What
comes to your mind whenever you hear about cosmetic dentistry? Many
patients consider the practice exclusive to teeth, whereas in fact it
covers for all the treatments which benefit the oral cavity. Procedures
like teeth whitening and veneer placement are popular because these
easily remedy dental conditions; stained, chipped, and cracked teeth
are unsightly problems with quick-fixes. There are more treatment
options now than before, and the best part is you can avail of these
without overstretching your budget. Dental consultations are still
prerequisites to proper treatment, though.
Cosmetic Dentistry Isn't all Dental
One of the misconceptions concerning cosmetic dentistry is that most treatments are dental, that is, meant to improve the condition of the teeth. What's often overlooked (until the actual consultation) is that oral health is also related to correct jaw alignment. This is where the field of orthodontics comes in, involving braces, implants, and bridges. Cosmetic dentistry ties in various disciplines to offer holistic treatment, ensure better health. Your dentist will diagnose the problem and refer you to an orthodontist, who'll figure out the best combination of treatments available.
Proper Jaw Alignment, Better
First things first, though; improper jaw alignment leads to various oral health problems. People with this condition often have noticeably misshaped facial features, and sometimes experience difficulty in speech, chewing, and even breathing. In extreme cases, the misalignment causes pain on the jaw and the surrounding areas. This condition worsens over time and without proper treatment. The teeth are forced to compensate for the problem by shifting into 'comfortable' positions, usually by grinding on opposing teeth or falling out of proper alignment. Tooth decay, damage, and loss are the end results.
Temporomandibular Disease
Malocclusion may be inherited, but it can also be the result of disease, trauma, or shifting teeth caused by extractions. The jaw's alignment is affected from the temporomandibular joint or the TMJ. This connects the lower jawbone to the base of the skull, and any strain placed on it will extend towards other areas of the head. The symptoms of temporomandibular disease are often misdiagnosed as stress, so it's important that your dentist is one of the specialists you'll consult.
Your orthodontist will recommend corrective procedures based on x-ray scans of your oral cavity. Treatment periods depend on the severity on the condition, but you should expect yours to last at least a couple of years. Your teeth and jawbone are gradually coaxed into proper alignment with braces; dental implants and bridges are also considered as replacements to missing teeth.
One of the misconceptions concerning cosmetic dentistry is that most treatments are dental, that is, meant to improve the condition of the teeth. What's often overlooked (until the actual consultation) is that oral health is also related to correct jaw alignment. This is where the field of orthodontics comes in, involving braces, implants, and bridges. Cosmetic dentistry ties in various disciplines to offer holistic treatment, ensure better health. Your dentist will diagnose the problem and refer you to an orthodontist, who'll figure out the best combination of treatments available.
Proper Jaw Alignment, Better
First things first, though; improper jaw alignment leads to various oral health problems. People with this condition often have noticeably misshaped facial features, and sometimes experience difficulty in speech, chewing, and even breathing. In extreme cases, the misalignment causes pain on the jaw and the surrounding areas. This condition worsens over time and without proper treatment. The teeth are forced to compensate for the problem by shifting into 'comfortable' positions, usually by grinding on opposing teeth or falling out of proper alignment. Tooth decay, damage, and loss are the end results.
Temporomandibular Disease
Malocclusion may be inherited, but it can also be the result of disease, trauma, or shifting teeth caused by extractions. The jaw's alignment is affected from the temporomandibular joint or the TMJ. This connects the lower jawbone to the base of the skull, and any strain placed on it will extend towards other areas of the head. The symptoms of temporomandibular disease are often misdiagnosed as stress, so it's important that your dentist is one of the specialists you'll consult.
Your orthodontist will recommend corrective procedures based on x-ray scans of your oral cavity. Treatment periods depend on the severity on the condition, but you should expect yours to last at least a couple of years. Your teeth and jawbone are gradually coaxed into proper alignment with braces; dental implants and bridges are also considered as replacements to missing teeth.