Cosmetic Dental Bonding Coral Gables & Miami

February 9, 2012 Gables Family Dentistry Blog Archives, Dental Bonding
Tooth Bonding

Dental Bonding

By now you have probably heard of cosmetic dental bonding as it is an effective and popular alternative to many procedures. Our Coral Gables office utilizes this advanced dentistry technique to help our patients improve the appearance of their teeth without the use of more complex dental procedures like dental crowns or veneers. Dental bonding employs a tooth-colored resin material that adheres to your teeth and helps repair and improve the appearance of damaged teeth. It is one of the cheapest cosmetic dentistry treatments and has great results that our patients love.

In addition to restoring teeth, cosmetic dental bonding is also used to close gaps between teeth, make shorter teeth look longer, change the shape or color of teeth, and also as an alternative to amalgam fillings.

The advantages of dental bonding are that the treatments times are kept to a minimum and in most cases can be completed in one short visit. Cosmetic bonding doesn’t require the removal of tooth enamel such as in a veneers or crown procedure, and does not require any needles.

Cosmetic dental bonding is not for everyone; it is limited to small cosmetic changes and is not recommended for more serious dental restorations. It is also most frequently used in areas that have very low bite pressure, but the treatment is a reliable and durable one.

To determine if you are eligible for a cosmetic dental bonding treatment you will first have to schedule a consultation to determine if your dental problems or concerns can be solved with bonding. Most candidates of dental bonding include patients who have suffered from decay, cracked or chipped teeth, gaps, tooth discoloration, short teeth, and patients who want tooth-colored fillings.

Drs. Perez and Amador can help you determine if dental bonding is right for you or recommend a more appropriate treatment to help you with your smile and dental health needs.

No comments ,

Orthodontics & Invisalign in Coral Gables & Miami

January 11, 2012 Gables Family Dentistry Blog Archives, Orthodontics/Invisalign
Orthodontics & Invisalign

Orthodontics and Invisalign

Gables Exceptional Dentistry offers its Miami and Coral Gables patients the option of numerous different types of orthodontic treatments including traditional braces and clear, invisible braces from Invisalign. We have helped children, teens and adults all achieve their smile goals while helping to improve their oral health. Most patients come to get braces because they want to improve the aesthetics of their smile. Although this may be reason enough for itself, getting braces also has many health benefits.

Aligned Teeth for Dental Health

The American Dental Association says that straight, properly aligned teeth can significantly affect your overall dental health. It is true, orthodontics can greatly help you to maintain your dental hygiene as having misaligned teeth can lead to additional health problems. When your teeth are abnormally spaced or too crowded this can lead to the accumulation of bacteria around your teeth and gums resulting in periodontal disease. Properly aligned teeth allow for easier cleaning and allow the gums to fit securely around the teeth. Orthodontics gently move your teeth into the proper position so that you have a healthy smile and good looking teeth.

In addition to helping to prevent the effects of gum disease properly aligned teeth also alleviate the issues that are caused by having a bad bite, speech or chewing problems, jaw problems, and increased wear on the tooth enamel. Orthodontics can help all of these dental issues and give a bright smile that you’ll be proud of.

Our Orthodontic Treatments

Our Coral Gables dental office offers a variety of different treatments including traditional braces and Invisalign. We also offer ceramic “tooth colored” braces, clear braces, Damon brackets, and interceptive and early treatment orthodontics. Each system has varying differences including colors, materials, age appropriateness, and cost.

Contact our office to learn more about our orthodontic treatments or to schedule a consultation.

No comments ,

TMJ Pain and Treatment Coral Gables, FL

November 30, 2011 Gables Family Dentistry Blog Archives, TMJ/TMD
TMJ Pain

TMD Treatment

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is known for causing many problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles as well as leading to headaches. TMD, or temporomandibular disorder is the scientific name for the problems that are associated with this joint. The TMJ is flexible, and allows the jaw to move smoothly up and down and enables proper chewing, talking, and yawning. When this joint is not functioning properly the pains that arise can be highly unsettling and lead to ailments such as:

  • toothaches
  • headaches
  • neck aches
  • earaches
  • clicking of the jaw when speaking
  • limited ability to open the mouth
  • difficulty chewing
  • and more

There are a number of other conditions which are similar to those of TMD and for that reason it is often misdiagnosed. This can lead to incorrect treatments or result in the condition getting worse when all patients want is relief. Gables Exceptional Dentistry has been trained on the proper evaluation and treatment of TMD and helps sufferers get the relief they need. The diagnosis consists of evaluating the TMJ for pain and tenderness, listening for abnormal clicking or popping in the jaw, looking for limited motion in the jaw, and examining the bite and facial muscle function. This may require the use of advanced technologies that can help the dentist decide where the exact problems lie and how to best treat them.

