Tooth Restoration Archives - Aesthetic Family Dentistry

How Can I Benefit From Cosmetic Dentistry?

Dr. Derek Fine — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 23:29:38 +0000

Cosmetic dentistry concerns itself with two different aspects of your well being, the physical and the mental. This fits in with our own philosophy of holistic dentistry, the taking care of the body as a whole, not just the mouth in isolation.

Cosmetic dentistry is often viewed as vain. It’s much more than that and we are keen for you to understand the full power of this form of medicine. It isn’t just about teeth whitening and celebrity culture, it’s about oral health, mental well being and confidence.

Let’s take a look at each.

Cosmetic dentistry for oral and physical health

There are many elements to cosmetic dentistry. They include tooth straightening dental implants, bridges, dentures and more. Each of these can have a negative effect on physical wellbeing is not treated properly. Cosmetic dentistry provides those treatments.

Here are some quick fire benefits of cosmetic dentistry. Straight teeth are easier to clean, lowering the risk of tooth decay. Missing teeth left untreated causes the jaw to recede around the site of the missing tooth. Improperly fitted bridges and dentures prevent proper jaw movement and can impact your ability to chew food properly. Neuromuscularly positioned teeth can correct and improve a plethora of issues that many do not even realize are caused by an imbalance in the bite.

Those are all great reasons why cosmetic dentistry isn’t just for celebrities.

Cosmetic dentistry for mental wellbeing

There are also considerable mental benefits for cosmetic dentistry. It can help you by repairing mouth damage, restoring proper jaw movement and providing a great smile. All physical benefits for sure, but they will all have huge mental implications too.

Say you’re in an accident and lose teeth. You’re not going to want to smile, you’re not going to want to eat in public, interact so much with friends and will probably feel bad every time you open your mouth. Cosmetic dentistry can not only fix the physical implications of that, but the mental ones too.

Cosmetic dentistry for confidence

There is a proven psychological link between our smile and our self-confidence. Smiling is an important part of our identity and an essential part of human interaction. That’s one reason why as Americans are so attached to our Hollywood smile.

If you’re in business, a public speaker, deal with the public or visit customers, a beautiful smile provides that essential positive first impression. If you’re confident in your smile, you’re going to come across as confident. That matters.

Those are just three of the many ways you can benefit from cosmetic dentistry. As you can see, there is far more to it than just looking good. It’s about feeling and being positive, about physical wellbeing and confidence. All combine to make a healthier, happier you.

If you would like to know more about cosmetic dentistry or would like a consultation, contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry today!

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What are Dental Implants?

Dr. Derek Fine — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 00:12:26 +0000

Dental implants are a modern dental procedure that provides replacement teeth, support for the jaw and helps you maintain that beautiful smile.

Before dental implants came along, the only viable way to replace lost teeth was a bridge or dentures. While both have their place, they are not as comfortable and involved invasive dental procedures to fit. Dental implants allow a fairly simple solution to quite a complex problem.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is made up of a titanium post that is inserted into the jaw to replace the root of the tooth. A restoration is then fitted on top of the post to exactly fit the hole left by the missing tooth. Dental implants can replace single or multiple missing teeth.

How are dental implants installed?

One of the main benefits of dental implants is that the procedure is much less invasive than the alternatives.

The dental procedure is usually performed under local anesthetic. We first prepare the jaw to provide a hole for the implant. Then we fit the implant into place and stitch the gum around the site. We have to then let the bone heal and fuse with the implant and the let gum heal.

Once healed, you have a few options. You can have a crown to replace a single tooth, bridge to replace several missing teeth or dentures to replace a range of missing teeth. We can discuss the best course of action with you at the time.

The procedure to fit the implant doesn’t take very long at all. It’s also pain-free thanks to the anesthetic. The site may take between three and six months to heal properly before we can fit the restoration, which is the only delay in the entire procedure.

Why choose dental implants?

Aside from the obvious benefit of having a long-lasting replacement for a missing tooth, dental implants offer some compelling advantages. The procedure is very focused and doesn’t damage surrounding teeth or bone. Neither does it need us to modify healthy teeth to fit.

The implant also reduces bone reduction around the site of the tooth and an implant can be used in exactly the same way as a real tooth. Bite strength is retained and the implant can wear with your other teeth as you age, providing a comfortable, semi-permanent replacement for a real tooth.

The procedure itself causes very little discomfort, heals quickly and allows you to carry on life as normal almost right away. The bone takes a while to fuse to the implant, but that’s the only reason the procedure takes so long to complete.

