Overview

People choose aesthetic dental procedures/surgery for various reasons. It could be to repair a defect such as a malformed bite or crooked teeth, treat an injury, or just improve their overall appearance. Whatever the reason, the ultimate goal is to restore a beautiful smile.

Common aesthetic dental procedures can be performed to correct misshapen, discolored, chipped or missing teeth. They also can be used to change the overall shape of teeth-from teeth that are too long or short, have gaps, or simply need to be reshaped.

Some of the more common procedures involve:

• Bonding - A procedure in which tooth-colored material is used to close gaps or change tooth color.
• Contouring and reshaping - A procedure that straightens crooked, chipped, cracked or overlapping teeth.
• Veneers - A procedure in which ultra-thin coatings are placed over the front teeth. Veneers can change the color or shape of your teeth. For example, veneers have been used to correct unevenly spaced, crooked, chipped, oddly shaped or discolored teeth.
• Whitening - An increasingly popular procedure used to make teeth whiter.

Veneers

Veneers are a thin layer of material that is placed over a tooth to protect a damaged tooth or for cosmetic purposes, and can be either composite or porcelain.

In addition to protecting a tooth's surface, veneers can help teeth have a straighter alignment.

Teeth Whitening procedures can effectively renew stained, dull, or discolored teeth. RGV Smiles offers teeth whitening through Texas White Smile, a procedure that only takes 15 minutes!

There are multiple reasons why teeth become discolored – aging, stains from soda, coffee, tea, wine and tobacco products.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Tooth whitening procedures are the most requested cosmetic dental procedure requested. Studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide based whitening systems are safe and effective.

How long with the results last?

Individual results vary, but results average one year.

Are there any side effects of teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening procedures have very few side effects. Occasionally, a small percentage of patients may experience some sensitivity during the procedure.

Will fillings or crowns be affected by the whitening process?

The tooth whitening procedure will not have any negative effects on fillings or crowns. However, these materials will not whiten in any type of bleaching procedure.

Is whitening for everyone?

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 14 and diabetics should consult their primary physician before undergoing any whitening procedure. Patients with severely tetracycline stained teeth may want to consider a more aggressive cosmetic procedure such as bonding or veneers.

Crowns

Crowns are synthetic caps that are made of porcelain and placed on the top of a tooth. They are used to restore a tooth's function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal.

Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse or an existing filling that is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated. Crowns may also be used aesthetically, and are applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.

Procedures

Usually, teeth will need to be reduced in size to accommodate a crown. Then, a cast is made of the existing tooth to make an impression. The impression is sent to a lab that manufactures a custom-designed crown. Sometimes, a temporary crown is applied until the permanent crown is ready. Permanent crowns are cemented in place.

Caring For Your Crowns

With proper care, a crown can last up to eight years. It is important to floss in the area of the crown to avoid excess plaque or collection of debris around the restoration.

Bridges

Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth.

Bridges are sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures, because they are semi-permanent and are bonded to existing teeth or implants. Some bridges are removable and can be cleaned by the wearer; others need to be removed by a dentist.

Root canals are tiny passageways that branch off from beneath the top of the tooth, coursing their way vertically downward until they reach the tip of the root. All teeth have between one and four root canals.

Many tooth problems involve infections that spread to the pulp, which is the inner chamber of the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. When the infection becomes worse, it can begin affecting the roots. A traumatic injury to a tooth can also compromise the pulp, leading to similar problems.

Root canal therapy has a very high rate of success. The procedure involves removing the diseased tissue, halting the spread of infection and restoring the healthy portion of the tooth. Root canal therapy is designed to save a problem tooth.

Whether from disease, malnutrition or genetic disorders, sometimes it is necessary for us to extract all of a patient's lower or upper teeth. While this can be devastating, dentures can provide a second chance at a beautiful smile.

Having complete dentures help with chewing as well as support one's facial structure and improve speech. Sometimes, complete dentures are not necessary. Partial dentures can replace a string of missing teeth, and are secured to your remaining teeth with clasps.

No matter which kind of dentures you choose, you can be assured to receive natural-looking dentures that match your facial structure and desired tooth color.

What can I expect from a Dental Hygiene appointment?

Dental Hygienists at RGV Smiles can help you maintain a healthy smile.

After assessing a patient's individual oral health condition, dental hygienists plan a specific treatment plan designed to make sure each patient has the best oral health possible.

Our dental hygienists target specific dental hygiene treatment for patients, children through adults. While assessing a patient's overall health, they also look for problems such as cavities and gum disease.

Dental hygienists perform thorough head and neck examinations to check for oral cancer and other problems.

Our dental hygienists continually evaluate and, when necessary, revise treatment as it progresses to help patients achieve their oral health goals.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay can be caused by a variety of things, including foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates. If these particles are left on the teeth, they can allow bacteria to form plaque, a colorless sticky residue. Plaque can destroy enamel and other tooth structures to form cavities. If left untreated, cavities can lead to procedure such as fillings and root canals.

How can I Prevent Cavities?

The best defense against cavities is good oral hygiene - brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and rinsing. Your body's saliva is also an excellent cavity fighter because it contains special chemicals that rinse away many harmful materials.

