should you do when something like this happens, especially when you are traveling to remote areas? According to dentists at Celebrity Smiles, in Westmont, skipping brushing your teeth should never be your answer.
You have to make sure that your teeth are cleaned even if it means using toothpaste alternatives. In this post, we will reveal 4 great toothpaste alternatives you can use when you’re out of one.
The Best Toothpaste Alternatives
1. Use Baking Soda Instead
Many kinds of toothpaste use baking soda in their formula and there is a very good reason for it. Baking soda is used a lot for cleaning purposes because it is safe and effective especially when you don’t have a toothbrush or toothpaste.
So next time when you unexpectedly run out of toothpaste, just use some baking soda instead. You can apply the soda on a toothbrush, your finger, or cloth and brush your teeth!
2. Use Teeth Wipes In Emergency
If you don’t have baking soda or your teeth are sensitive to it, you can use teeth wipes. It is always a good idea to keep some teeth wipes in your bag or at home for quick cleaning. It is a great alternative to toothpaste since it can be used as small finger gloves that can help get rid of food particles and plaque by just rubbing your finger on your teeth.
Although teeth wipes are a great alternative, you should not be replacing them with toothpaste because they are not intended for daily use, so make sure only to use them when you really need them.
3. Chew Some Gum
Sugar-free gum is a very good way of cleaning your teeth when brushing your teeth is not possible. Chewing gum not only stimulates saliva production in the mouth, but it also helps clean your teeth by removing food particles and debris.
Again, chewing gum should not be used as a replacement for brushing teeth, however it can help you in times when you are absolutely out of toothpaste and other alternatives. Pop a gum after a meal and you’re good to go!
4. Use Hydrogen Peroxide or Mouthwash
Mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide are also good brushing and toothpaste alternatives. Both of these can help wash away bad bacteria from the mouth and as well as remove any food particles or debris stuck in your teeth.
If you have hydrogen peroxide available, only use it in moderate quantities and avoid swallowing it at all costs. Simply mix it with some water and swish in your mouth and spit to get the best results.
Not brushing your teeth because you ran out of toothpaste shouldn’t be an excuse when you have so many alternatives to brushing available. Whenever possible, use these to clean your teeth so that they can remain healthy and pearly white.
But remember, no amount of brushing and flossing can ensure absolutely perfect teeth. This is why it is important to visit a dentist for general dentistry services such as routine examinations and cleanings. Only a dentist can find underlying dental conditions that may pose a risk to your teeth.
Visit a dentist regularly alongside practicing good oral hygiene and you’re rarely run into trouble within your mouth.
If you absolutely need to pull a toddler’s loose teeth out, there are ways you can do it to minimize the pain.
You’ve probably wondered about this more than once – what should you do when the time comes to pulling your child’s loose teeth? At Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry, Westmont, we compiled a list of dos and don’ts of pulling children’s teeth so you don’t have to think twice next time you see a loose tooth in your child’s mouth.
Children usually start losing milk teeth at around age six or seven. The teeth at the front of the mouth, also called incisors, are usually the first batch of teeth to loosen up and go. When permanent teeth start coming in their place, the roots of the baby tooth usually dissolve till the tooth is loose enough to fall out without causing pain or blood.
However, there are times when the teeth may not fall out as easily as you may have expected and parents are left to wonder what to do. One choice is to see the dentist for general dentistry or attempt to remove the tooth on your own. The best thing to do however is to wait until the tooth falls on its own.
There are a bunch of myths that explain how you can pull a loose tooth. It usually involves tying a string to the tooth and a doorknob and then slamming shut the door hard. But this is actually pretty bad for your kid’s oral health. If the teeth are not ready to fall out naturally, any attempt to pull them may cause pain. It can also result in excessive bleeding, infection, and damage to tissue.
If you see the tooth still attached to the roots, it is best to not attempt to pull it and ask your children to do the same. Encourage them to keep the teeth in their place until they loosen up a bit more. You can help in this matter by encouraging your kids to brush regularly or eat food like an apple to help loosen the teeth so it falls out naturally.
If, however, you believe the tooth is ready to come out but has overstayed its welcome, then you can pull the tooth on your own by following the steps written below by a professional.
How to Pull a Toddler’s Loose Teeth
According to dentists at Celebrity Smiles, this is the best way to pull a loose baby tooth.
Wash your hands and disinfect them. Use your fingers to wiggle the tooth back and forth with a piece of tissue or clean cloth. If it is ready to come out, just twist it a little and it should pop out easily.
Now apply some pressure to the area with a gauze pad if you see some form of bleeding. The bleeding naturally stops within a few minutes.
Now see the gums to make sure it is clear of any remains of the baby tooth. In many cases, the area is usually clean and you may even see the top of permanent tooth sprouting from the hole. If however you detect fragments of the baby tooth, visit your dentist immediately for careful extraction.
If your child is uncomfortable the next day, or you see redness on the area, make an appointment with one of our dentists to be sure that the area is not infected.
If you are unsure of anything, the best course of action is to consult your dentist for the best solution. Feel free to contact our dental office and we will help you with any questions or concerns you have.
