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The Art of Smile
315 E Northfield Rd Ste 2F
Livingston, NJ 07039
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Self-esteem and confidence are the most attractive qualities in a man or a woman, and nothing helps boost your self-assurance more than a healthy, bright smile.
Having a beautiful smile can have a profound influence on how you look, feel and present yourself to the world.
The Art of Smile Dental team is dedicated to providing you with exceptional personalized comprehensive dental care to help you achieve the smile you desire and keep it healthy and beautiful for life.
We can restore form and function to your smile, provide you with a complete cosmetic smile makeover, and help maintain your dental and overall health for many years to come. Our patients benefit from the doctor's extensive expertise, state of the art techniques and innovative treatment options delivered in a comfortable, relaxed and friendly environment in a manner that is effective, streamlined and as painless as possible.
Every person's dental needs
are unique, require special care and attention, and are best met through a comprehensive evaluation and custom-tailored treatment options based on their goals and expectations. Through our outstanding general, cosmetic, implant and orthodontic dental care we've changed the quality of life for many of our patients and we can help you look and feel your best, too. We are looking forward to seeing you at The Art of Smile Dental!
Cosmetic Dentistry
Get A Beautiful, Natural Smile You Can Be Proud Of At The Art Of Smile Dental!
Your smile is your biggest asset!
At The Art of Smile Dental our purpose is to bring that smile to life by augmenting every possible factor that would enhance your individual beauty. Experience a spring in your step and a renewed sense of self-confidence that will have you looking and feeling ten years younger!
If you are simply interested in whiter teeth
we offer a variety of gentle whitening procedures that protect your enamel while brightening your smile. And And should you need additional cosmetic procedures, teeth whitening could be a free bonus! If your teeth are dull, unevenly spaced, worn, chipped or crooked, an easy smile makeover may be all that is needed to get you the look you've always wished for. In many cases dramatic improvement can be achieved in just one or two visits!
At the Art of Smile Dental we are always happy to talk to you
listen to your needs, concerns and wishes, and present you with the most advanced cosmetic options available to create the smile you always wanted. We have over 25 years of experience specializing in finding effective solutions to achieve the best aesthetic results, in minimal time, at a reasonable price.
Teeth Whitening
Your smile is very important! An attractive smile not only boosts your confidence and self-esteem it also makes you more attractive to others. One very important aspect of maintaining an attractive smile is having white, evenly colored teeth. Unfortunately, good oral hygiene is not enough to preserve the color of our teeth. Over time the teeth become more absorbent and can become dull and discolored from coffee, tea, wine, berries, cigarettes, medication, excessive fluoride, or just normal aging. Fortunately, the professional teeth whitening offered at The Art of Smile Dental is a safe, effective, and long-lasting solution to dull, yellowish, or discolored teeth.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Dramatically whiter, evenly colored teeth.
Teeth whitening is safe and non-invasive.
Flexible treatment options.
Fast, long lasting results.
An affordable, profitable investment.
The teeth whitening procedure
At the Art of Smile Dental
we offer two types of teeth whitening programs to ensure all of our patients can reap the benefits of having a whiter, brighter smile, regardless of scheduling or budget constraints. Both systems use a specially designed bleaching agent that lightens the enamel and dentin of natural teeth, making them appear brighter and whiter.
The at home teeth whitening method supplies patients with custom-fitted home whitening trays and a professional grade whitening gel that is only available through your dentist.
A small amount of whitening gel is placed in custom-fitted trays, which you wear for approximately 1 hour a day. For in-office whitening at the Art of Smile Dental, we use the Zoom Whitening or KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching system. Both systems involve a bleaching process that lightens discolored enamel, and offers a safe, effective, and fast way to brighten your teeth in a single office visit.
Teeth Whitening - FAQ's
How long does the at home teeth whitening system take to produce results?
At The Art of Smile Dental, we offer home whitening solutions that come in different strengths. Depending on the kit, the time to reach your desired shade may range from several days to a few weeks.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Teeth whitening is a painless procedure. Some patients report tooth sensitivity following a teeth whitening treatment, but this sensitivity alleviates within a day or two after the procedure.