Special sealants and varnishes can also be applied to stave off cavities from forming.

Symptoms of a cavity:

• Unusual sensitivity to hot and cold water or foods
• A localized pain in your tooth or near the gum line
• Teeth that change color

Can sealants protect your teeth?

Sealants can help protect your teeth. They are most effective when applied after a tooth has fully grown. Children receive benefits from sealants because teeth are young.

Application of Sealants

The application of sealants involves cleaning the surface of the tooth. Then, a gel is applied to the enamel surface and left on for 15 seconds. After the tooth has dried, the sealant material is applied and hardened using a curing light.

Most sealants last about five years. Sealants are especially effective in preventing decay on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by sugary substances in breast milk and some juices, which combine with saliva to form pools inside the baby's mouth.

If left untreated, this can lead to premature decay of your baby's future primary teeth, and later cause problems in the proper formation of permanent teeth.

One of the best ways to avoid baby bottle tooth decay is not allow your baby to nurse on a bottle while going to sleep. Encouraging your toddler to drink from a cup as early as possible will also help prevent problems associated with baby bottle tooth decay.

Toothaches

Simple toothaches can often be relieved by rinsing the mouth to clear it of debris and other matter. Sometimes, a toothache can be caused or aggravated by a piece of debris lodged between one tooth and another tooth.

Broken, Fractured, or Displaced Tooth

If you experience a broken, fractured or displaced tooth, contact us as soon as possible.

If the tooth has been knocked out, try to place the tooth back in its socket while waiting to see your dentist.

If the tooth fracture is minor, the tooth can be sanded or if necessary, restored by the dentist if the pulp is not severely damaged.

If a child's primary tooth has been loosened by an injury or an emerging permanent tooth, try getting the child to gently bite down on an apple or piece of caramel. In some cases, the tooth will easily separate from the gum.

Gum Disease (Gingivitis)

Gingivitis is the medical term for early gum disease, or periodontal disease, and can be caused by long-term exposure to plaque.

Gum disease originates in the gums, where infections form from harmful bacteria and other materials left behind from eating. Early warning signs include chronic bad breath, tender or painful swollen gums and minor bleeding after brushing or flossing. In many cases, however, gingivitis can go unnoticed. The infections can eventually cause the gums to separate from the teeth, creating even greater opportunities for infection and decay.

If gingivitis is left untreated, serious problems could occur such as abscess, bone loss, or periodontitis.

Periodontitis is treated in a number of ways. One method, called root planing, involved cleaning and scraping below the gum line to smooth the roots. This procedure helps the gums reattach themselves to the tooth structure.

Pregnancy has also been known to cause a form of gingivitis. This has been linked to hormonal changes in the woman's body that promote plaque production.

Plaque

Plaque is a colorless, sticky film that coats your teeth and creates an environment in which bacteria erode tooth enamel, cause gum irritation, infection in inner structures such as pulp and the roots, and in extreme cases, tooth loss.

Plaque forms when foods high in sugar and carbohydrates are not cleaned from the teeth. It can also attack fillings and other restorations in your mouth.

Sensitive Teeth

Many people suffer from sensitive teeth, a condition in which hot and cold foods or liquids, and even sudden puffs of air can cause discomfort and pain.

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a number of things. An unnoticed cavity or abcessed tooth can sometimes be a culprit; but over time and as you age, changes in temperature, as well as such behaviors as tooth grinding (bruxism) and overly aggressive brushing, can cause small, often microscopic cracks or fissures on the chewing surfaces of your teeth (or near the gum lines), which exposes the inner structures called dentin.

Hypersensitive teeth can cause people to change their eating habits, avoid social situations, or even avoid proper oral hygiene because the simple act of brushing or rinsing causes pain. Relief can sometimes be had by using a desensitizing toothpaste, sealants, or special fillings.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is often viewed as a harmless, though annoying, habit. Some people develop bruxism from an inability to deal with stress or anxiety.

Teeth grinding can transform your bite relationship or severely damage your teeth and jaws over a long period of time. It can also cause abrasion to the chewing surfaces of your teeth. This abnormal wear and tear will prematurely age and loosen your teeth, opening them to problems such as hypersensitivity (from the small cracks that form, exposing your dentin.) Bruxism can also lead to chronic jaw and facial pain, as well as headaches.

Signs of Bruxism

• A sore jaw or you hear popping sounds when you open and close your mouth
• Teeth look abnormally short or worn down
• Small dents in your tongue

Bruxism can be treatable. A common therapy involves use of a special appliance worn while sleeping. Less intrusive, though just as effective methods could involve biofeedback, and behavior modification, such as tongue exercises and learning how to properly align your tongue, teeth and lips.

Scaling and Root Planning - hygiene

Advanced gum disease sometime requires the dentist to clean below the gum line to remove crusty deposits called tartar or calculus, and remove damage near the tooth root. This is done to prevent further damage and restore and stabilize the tooth.

After cleaning, the root may need to be smoothed, or planed, to restore it to its original shape. Planing also allows your gum tissue to better attach itself and heal properly.

