Page 3 – McCracken Family Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry: Contouring and Reshaping Teeth

January 12, 2024/in Cosmetic Dentistry, Reshaping Teeth, Smile Reconstruction/by admin

It would be nice if everyone had a smile they liked. But factors like genetics, injuries, and oral care can all affect how one’s smile looks. Sometimes, getting the smile you want can take more than one procedure. But there are instances where achieving the smile you have always wanted can be as simple as having just a single- or perhaps a couple- of your teeth reshaped. That’s where cosmetic dentistry plays a key role in rebuilding your smile.

Teeth reshaping is a cosmetic procedure to remove small portions of tooth enamel. The process reshapes cracked, chipped, or crooked teeth. Your dentist has specialized tools designed to enhance your tooth’s shape. It is an in-office procedure and is nearly -if not totally- painless.

Who Can Have Dental Contouring?

Tooth or gum reshaping works for any patient, regardless of age. However, it is more common for teens or adults as they no longer have baby teeth. Teeth reshaping is most used for the following situations:

Small cracks or chips in teeth
When there are pits or bulges in tooth enamel
When a tooth is especially long or more pointed
To correct an uneven smile
For very minor tooth misalignment
Correcting overgrown gums which hide healthy teeth

Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry- Contouring and Reshaping Teeth

Tooth reshaping is permanent– It is a one-time procedure with no follow-up. It won’t revert to what things once were. However, it does require you to be vigilant in caring for your teeth to prevent enamel loss.
No pain – While there are some dental procedures that one may associate with being painful, tooth reshaping is a painless process. You don’t need pain medication or localized anesthesia at any point before, during, or after. As such, you can resume normal eating and drinking following your appointment.
Prevent gum disease – Contouring changes the overhangs and anatomy of the teeth. In doing this, the spaces where plaque buildup can occur are fewer. With a lower risk of plaque buildup, gum disease is less likely.
Avoid braces – It is not a solution to every tooth alignment problem. But, sometimes, using tooth contouring can override the need for braces.
Cost-effective – Of cosmetic dental practices, tooth reshaping is one of the most affordable.
Long-lasting – While the longevity of teeth reshaping is affected by how well you take care of your teeth and how much enamel your dentist may need to remove, contouring can last for years.

Having a smile you are happy with makes a big difference in your confidence. So, if looking in the mirror brings a frown, perhaps a chat with our dental team is on the agenda. If you want to learn more about teeth reshaping and contouring, please don’t hesitate to ask. Cosmetic dentistry may be the answer for you. We can assess your teeth and determine the best option(s) for getting you the smile you have always wanted. Reach out to McCracken Family Dentistry and talk to us today.

Dental Care to Correct TMJ Disorders

December 18, 2023/in TMJ/by admin

Seeking dental care for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders is crucial, as these conditions can lead to chronic pain, discomfort, and other dental issues if left untreated. In fact, TMJ disorders affect the joint that connects the jaw to the skull, leading to symptoms like jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking or locking of the jaw. Therefore, here’s an overview of the approach and options in seeking dental care for TMJ correction:

Diagnosis:

The first step in treating TMJ disorders is a thorough diagnosis. Accordingly, A dentist or a TMJ specialist will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination of your jaw, and may use X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to assess the condition of the joint and surrounding structures.

Non-Invasive Treatments:

In many cases, TMJ disorders are managed with non-invasive treatments. This includes:

Physical Therapy:

Exercises to strengthen and relax the jaw muscles.

Oral Appliances:

Night guards or splints are used to prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching. These are common causes of TMJ disorders.

Medications:

Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants help manage pain and inflammation.

Stress Reduction:

Since stress can exacerbate TMJ symptoms, techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or counseling may be recommended to reduce tension in the jaw.

Dietary Modifications:

A soft diet can alleviate stress on the TMJ. Avoiding hard, chewy, or crunchy foods can help during flare-ups.

Lifestyle Changes:

Good posture, avoiding excessive jaw movements (like gum chewing), and proper teeth alignment while sleeping can aid in reducing TMJ symptoms.

Dental Corrections:

Misalignment of teeth can contribute to TMJ disorders. Orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners may be necessary to correct bite issues.

Advanced Treatments:

In severe cases, more advanced treatments are required, such as:

Corticosteroid Injections:

In many cases, steroid injections help with joint inflammation.

Arthrocentesis:

A minimally invasive procedure to remove debris and inflammatory byproducts from the joint.

Surgery:

As a last resort, surgical options like arthroscopy or open-joint surgery may be considered.

Regular Follow-Ups:

Regular follow-ups with the dental care provider are important to monitor the progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

Seeking dental care for TMJ disorders involves a comprehensive approach that may include a combination of diagnostic procedures, non-invasive therapies, lifestyle changes, and potentially more advanced treatments. It’s important to consult with a dentist or a TMJ specialist to receive a tailored treatment plan that addresses the specific needs and symptoms of the individual. If you suffer from TMJ, McCracken Family Dentistry can help. Schedule your appointment today!

The Advantages of Digital Dental Scans

November 20, 2023/in Diagnostic, Digital Dental Scan/by admin

The advent of digital scans in the dental industry has marked a significant leap forward in dental care, offering numerous advantages over traditional impression methods. These technological advancements have not only improved the precision and efficiency of dental procedures but also greatly enhanced patient experience and satisfaction.

1. Superior Accuracy and Detail:

Digital scans provide incredibly detailed and accurate impressions of a patient’s teeth and gums. This precision is crucial for crafting dental restorations like crowns, bridges, and implants with a perfect fit. The high-resolution images allow dentists to make more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans, reducing the chances of errors and adjustments.

2. Enhanced Patient Comfort:

Traditional impression techniques often involved biting down on a tray filled with an unpleasant, sometimes gag-inducing material. Digital scanning eliminates this discomfort. The process is non-invasive and much quicker, making it ideal for patients, particularly those with a strong gag reflex or anxiety about dental procedures.

3. Speed and Efficiency:

Digital scans are fast and the data is available immediately, reducing the time patients spend in the dental chair. This efficiency extends to the laboratory as well, where restorations can be fabricated more quickly due to the instant availability of digital impressions. This expedited process means patients can receive their dental restorations faster.

4. Improved Communication and Visualization:

Digital scans can be displayed on a computer screen, allowing dentists to effectively discuss and illustrate dental issues and treatments with patients. This visual aid helps in educating patients about their oral health and involving them in the treatment process.

5. Streamlined Workflow:

Digital scans facilitate a more efficient workflow between dental practices and laboratories. Electronic transfer of scans eliminates the need for physical molds, reducing the risk of errors during transportation and streamlining the overall process.

6. Customization in Treatments:

In orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry, digital scans allow for precise planning and customization. Orthodontic treatments like clear aligners are designed with a level of precision that ensures a better fit and more effective treatment outcomes.

7. Environmental Benefits:

By eliminating the need for traditional impression materials, digital scanning is a more environmentally friendly option. It reduces waste and the ecological footprint of dental practices.

8. Integration with Advanced Technologies:

Digital scans can be integrated with other cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing and CAD/CAM systems. This integration allows for the rapid prototyping and manufacturing of dental restorations and aligners, further improving the efficiency and effectiveness of dental treatments.

Digital dental scans represent a significant technological advancement in dentistry. They offer enhanced accuracy, patient comfort, efficiency, and an eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods. The ability to integrate with other digital technologies opens up new possibilities for advanced, customized dental care, making treatments more effective and patient-friendly. When you need diagnostic dentistry, count on McCracken Family Dentistry to take care of your family.