By helping the patient to relax the muscles that are creating the TMJ pain we are able to effectively treat cases of TMD. We utilize advanced dental technology such as 3D scanning to evaluate our patients and boast some of the most innovative technology in the world which helps us to cure our patients of their TMJ ailments. When conservative TMD treatments just won’t do turn to Gables Exceptional Dentistry for relief from your pains and put your trust in TMJ experts who can help you live pain-free again.

No comments , ,

Dental Implants FAQs

September 28, 2011 Gables Family Dentistry Blog Archives, Dental Implants
Dental implants

Dental Implant FAQ

Dental implants are one of the most popular options for replacing lost teeth and we proudly offer this service to our qualified patients. The procedure is safe and proven and we utilize 3D imaging technology to give our patients the best treatment option available. Below are questions and answers to some frequently asked questions about dental implants.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are surgically implanted posts that substitute tooth roots and integrate with your bone for a permanent missing tooth restoration.

Are they safe?

The success rates of dental implants are very high and the procedure is administered by our highly trained staff. During your initial consultation your candidacy will be determined to evaluate whether your jaw bone can support the dental implant. If the evaluation shows that there is a risk that your procedure may not work favorably, we will not recommend it to you.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants work by the process of osseointegration where the implant fuses with the jaw bone as if it were a natural tooth root. The bone grows around the implant to form a solid foundation for a crown to be placed on top of it. Because the implant infuses with the jaw bone it actually stops the loss of bone that naturally occurs when the root of a natural tooth is missing. After the implant has integrated with the bone and healed we place a dental crown on the attachment that looks, feels and acts like your natural teeth.

Is the dental implant procedure painful?

The implant procedure is not as painful as most people think. Through a combination of local anesthesia and oral sedation the patient will not feel pain during the procedure. There may be some minor discomfort after the treatment but nothing serious.

Why are dental implants the preferred solution over dentures or dental bridges?

Dental implants as opposed to other appliances are permanent and do not place stress on the surrounding teeth. With dental bridges the surrounding teeth are relied upon for support and must be attached to other teeth. Additionally dentures can cause discomfort in the mouth and are susceptible to falling out, gathering bacteria, and limiting what foods one can eat. Also dental implants mean that the patient does not have to remove anything from their mouth at any time.

How much do they cost?

The cost of dental implants depends on several factors including your insurance, the amount of implants you need, and what type of implant procedure you are getting (single implant or implant for a dental bridge).

 

No comments , , ,

The Wonders of Teeth Whitening

September 20, 2011 Gables Family Dentistry Blog Archives, Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening

Wonders of Teeth Whitening

A whiter, brighter smile has always been associated with a youthful and winning appearance. While teeth whitening is one of the most simple cosmetic dentistry treatments available, it also one of the most effective at improving one’s appearance and smile. Whiter teeth are perceived as making an individual appear energetic and full of life. With age our teeth become less bright and more susceptible to dulling and this is the reason so many adults opt to get teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening is a popular and conservative treatment to improve the appearance of your smile and is relatively inexpensive. Most adults are prone to tooth discoloration for various reasons including changes with the dentine (protective layer on our teeth), wear and tear, aging, exposure to chemicals, smoking, and diet. Fortunately the effects of these teeth darkeners can be reversed with professional teeth cleaning techniques. These treatments include in-office whitening and take home trays and effectively whiten the external surfaces of the teeth by utilizing a high concentration of peroxide solution that is placed directly on the teeth and can be supplemented by a light source such as with Zoom Whitening.

The gel whitening systems that are given for take-home whitening consist of custom trays specially fitted to the patient’s mouth. This method is not as effective as the in-office treatment but has its advantages in that it can be administered at night and it is generally cheaper than the in-office treatment. Procedures like the Zoom Whitening treatment can whiten teeth up to 10 shades in about an hour. This process can be done in one dental visit and leaves patients with a noticeably whiter, brighter smile.