If you have missing teeth or would like a long-lasting solution to a temporary fixture, visit us today at Aesthetic Family Dentistry. We’re here to help!

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Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dr. Derek Fine — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 00:48:19 +0000

Most people will be a good candidate for dental implants. That’s one of the benefits of the procedure and one of the reasons we like it so much. As long as you’re healthy, have enough bone around the jaw and the rest of your mouth is happy and healthy you’re golden.

Let’s be a little more specific.

Overall Health

To be able to benefit fully from dental implants you need to be in overall good health. The healthier you are, the quicker and more effectively you heal. Certain conditions such as diabetes can interfere with healing and can compromise the results, but not in every case.

Being a smoker or heavy drinker can also be problematic for dental implants as it can cause healing to take longer and suppress the immune system. While we can still perform dental implant procedures on smokers and drinkers, it would be better to quit before and allow your body to heal itself.

Anyone with osteoporosis or other bone ailments will need to check with us beforehand to assess suitability.

Age and Gender

Currently, there are no age or gender issues in adults that would prevent you from benefitting from dental implants.

The more bone you have in your jaw and the healthier your remaining teeth and gums, the more successful the dental implant procedure will be. We can assess you properly in a consultation.

Good Oral Health

More important than age, gender or body health is the health of your mouth. Of all the things that influence the suitability for dental implants or the success of the procedure, oral health is the most important.

For dental implant surgery to work effectively, your jaw must have adequate healthy bone with which to work. Your remaining teeth must be in good condition and your oral health must be of a good standard. Without that good standard of oral health, healing may be compromised, as may the overall success of the dental implants.

We can advise and design a program that can tackle most oral health issues before undertaking dental implant procedures. Simply contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation.

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How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?

Dr. Derek Fine — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 01:09:00 +0000

Dental implants are one of the best ways to restore your confidence and your smile after your teeth have been damaged or removed. Dentists all agree that dental implants are the best long-term solution for many mouth problems, but proper aftercare can contribute massively to how successful the procedure.

If you come to our dental surgery to have dental implants, we will discuss at length what’s involved, what to expect and how to care for your implants once they are installed. We also build a home care regimen for you to follow that offers the best possible care for you and your dental implants.

If you’re thinking of having this procedure, and would like to know what’s involved in advance, here is what you will need to do to look after your dental implants.

Caring for Dental Implants

Essentially, caring for your new dental implants is much the same as caring for your real teeth. A good oral health regimen is necessary that includes regular brushing, flossing and a healthy diet.
Depending on your particular situation, your dentist may suggest using a special floss or interproximal toothbrush to care for your dental implants. These products are designed to work with the implant and clean around them without damaging them. Some dentists may suggest antibacterial mouthwash too.
We usually suggest a natural toothpaste without fluoride and abrasives. Both of these wear down dental implants and can reduce their useful life. There are plenty of alternatives on the market, which we would be happy to advise you on. Mouthwash is much the same, some contain fluoride, others contain alcohol. Neither of which we regard as being healthy for you or your mouth.
Looking after your dental implants, like your teeth, is an investment. Look after them well, keep them clean and free from plaque and they will reward you with a lifetime of comfort and use.

Neglect them, don’t clean them properly, don’t follow our advice and your implants and surrounding teeth will reward that with gum disease, plaque and possibly more tooth loss. Failure to look after dental implants can result in gum infection, bleeding gums, pain and irritation. That’s why it’s so important to look after them properly.

As well as home care, we would suggest visiting your dentists more often than you used to. Depending on your personal situation, we would suggest once every three months to begin with, then every six once the dental implants are healed and you are confident in looking after them.

If you’re considering dental implants, have them done the holistic way with Aesthetic Family Dentistry. Contact us today to make an appointment!

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What is Dental Bonding?

Dr. Derek Fine — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 02:11:19 +0000

Dental bonding is a procedure that involves using an almost invisible resin to repair or improve the appearance of teeth. It’s a relatively simple procedure than can make all the difference with to your smile.

Dental bonding can be used to:

Repair decayed teeth
Fill cavities
Repair cracks and chips in teeth
To fill gaps between teeth
Protect teeth with receding gums

We mainly use this bonding on teeth to address smaller issues with appearance. It isn’t all about the looks though, as teeth with gaps, cracks and decay can harbor bacteria which can affect your long term oral health.

What is Involved in Dental Bonding?

The dental bonding procedure is very straightforward. As a holistic dentist, we like it because it doesn’t always need anesthesia and within an hour, we can repair and revitalize someone’s smile. The exception is if the bonding is used to repair decay, then additional treatment may be required.