How long does teeth whitening last?
This depends on the type of teeth whitening system you choose. Some results begin to fade after a few years. Other systems can bleach your teeth for much longer. You can help preserve the results of your professional teeth whitening by avoiding things that are notorious for staining teeth such as red wine, coffee, and smoking.
How much does teeth whitening cost?
The cost for teeth whitening varies depending on the needs of the individual patient, and whether the patient opts for in office teeth whitening or at home teeth whitening. During your consultation, your dentist will discuss the different options for teeth whitening and how much each option might cost. We will also discuss payment options making it possible for you to enjoy a beautiful smile, even if you are on a budget.
Will teeth whitening bleach my crowns, fillings, or veneers?
No. Teeth whitening bleach has been especially designed to only bleach tooth enamel. It will not bleach veneers. Therefore, if you are planning on undergoing any cosmetic or implant dentistry procedure, you should consider whitening your teeth before hand. During your consultation, your dentist will discuss your options for whitening your teeth prior to other cosmetic or dental implant procedures.
Does teeth whitening toothpaste work?
Teeth whitening toothpastes usually remove surface stains, but fail to actually lighten the enamel and change the color of your teeth. For effective teeth whitening, patients should seek out the services of a dentist.
Composite Restorations
Composite restorations allow dentists to perform fillings and bonding with a specially designed resin material that mimics the color and shape of your natural teeth. Composite restorations are often used in lieu of traditional amalgam fillings, offering patients a more natural, attractive filling. Composite restorations can also correct a tooth gap, repair chips and fractures, re-shape and contour teeth, cover spots and discolorations, and replace older unsightly metal fillings.
Benefits of Composite Restorations
Offer a non-invasive way to improve your smile.
Resemble the look and color of your natural teeth.
Preserve more of the natural tooth than traditional amalgam fillings.
Strong and durable.
Can be used in front teeth and molars alike.
Better insulate your tooth against food/drink temperature sensitivity.
Can be used for fillings, or to repair chipped, worn, or broken teeth.
The Composite Restoration Procedure
During your composite restoration, your dentist will first prepare your tooth for the composite material.
Once your tooth is prepared, your dentist will gradually apply the composite resin to the tooth in layers, hardening each layer with a special curing light. Once the composite restoration has been placed, your dentist will shape the composite to perfectly fit your tooth. The dentist will then polish the composite to make it resistant to stains and wear.
Composite Restorations - FAQ's
How long do Composite Restorations last?
The lifespan of composite restorations depend on the individual and the environmental conditions the composite restoration is exposed to. Patients who live healthy lifestyles and maintain good oral hygiene can expect their composite restoration to last at least 5 years.
What materials is the composite resin made of?
Natural-looking composite resin fillings are made with a material consisting of a mixture of microscopic ceramic and glass particles dispersed in a plastic resin that can be bonded to teeth.
Can the composite resin be shaded to match the color of my teeth?
Yes. Composite restoration material comes in a wide range of shades, allowing for a perfect match with your natural tooth color and can be molded and sculpted to create almost any shape or contour.
How long does a composite restoration procedure take?
That depends on the needs of the patient and the specifications of the procedure. At the Art of Smile we use a composite material that is particularly quick-curing, which cuts down on the time you spend in the chair. Unlike the inlay and onlay restorations that are crafted in an outside lab, composite fillings can be made on-site and completed in only one office visit.
Can composite restorations be used to correct extensive tooth damage?
No. Composite resin is generally used for smaller defects in one or two teeth. In cases of a more extensive damage or a complete smile makeover, different techniques, such as inlays, onlays, porcelain veneers or crowns fabricated in a dental lab are utilized.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers correct a various array of cosmetic issues that keep a person from smiling. For people with chipped, stained, discolored, unevenly spaced, or slightly crooked front teeth, porcelain veneers may be a great solution to provide a brighter, cleaner, more attractive smile. Porcelain veneers can restore the position, shape, size and color of a tooth, making them ideal for correcting an array of various cosmetic issues such as stubborn stains that have not responded to tooth whitening, slightly crooked or oddly-shaped teeth, uneven tooth surfaces, chips, gaps, or fillings that have become discolored with time
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Replace discolored or stained teeth, with sparkling whites.