Sometimes you just really need to know how to control and prevent gag reflex.
The gag reflex is a perfectly normal thing. It is in fact your body’s way of protecting you from choking on things.
It occurs when you put any foreign thing in your mouth and when the throat naturally contracts when the thing touches your soft palate. This is a natural contraction that is called the gag reflex or the pharyngeal reflex. It prevents you from getting your airways blocked.
This is a good thing until you realize that it also occurs during brushing your teeth or while sitting in the dentist’s chair. At Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistrys, we have many patients who are unable to control their gag reflex when a dental procedure is being conducted on them. Worst of all, if you are unable to control it, it could result in you becoming anxious and breaking out in a cold sweat.
So how do you reduce dental gag reflex? Let’s see what the dentists at Celebrity Smiles, Westmont, have to say.
Prevent Gag Reflex During Dental Procedures
Some patients are unable to control their gag reflex when brushing their teeth or getting a dental procedure done at a dentist. This is almost always instantaneous and involuntary and makes it impossible for dentists to complete even the most basic dental care procedures.
As a result, many patients may become hesitant to visit a dentist for general dentistry until they face a significant problem with their teeth. It can also become quite an embarrassing problem for patients.
However, rest assured, there is a way to prevent gag reflex through desensitization, which is basically training your soft palate to not abruptly react to objects without gagging. And the best way to prevent it is to practice it while brushing your teeth.
Here are some desensitization tips to prevent gag reflex:
Find out when the gag reflex happens. To do this, use your toothbrush to brush your tongue. Start from the tip of the tongue and make your way deeper until the gag reflex happens.
Try to keep brushing this part for 10 seconds. When you have found the spot when this happens, train yourself not to gag naturally by inducing some gagging. Stop brushing when you feel that you can’t take this anymore. Train yourself daily until you can calmly brush your tongue on the same spot for at least 10 seconds.
Reach deeper into the mouth. When you have finally gained the control of your gag reflex on the spot, try reaching deeper. Keep moving further until you have moved to the farthest spot the brush can reach and you can comfortably brush there for at least 10 seconds.
If you want to prevent gagging while brushing your teeth, dentists highly recommend using an electric toothbrush or slowly increasing the brushing area as you go. During dental treatments, try and concentrate to breathe through your nose or use a nasal decongestant before you head to the dentist.
Talk to Your Dentist in Advance
At Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry, we understand how to gag reflex can be embarrassing and a reason for patients to not come to our office. Gagging can also be caused by psychological factors so it is very important to work with a dentist you can trust.
We take extra care to learn about the discomforts that our patients feel during dental treatment. Talk to us in advance when you come in for a procedure and we’ll take extra care while providing treatment to you. We will also recommend exercises to help you reduce or prevent gag reflex.
Using mouthwash regularly is an excellent way to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong, but only if you use it properly. Here is the thing, there are many people who do not know how to properly use it. If you think you are using it the way it was meant to be, you will be surprised after reading what dentists at Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry have to say.
All Mouthwashes Are Not Made Equal
The benefits you get from a mouthwash largely depends on what type it is. They are classified as therapeutic and cosmetic. If you rinse your mouth with the cosmetic type, it will loosen food particles from your teeth, temporarily reduce bad breath, kill bacteria in your mouth, and will give you a refreshing taste.
Therapeutic rinses, on the other hand, have additional active ingredients added in them such as cetyl pyridinium chloride, essential oils, and chlorhexidine with fluoride. All of these are proven to not only reduce plaque but also help fight cavities. These carry with them the seal of approval from the American Dental Association.
In other words, choose wisely!
Mouthwash is Completely Harmless
You may think rinses are harmless, dentists believe otherwise. Did you know these products contain a high amount of alcohol in them? If you’ve ever felt having a dry mouth after using one regularly, this is why.
In some people, alcohol can also cause tooth sensitivity and other problems. So when you go out shopping for a mouthwash, try and get your hands on an alcohol-free one. You may still not be safe from the side effects since there are many other chemicals added to the product, but you’ll largely stay safe if you don’t excessively use these.
Mouthwash Can Never Replace Brushing
A lot of people think that a quick swish of mouth rinse is enough to have healthy teeth and gums. The truth is nothing can beat brushing and flossing your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing do a better job of removing plaque and other food debris from your teeth.
Even research has proven that using only a mouthwash is not enough. The key is to combine all of the above to get the best out of oral care. And don’t forget, even if you follow good oral hygiene practices, there are still some hidden ways your teeth and gums can be exposed to certain problems and diseases.
To keep your teeth and gums in perfect health, the American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist on a regular basis. By regular we do not mean going to the dental office every month – the best time to go to a dentist is at least every six months or when you suspect something is wrong with your teeth.
Conclusion
Mouthwashes are great for killing bacteria, fixing the problem of bad breath, and maintaining good oral hygiene. However, you must never use these excessively and should never replace them completely with brushing and flossing.
If you suspect there is something wrong with your oral health, visit Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry in Westmont, IL today for a quick check-up.