Bonding teeth is a simple procedure that involves little preparation. We first use a shade guide to match the bonding material to the color of your teeth. We then prepare the site of the bonding by roughening the surface of the surrounding tooth with micro abrasion and apply a conditioner to it.

We then apply the bonding on teeth that need it and shape the material into the desired contours that match the surrounding teeth. Once complete, we then shine a UV light onto it to make it set. Once completely hard, we then refine and polish the teeth bonding until it completely fits in with the surrounding teeth. Once we’re happy the dental bond is beautiful and invisible, we’re all done.

The advantage of dental bonding is that in low bite pressure areas, it’s a long term solution to minor dental issues. It’s quick to administer and painless too which is always a benefit. Another advantage of dental bonding is that we can do it right here in the clinic. There is no taking molds and sending them away, no waiting for labs, it’s all here and down to our own skill.

As holistic dentists, we like dental bonding because it usually requires no anesthesia and it also impacts the surrounding teeth very little. We don’t have to remove parts of teeth, or too much enamel, leaving as much of your original teeth untouched as possible. Any procedure that has such little impact on the mouth but such a big impact on your quality of life has to be a good thing!

Depending on the procedure, applying dental bonding to a single tooth takes between 30 and 60 minutes. That makes the cost of dental bonding eminently affordable. Contact our office if you would like to take advantage of this great procedure.

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What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Dr. Derek Fine — Thu, 30 May 2013 17:00:47 +0000

Not all cosmetic surgery is for appearance alone. Some procedures are essential to heal after accidents, injury, trauma and many other medical and psychological reasons. Often, cosmetic surgery is as much about the mental as it is the physical, which is why we are happy to offer a range of cosmetic dentistry treatments to our customers.

As holistic dentists, Aesthetic Family Dentistry treat the body and mind, not just the mouth. There is so much to cosmetic dentistry that we couldn’t do it justice in a single article, so we’re just going to provide a simple overview for now. We’ll get into details about each procedure over the coming weeks, so keep an eye on our blog.

What Counts as Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry includes any procedure or treatment that improves or changes your appearance. While many cosmetic procedures are purely for aesthetics, many are to repair or rebuild people physically and emotionally after a trauma. It’s easy to dismiss these procedures as vanity, but there is so much more to it than that.

Cosmetic dentistry can include:

Cosmetic implant dentistry
Dental bonding
Veneers
Invisalign
Botox
Crowns
Teeth whitening
Juvederm

As specialists in cosmetic dentistry surgery, we are perfectly placed to revolutionize your smile. Our Cosmetic dentistry center in New Jersey is state-of-the-art and our holistic approach ensures every aspect of your wellbeing is catered for. It’s one of the many reasons we are so popular.

The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

The physical benefits of cosmetic dentistry includes the rebuilding of damaged areas, repairs to teeth, gums and jaw and the treatment of injury, damage or disease. A healthy mouth leads to a healthy body and now we know oral health has a direct influence on heart health, having a healthy mouth is more important than ever!

There is also a significant psychological benefit to cosmetic dentistry too. A good smile has a direct correlation with one’s self confidence that is often overlooked when considering any dental work. A beautiful smile makes all the difference to a person’s self-esteem and confidence that makes any cosmetic dentistry worthwhile. It’s also why we’re so happy to offer it as a treatment.

As a family and cosmetic dentistry specialist, we work tirelessly to help our patients and continually work to develop and improve treatments, as well as improve the lives of all who come to us.

If you need cosmetic dentistry or would simply like to learn more about how it could benefit you, contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation.

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Mini Dental Implants Benefits

Dr. Derek Fine — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:56:53 +0000

As a holistic dentist, we are continually seeking ways to offer complete care that not only addresses any oral health issues, but also benefits the body as a whole. One treatment that provides for both is a mini dental implant procedure.

What are Mini Dental Implants?

Mini dental implants are designed to offer security and comfort to denture wearers. They hold dentures in place and help prevent bone loss when teeth are removed. A well-fitted mini dental implant can really save your smile!

The implants themselves are smaller versions of the standard dental implant we use. They are small titanium rods that are screwed into the jaw securely to be able to support a set of dentures and reduce gum withdrawal and bone loss.

Why Use Mini Dental Implants?

When you have teeth removed, the bone and gum recedes from the site of that tooth. If nothing is put in its place, the bone becomes weak and the gum recedes. This process can also be painful or uncomfortable. This not only affects your smile, but overall wellbeing in both a physical and psychological way.

As a holistic dental practice, we’re interested in your overall health, so recommend mini dental implants to anyone who wears dentures and is suitable for the procedure.