Restore the appearance of teeth that are worn down, chipped, or broken.
Restore symmetry to misaligned, irregularly shaped, or uneven teeth.
Close gaps in between teeth.
Require a minimal amount of tooth reduction.
The porcelain veneer procedure
The procedure for porcelain veneers has two stages.
During the first stage your dentist performs a smile analysis, assessing the current condition of your natural teeth, and how porcelain veneers will allow you to achieve the smile you desire. The next part of the porcelain veneer procedure is the trial smile stage. During your trial smile your dentist will prepare your tooth for the veneer. A minuscule amount of tooth enamel will be filed off of your natural tooth to make room for the veneer. Once your tooth has been prepped, your dentist will create your new smile with temporary veneers to confirm their fit, look, and feel. Once fitted, the dentist will send in your impressions to the dental lab where your permanent custom-made veneers will be fabricated according to the exact specifications provided.
The second stage takes place once your permanent veneers come back from the lab.
Your dentist will confirm the veneer fits and looks perfectly before gently bonding your veneer permanently into place for a smile that is radiant, vibrant and full of life.
Porcelain Veneers - FAQ's
How many veneers can be bonded in one treatment?
During the procedure, a single tooth, or several teeth can be bonded.
How long does the dental lab take to fabricate my permanent veneers?
The time frame depends on how many, and how extensive of veneers you require to achieve the ideal smile. A single veneer can take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks for the laboratory to create.
What type of maintenance do porcelain veneers require?
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene after receiving your veneers. Brush and floss your porcelain veneers, just as you would your natural teeth.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are built to last. Many people keep an original veneer for more than 20 years. Additionally, veneers are easily re-bonded if they ever come off or become damaged.
Do porcelain veneers stain or become discolored?
No. Your porcelain veneers should retain their color and vibrancy throughout the duration of the veneer's lifetime.
Does the veneer procedure hurt?
No. Both the tooth preparation and the bonding procedure are painless.
How much do Porcelain Veneers cost?
The cost for porcelain veneers varies widely depending on the needs of the individual patient. During your consultation, your dentist will discuss how much your veneers will cost, and if your insurance will cover a portion of the bill. Your dentist will also discuss a payment plan, making it possible for you to enjoy a beautiful smile, even if you are on a budget.
Lumineers
Lumineers are extremely thin veneers that work in the same way that porcelain veneers do, effectively correcting a number of cosmetic issues created by chipped, stained, discolored or widely spaced teeth. Because Lumineers are so thin, they do not require the tooth to be reduced before bonding like porcelain veneers require. Lumineers can be a great cosmetic solution for people with small wide-spaced teeth that are misshapen, broken, or stained that do not require major changes in alignment. Ultimately, Lumineers are a fast, effective, and pain free way to restore a person's smile.
Benefits of Lumineers
Restore chipped, cracked, irregular shaped or spaced teeth.
Painless procedure, requiring no shots or anesthetic.
Does not require tooth surface reduction.
Thin design allows Lumineers to fit comfortably.
Durable and long lasting.
Lumineers may replace the need for braces.
Whiten stained or discolored teeth.
The Lumineer Procedure
The Lumineer procedure is similar to that required for porcelain veneers.
You will meet with your dentist and discuss any factors required to deliver you with the smile you desire. Impressions of your teeth will be taken, and shipped to the dental lab to create your customized Lumineers. When your Lumineers are ready, your dentist will make sure they fit and match the rest of your teeth perfectly. Your Lumineers will then be bonded permanently to your teeth, allowing you to walk out of the dentist office smiling.
Lumineers - FAQ's
How are Lumineers different from porcelain veneers?
Lumineers are thinner than Porcelain Veneers. Lumineers can be bonded to the tooth without reducing the tooth surface. Lumineers are also more durable and tend to last longer than porcelain veneers.
