Artistry in Dentistry - Dr. Sheldon Sullivan

Gilbert Cosmetic Dentistry

Gilbert Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help With These...

spaces between your teeth?
When closing a space, a dentist applies a custom made, tooth-colored material called composite resin. This composite is bonded onto the teeth on either side of the space until the gap is closed. This process is seemingly painless and in most cases requires no anesthesia.
stains?
Have your teeth become darker with age?
Are your teeth stained or look too yellow or gray?
Do you feel your teeth make you look older?
If you feel that any of the above questions apply to you, then you are a candidate for cosmetic dentistry. Cigarettes, coffee, and tea are some of the many factors that contribute to enamel staining and discoloring. Now, with the help of modern dentistry, you can reverse the effects of aging and staining that occurs to your tooth enamel. You might ask, How is this possible?. In the dental office, the dentist provides you with a custom-made method. It is not to be confused with the over-the-counter methods that can damage your tooth enamel. First, models are taken of your mouth. A custom fitting mouthguard is then made. Your dentist then provides you with a safe, PH balanced whitening gel which is placed inside the mouthguard. There are new bleaching agents that completely eliminate sensitivity. This mouthguard is worn for 2-8 hours a day for up to 2 weeks. Some results are achieved in a shorter term and others require the full consecutive 2 week treatment. The effects are amazing and noticeable and the patients are extremely pleased with the results.
chipped teeth?
If you are not happy with the shape, size, or position of your front teeth, a dentist can help. With the method of bonding and with porcelain veneers, you can completely change your smile and appearance. Porcelain veneers are bonded onto the teeth and form a hard, stain resistant covering that looks natural, just like your own enamel.
silver fillings
Are you unhappy with all the silver that shows when you smile? Thanks to modern dentistry, these old silver fillings can be replaced with new, tooth-colored, composite or porcelain fillings that are bonded to the teeth. In the few situations that a cavity may have left a large space and cannot safely hold a new filling, a dentist can place a tooth-colored inlay or onlay. Again, this process looks natural and can be made in a dental laboratory from impressions that were taken from your teeth.
crowded teeth?
People with crowded teeth will benefit from bonding or porcelain veneers. The tooth-colored porcelain is bonded directly to the teeth for best results and esthetics. Minor changes can be accomplished with simple recontouring and polishing. These options can straighten and align teeth without braces.
To reposition or straighten teeth, orthodontics may be needed. Options include invisible braces made from clear acrylic and removable braces for the repositioning of only one tooth or two teeth. You should consult your dentist to decide what's best for you.

Do you want to improve your smile? Modern dentistry can work wonders. For example, now you can close spaces between teeth and fix crooked or chipped teeth to provide a nicer, less self-conscious smile. You can whiten teeth for a more youthful and healthy look. Cosmetic dentistry doesn't only make you look better, it makes you feel better.

THE GILBERT COSMETIC DENTISTRY MAKEOVER SELF-TEST

The following self test involves some questions that if answered yes may signify that you would benefit and feel better about yourself from a cosmetic dental makeover:

Are you self-conscious about your smile?
Do you avoid smiling when photos are taken of you?
Do you tend to cover up your mouth with your hand when you speak or smile?
Are you conscious about spaces and gaps in your teeth?
Do you feel that your teeth make you look older?
Do you feel that your teeth are stained or too yellow?
Do you notice excessive areas of tooth wear that make your smile feel older?
Do you notice any dark fillings that are apparent when you smile?
Are your teeth crooked, chipped or crowded?

Gilbert Cosmetic Dentistry Suggests Measures That Can Help Prevent Cosmetic Dental Problems In Children

Many of the dental problems encountered as one ages are usually the result of habits and lifestyles that one had when they were children. Parents and or guardians should try to take measures early on in a child's life to help prevent future problems that may require extensive cosmetic dental work.

Some things one can pay attention to include:

watching for clenching or grinding habits in youngsters
avoiding excessive fluoride levels in children by having your water source checked. If there are acceptable levels, vitamin supplementation may not be needed.
Avoid giving children under the age of 8 years old the antibiotic Tetracycline. Mothers should also avoid certain medications during pregnancy.
Make sure children wear protective mouthguards when playing sports.
Avoid giving children cavity-producing foods, i.e., junk foods.
Avoid allowing children to go to bed with baby bottles containing milk or any other liquids that can cause decay, other than water.
Teach children good early oral hygiene habits.
Watch for delayed eruption patterns or crowding in the child's teeth.
Have the child visit the dentist twice a year for a dental examination, cleaning and fluoride treatment to avoid future dental problems.

GILBERT COSMETIC DENTISTRY and BAD ORAL HABITS

Harmful oral habits can certainly affect your smile. Many people have bad habits that can ruin even the best of smiles. This can occur because wear, spacing, chipping and fracture of tooth structure can result from these oral habits.

Although many people may not be aware of these harmful habits, since many begin at childhood, people should become conscious of some of these to help avoid costly and unnecessary dental treatment and help maintain that healthy, youthful smile.

Below are some oral habits that can alter a person's smile and even make a youthful look appear aged.

Grinding and Clenching Teeth
Fingernail biting
Thumb sucking
Chewing hard substances like ice cubes
Chewing pens and pencils
Cheek and/or lip biting
Continually holding objects with the teeth like keys, glasses, toothpicks, etc
Smoking( cigarettes, pipes, cigars and chewing tobacco)

There are many others that can be included in this list. The important thing to remember is to eliminate the bad oral habits to help maintain the health of the gums and teeth for a long lasting youthful smile.

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Sheldon Sullivan, DDS - Providing cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and sedation dentistry to the Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler and Phoenix, Arizona areas.

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