How Do They Work?

Fitting mini dental implants involves minor surgery to implant small titanium rods into the jaw to act as an anchor for your dentures. Usually, we fit four implants to the lower jaw in order to properly secure the dentures and restrict bone loss. Unlike standard dental implants, your dentures can usually be fitted at the same time.

If you already have a good set of fitted dentures, we can usually use those to work with the mini implants. It isn’t always necessary to fit new dentures, making it faster and less expensive to undergo this procedure. After all, if you have a pair you find comfortable, there’s no need to change them!

We see mini dental implants as a dental procedure that does more than fix your smile. By eliminating the problems that come with tooth removal, we can reduce discomfort, secure dentures and offer the confidence of a safe, secure smile. The psychological benefits of having a fully working mouth are also worthy of note and another reason why we suggest this procedure to all suitable candidates.

In our world, wins don’t come much bigger than that!

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What Are Dental Implants?

Dr. Derek Fine — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:55:17 +0000

Dental implants are the new way to keep that dazzling smile even after you have teeth removed. It’s a relatively new procedure that has been very well received by those who have benefited from it.

Dental implants support replacement teeth. They are implanted directly into the jaw to secure new teeth in place and work in exactly the same way the root of a real tooth does. The implant is most often made of titanium and looks a little like a screw. Once inserted, the implant is accepted by the jaw and fuses with the bone to create a strong, reliable support for false teeth.

What Happens During the Implant Operation?

The fitting of a dental tooth implant involves minor dental surgery. This could involve a local anesthetic and possibly a sedative. We would discuss this with you in advance. We have performed hundreds, if not thousands of these procedures and each patient is different. The exact approach will be worked out with you at the time.

During the dental implant operation, we would first remove any teeth that needed to be replaced. Then, we would either fit the dental implant immediately, or wait for the site of the removed tooth to heal. This again depends on the situation, the teeth and your wishes.

Fitting the implant immediately is called an immediate implant, while waiting for the healing process is called an immediate-delayed implant. It is also possible to fit the dental tooth implant and the false tooth at the same time, but we usually wait for you to heal first. We can fit a denture over the site of the implant in the intervening time if you require.

What Happens After the Dental Implant Operation?

Once the initial operation has been completed, you will be able to go home once you feel ready. It is important to rest, relax and allow your body to recover from the operation as much as is practical. The time it takes to fully heal depends entirely on your physiology, but generally takes a few weeks.

We provide a dental implant information pack to offer advice and guidance on looking after your mouth after a dental implant operation. This will cover how to look after your mouth before the tooth is fitted and afterwards and will contain everything you need to know about managing your recovery.

Once your dental tooth implant is in place, it’s important to look after it. That will involve a good oral hygiene regimen, regular brushing and a mouthwash. Once healed, the implant will function exactly the same as a normal tooth. Contact us today if you would like to know more.

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Why Gold is still Golden

Dr. Derek Fine — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:36:49 +0000

In recent years, the public has come under attack by all types of industry specific advertising. The pharmaceutical industry, for example, has spent millions of dollars to make patients ask doctors for drugs by name. Dentistry is no different. In many periodicals and on television news spots, there are a tremendous number of “new” and “state of the art” dental restorations being promoted. Most of these products are often compared, often in fine print, to gold as the standard. For many years gold has been the standard to which alternative materials have been measured for good reason.

Gold possesses many similar qualities to natural tooth structure; it expands and contracts to temperature changes very close to that of tooth structure, a vital concern for comfort and durability. Gold is also comparable to enamel in its wear. Materials too soft will quickly abrade out of occlusion and can cause one’s bite to collapse; conversely too hard a material can do just the same damage by wearing away the opposing tooth.

Gold is also very forgiving as a dental restoration in that it can be polished right into the tooth structure, and can actually gain a better and better fit with subsequent polishing over time. It is not uncommon to see well-designed gold restorations lasting more than thirty years and still possessing great fit.

Gold restorations can actually be very cosmetic as well! Obviously, for front teeth or highly noticeable areas, other materials would most likely be recommended. In many cases however, because of its versatility, restorations can be used to replace missing side or inner walls and be completely hidden from site.

Finally, gold is one of the most biocompatible materials for dentistry. Our practice continually strives to provide our patients with the healthiest as well as most durable restorations available. For years, we have offered our patients compatibility testing to a vast assortment of dental materials. In many instances we are able to use 99% pure gold for restorations. Gold is a highly dependable material that has very little reactivity issues with even the most sensitive/ allergic patients.

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