Archives

One Visit Dental Crowns Coral Gables

May 11, 2012 Gables Family Dentistry Blog Archives, CEREC, Dental Crowns, Featured Articles
CEREC crowns

One Visit Dental Crowns

Gables Exceptional Dentistry is known for its utilization of modern dental technology and we stand at the forefront of state-of-the-art dentistry in Coral Gables. To keep with this trend we invest in numerous technologies that help us to provide our patients with exceptional dental care as well as the most convenient and comfortable experience possible. The CEREC restoration machine is an example of this dental technology and is used to help our patients who are too busy for two dental visits.

CEREC One-Visit Dentistry

While most patients understand what a dental crown is many aren’t aware of the options available to them. The CEREC machine is a superior method of creating precisely-designed, color-matched and highly durable ceramic restorations right here in our Coral Gables dental office. We effectively use this machine to make full crowns that deliver aesthetic and functional results to our patients in a single appointment.

Traditional dental crowns require messy impressions to be taken and long wait times of dental labs to construct restorations that are then sent back to the dental office. By negating this process, we are providing our Coral Gables crown patients a more convenient way to get dental work done.

Digital Dental Technology

The CEREC machine negates the need for messy impressions as mentioned above. Instead it utilizes an advanced digital 3D camera to create an optical impression. This image replaces the physical impression required in traditional procedures as well as the long wait times and messy goop that hardens in your mouth. From there, the CAD software allows us to design the restoration according to the specifics of your individual treatment plan. While you are waiting we are creating your dental crown that is milled in our machine and then comes out ready to be placed on your tooth. Your restoration is then fitted, polished and bonded permanently to your tooth for perfect fit and function.

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Choosing a Coral Gables Dental Implant Dentist

April 12, 2012 Gables Family Dentistry Blog Archives, Dental Implants
Dental Implants

Coral Gables Dental Implant Dentists

If you or a loved one has lost one or many teeth you are probably seeking options to replace the missing teeth. The loss of teeth is not only a hindrance to your appearance it can also have significant health consequences down the road. Drs. Mirtha Amador and Michael Perez are amongst the most highly trained dental implants dentists in the Coral Gables area. By helping patients to restore their smiles they are also aiding them in making their lives better too. We encourage patients who are seeking tooth replacement treatments to learn as much as they can about the benefits of dental implants.

Dental implants are one of the more complex procedures in dentistry. Not only does the dentist need to have a thorough understanding of placing the implants in the jawbone and how it will heal, they must also have a strong background in how the dental implants will look, feel and function in the patient’s mouth. This is why selecting our Coral Gables dental implant office to perform your tooth replacement procedure is a good choice. With a strong background in dental implantology and placement, our dentists are able to consistently place dental implants that are natural in appearance and often improve the look of a patient’s smile altogether.

Tooth loss occurs to many Americans every year as a result of trauma, gum disease, a failed root canal, tooth decay, and other reasons. Regardless of the reason a tooth is lost it is important to replace it because the remaining teeth can suffer as a result of the missing tooth as they can shift to fill the space, be more susceptible to gum disease, and create additional orthodontic problems.

To determine your candidacy for dental implants in Coral Gables consult with our practice today.

1-800-409-5538

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Coral Gables Braces for Adults

March 23, 2012 Gables Family Dentistry Blog Archives, Orthodontics/Invisalign
Adult Orthodontics

Adult Braces Coral Gables

Your Coral Gables orthodontist office of Drs. Amador and Perez provide braces for children and adults and are able to turn even the most misaligned teeth into confident, healthy smiles. Adult braces differ from children’s braces in that patients who seek adult braces generally seek treatments that allow them to maintain their professional appearance. Getting adult braces in Coral Springs is not an uncommon occurrence either, one in five orthodontic treatments are for patients over 21 years old.

Besides benefitting from an attractive smile, there are numerous other benefits of adult braces. A bad bite (malocclusion) can affect a patient’s health. Misaligned teeth are more difficult to clean, and are more susceptible to additional health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and can lead to the onset of tooth loss. Misaligned teeth can also contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth. Braces can remedy all of these problems.

Coral Gables Braces Options

Adult patients have options when it comes to the orthodontic treatments in our office. We offer traditional bracket and wire braces, ceramic “tooth colored” braces, clear braces, and Invisalign. The above options can be removable (Invisalign) or may contain brackets that are bonded to the teeth. Braces work by placing a gentle force on the teeth in a direction that is determined by the dentist. Today’s braces are more effective than older braces and also more attractive. We understand that patients care a great deal about how noticeable their braces are and we work with them to find orthodontics that fit their lifestyle and budget.

Treatment Time

The length of time that you will require braces will depend on the growth of your mouth and face and the individual dental issues we are working to correct. To determine the time it will take to correct you bite, please visit us for a consultation so that we will be able to determine your options as well as provide you with an individualized treatment plan that allows you to reach your smile goals.

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Replace Old Amalgam Dental Fillings in Coral Gables

March 1, 2012 Gables Family Dentistry Blog Archives, Dental Bonding, Tooth Filling
Tooth Colored Fillings

Replace Silver Fillings

Have you ever seen someone speak and notice the silver or dark filling in the back of their mouth? Have you ever thought this person might be you? If so, you may have considered having your amalgam fillings replaced with more modern tooth-colored fillings like the ones we offer at our Coral Gables dental office. A tooth-colored dental filling is more than a cosmetic enhancement; they are used to restore tooth fractures, tooth decay and damaged teeth. A properly installed tooth filling is also designed to allow for better chewing or biting surfaces.

Amalgam Fillings Bad for your Health?

Although there are mixed studies on the health impacts of amalgam fillings, we don’t advise that our patients take any risks when it comes to the possibility of mercury seepage from their fillings. This is why we promote tooth colored dental fillings that can be used to replace the old, unsightly silver amalgam ones. Modern dental fillings employ direct composite bonding, a quick and effective approach to helping patients achieve ideal dental health as well as certain aesthetic benefits.

To replace an old amalgam filling we must first remove it from your mouth. The area is then prepared by extensive cleaning to prevent infection. The tooth is then given a textured finish so that the bond for the new white filling can be made. Tooth colored fillings have often been thought to be weaker than amalgams however modern dental technology has allowed these restorations to be extremely durable and can be used on all teeth.

Advantages of Tooth Colored Fillings over Amalgam

In addition to appearance and safety concerns, tooth colored fillings are also recommended by our Coral Gables practice because they require less tooth preparation than amalgam fillings. This means that less healthy tooth structure has to be removed to place the filling. These fillings are also one of the least expensive restorative dentistry treatments that have cosmetic or aesthetic benefits as well.

To learn more about tooth colored dental filling in Coral Gables contact us today.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

 

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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.

 

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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

 

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