For more information on teeth whitening or to schedule an appointment with our office contact us today.

 

No comments , ,

Gum Disease can Hinder your Overall Health

September 14, 2011 Gables Family Dentistry Blog Archives, Gum Disease
Periodontal disease

Gum disease

Gum disease is the most common form of disease in America. In fact, it affects nearly 75% of the entire population yet most people don’t even realize they have the infection.  Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is caused by bacterial growth in your mouth and can lead to tooth loss among other harmful diseases. As a result of the bacteria in your mouth plaque is built up and causes the gums to be inflamed.  Generally at this stage the impact is reversible but must be professionally treated to rid the effects.  Unfortunately good at-home dental care alone does not prevent us from the onset of periodontal disease. Professional cleanings are a must if we wish to keep plaque build-up at a minimum and maintain healthy teeth and gums.  If we don’t there are many other oral health problems that gum disease can lead to.

According to the Center for Disease Control and numerous other studies gum disease is linked to other serious health conditions such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes, preterm birth and respiratory disease. Studies have shown that inflammation caused by gum disease may link it to other chronic conditions. If you already show signs of these diseases, they may be worsened by gum disease.  Gum disease has been linked to the following areas of the body:

  • Brain- Alzheimer’s disease and stroke
  • Mouth-inflamed gums and mouth
  • Lungs-respiratory problems
  • Heart- cardiovascular disease
  • Pancreas- diabetes
  • Kidneys- chronic kidney disease
  • Joints- rheumatoid arthritis

The risks for developing gum disease include general illness, poor dental hygiene, hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, and uncontrolled diabetes.  If you have crooked teeth, unsanitary braces, dentures, bridges, crowns or fillings these appliances can irritate the gums and increase your risk of gum disease.

Signs of Gum Disease

  • Swollen or bleeding gums
  • Red or purple gums
  • Tender gums
  • Mouth sores
  • Shiny gums

If you are experiencing any of the above signs of gum disease it is important to get a thorough evaluation as soon as possible.  We have state-of-the-art technologies to help diagnose and treat gum disease.  Many patients simply require a professional cleaning to help clean the excess plaque off of their teeth. To learn more about gum disease or to schedule an appointment contact us today.

1-800-409-5538

 

No comments ,

Dental Anxiety Preventing you from Visiting your Dentist?

September 13, 2011 Gables Family Dentistry Blog Archives, Sedation Dentistry
Fear of dentist

Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety affects millions of Americans and actually prevents many of them from visiting the dentist all together.  Avoiding routine dental care can lead to additional oral health problems and can end up resulting in a mandatory and complex restoration to fix all the years of neglect.  For patients who are reluctant or nervous about sitting in a dental chair we offer sedation dentistry to help induce a relaxed state of mind.

Sedation dentistry employs the use of sedatives to help patients easily sit through what would ordinarily be a difficult experience.  What’s best is that the process is safe and the patient will even be able to respond to commands but be completely relaxed while they have their teeth worked on.  Gables Exceptional Dentistry is known for creating a relaxing environment for its patients and the combination of our spa-like treatment and dental sedation can help anyone get through their dental visit.

Dental sedation works by slowing down the central nervous system.  Unlike other types of sedation there are no needles involved or laughing gases.  Our sedation is given orally and results in a state of calm that allows for independent breathing and awareness.  Dental procedures that take hours often feel like they were conducted in minutes and the patient will feel completely normal after the procedure.

We utilize sedation dentistry for our anxious patients and for patients needing more complex treatments such as smile makeovers and full mouth restorations.  The advantage of this type of treatment is that procedures that generally take multiple visits can be performed in fewer appointments and the patient is much more tolerant of the work being performed.  Any patients who once avoided the dentist can now feel comfortable knowing that the fears that they associate with the dentist are now alleviated and they can get the dental care they require.

If you or a loved one have been avoiding the dentist consider sedation dentistry so that you can maintain your oral health.  If you have any additional questions regarding the procedure or how dental sedation will be administered feel free to contact us for more information.  The process is safe and effective and is conducted under the supervision of our highly trained staff.  Sedation dentists require additional training and undergo numerous hours of continuing education to be able to offer this great technology.

 

No comments , ,