Your Child's First Dental Visit

RGV Smiles understands that a child’s first trip to the dentist is important. We strive to make the experience comfortable for both the child and parent.

What can you expect during your child’s first visit to RGV Smiles?

• A thorough examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues
• A gentle cleaning
• X-rays
• An age appropriate demonstration of proper dental hygiene

Sealants

Sealants are used to fill the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of teeth. They keep food particles from getting stuck in teeth, which could later lead to cavities. Applying sealants is a fast and comfortable procedure that can effectively protect teeth for several years.

Research has shown that sealants stop cavities when applied to a slightly decayed tooth. This procedure seals off the supply of nutrients to bacteria and can help prevent future cavities.

Can sealants protect your child's teeth?

Sealants can help protect your child’s teeth. They are most effective when applied after a tooth has fully grown. Children receive benefits from sealants because teeth are young.

Application of Sealants

The application of sealants involves cleaning the surface of the tooth. Then, a gel is applied to the enamel surface and left on for 15 seconds. After the tooth has dried, the sealant material is applied and hardened using a curing light.

Most sealants last about five years. Sealants are especially effective in preventing decay on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by sugary substances in breast milk and some juices, which combine with saliva to form pools inside the baby's mouth.

If left untreated, this can lead to premature decay of your baby's future primary teeth, and later cause problems in the proper formation of permanent teeth.

One of the best ways to avoid baby bottle tooth decay is not allow your baby to nurse on a bottle while going to sleep. Encouraging your toddler to drink from a cup as early as possible will also help prevent problems associated with baby bottle tooth decay.

X-rays, also called radiography, are an important tool that shows the condition of your teeth, roots, jaw and overall facial bone composition. X-rays can reveal the advanced nature of periodontal disease, as well as tumors and abcesses.

There are three kinds of X-rays:

• Bitewings are the most conventional kind of dental X-rays and are used to spot cavities and decay.
• Periapical X-rays are broad pictures of an entire tooth structure and are used to spot deep tooth problems, such as impacted teeth, bone loss, and abcesses.
• Panoramic X-rays are designed to capture an entire mouth, and have been used to spot tumors and cysts, as well as wisdom teeth.

Radiation Concerns

There is no reason to be concerned about the health effects of dental X-rays. Most people receive more radiation from sunlight in one day than in one sitting for dental X-rays.

Exposure to radiation is brief and minimal. Safety precautions such as high-speed film minimize exposure time, and lead aprons prevent exposure to surrounding areas of the body.

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on aligning teeth and jaws to improve facial structure (and your child's smile), as well as overall oral health.

Orthodontic treatment can help:

• guide permanent teeth into the proper position
• improve lip closure
• reserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth
• reduce the potential for jaw joint damage
• influence proper jaw growth
• ensure the proper width of dental arches
• improve eruption patterns
• lower the risk of damage to protruding upper teeth
• shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics
• improve some types of speech problems

Orthodontics patients can be any age. Usually, braces are worn between the ages of 10 and 14, the period of development when the head and mouth are still growing and teeth are easier to straighten. Earlier orthodontic treatments can sometimes prevent the need for full orthodontic treatment. Adults also wear braces to correct minor problems and to improve their smiles.

Procedure

Initial Oral Examination An oral examination includes a visual examination, charting, x-rays, periodontal probing, diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Braces (Orthodontia)

Braces are applied to teeth for various reasons, including poorly aligned jaws, crooked, crowded and missing teeth or a bad bite.

Various things can cause teeth to become crooked or jaws misaligned, including thumb-sucking or a traumatic injury. Some conditions are inherited.

Children between the ages of 10 and 14 are typical candidates for braces because their facial structures are still developing. Adult braces usually entail additional procedures because their faces have already fully developed.

Procedures

In most cases, a dentist will need to make a plaster cast of the individual's teeth and perform full X-rays of the head and mouth.

After braces are placed, they need to be adjusted from time to time to ensure that they continue to move the teeth into their correct position. Retainers are used following braces to ensure that teeth remain in position.

Aesthetic and Comfort Issues

Today, braces are made from extremely lightweight and natural-colored materials. The materials that braces attach to, the brackets, are bonded to the surfaces of teeth but can be later removed.

Patients should expect to wear braces for about two years. Adults are usually required to wear braces for longer periods of time.

Because braces need to be adjusted from time to time to ensure they continue to move the teeth into their correct position, they can create pressure on the teeth and jaws. This mild discomfort usually subsides following each orthodontia adjustment.

Hygiene issues

Patients who wear braces need to make sure that food particles and other debris do not get trapped in the brackets or wires. Brackets can also leave stains on enamel if the area surrounding them is not cleaned on a daily basis.

Daily oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing and rinsing are a necessity. Some patients with braces can benefit from using water picks, which emit small pressurized bursts of water that can effectively rinse away such debris.

Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are can help teeth grow in normally following premature tooth loss, injury or other problems. They can help ensure that proper spaces are maintained to allow future permanent teeth to erupt.

If your child loses a baby tooth early through decay or injury, his or her other teeth could shift and begin to fill the vacant space. When your child's permanent teeth emerge, there's not enough room for them. The result is crooked or crowded teeth and difficulties with chewing or speaking