Can Lumineers replace the need for braces?
In many instances, Lumineers can be used in lieu of braces. If your teeth are not severely misaligned, Lumineers can reshape your teeth to make them look straight, more uniform, and even whiter. During your consultation, your dentist will discuss if Lumineers is a viable option in lieu of braces.
How long will my Lumineers last?
Lumineers are designed to last. Most patients enjoy their original Lumineer over the span of decades.
Is the Lumineer procedure painful?
The Lumineer procedure is painless. There is also little to no tooth discomfort or temperature sensitivity post procedure like patients receiving porcelain veneers sometimes experience.
How many visits to the dentist does the Lumineer procedure require?
Typically, transforming your smile with Lumineers only takes two visits. There is usually a follow up visit or two for final adjustments and polishing, and to review instructions for care of your new enhanced smile to ensure it lasts years and years.
How much do Lumineers cost?
The cost for Lumineers varies widely depending on the needs of the individual patient. During your consultation at the Art of Smile Dental, we will discuss how much your Lumineers will cost, and if needed, we will discuss a payment plan, making it possible for you to enjoy a beautiful smile, even if you are on a budget.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects improperly aligned teeth and jawbones by moving them back into their ideal position. Orthodontics can be used to correct an array of teeth maladies, including overbites, underbites, open bites, and cross bites, as well as misplaced midlines, gapped teeth, irregularly spaced teeth, and crowded teeth. The most obvious benefit of orthodontic treatment is a beautiful, confident smile.
Benefits of Orthodontics
Straight, properly aligned teeth.
Improved oral health.
Fortifies your natural teeth.
The confidence that comes with a beautiful smile.
Orthodontic Procedures
Orthodontics covers a wide array of dental procedures and appliances.
Orthodontics appliances can be either fixed, such as traditional metal and porcelain braces, and space maintainers, or removable, such as retainers and aligners. At The Art of Smile Dental Dr. Segal has used his expertise to straighten the teeth for both children and adults for many years, using the most advanced and efficient methods for straightening the teeth in short time with beautiful results.
Orthodontics - FAQ's
When is the best time to begin orthodontic treatment?
In many cases, orthodontic treatment is best begun before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Permanent molars and incisors usually come in by age 7. At this point problems such as crossbites, crowding, and misalignment can be diagnosed and evaluated, and the necessity and the best timing for an orthodontic treatment determined.
What are the advantages of preventive orthodontics?
At The Art of Smile Dental, we focus on early prevention and interception of problems utilizing modern European and American techniques. Early treatment can regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, guide the growth and gain the space for incoming permanent teeth, thus avoiding the need for permanent tooth extractions and reducing likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.
Am I too old to get braces?
Braces aren't just for teenagers. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so it is never too late to improve your dental health and beautify your smile. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. In fact, one of every four Orthodontics patients at The Art of Smile is an adult.
What are other benefits of adult orthodontics, besides aesthetics?
There are many benefits of adult orthodontics whether you're seeking to correct bite or jaw problems, crooked or crowded teeth, or the regression that can happen after having braces as a child. Treating these problems can reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease which can lead to better maintenance of your dental health. Adult orthodontics can also reduce headaches and jaw pain that can be associated with jaw and teeth placement.
Are traditional metal braces my only option?
No. Constantly improving technologies provide patients with several alternatives to traditional metal braces. The most popular alternative is the Invisalign® system. Invisalign® uses sets of clear removable aligners. Fast-track adult orthodontics systems utilizing clear ceramic braces instead of the traditional metal ones are also available, making orthodontic treatment for adults more comfortable and less lengthy.
How expensive are orthodontic procedures and appliances?
The overall cost of producing a beautiful smile using orthodontics depends on the individual condition of each patient's teeth, and the procedures and/or appliances that patient requires. During your consultation, your dentist will discuss your different options and how much each option might cost. We will also discuss payment options making it possible for you to enjoy a beautiful smile, even if you are on a budget.
Invisalign
Invisalign ® clear braces are the non-metal alternatives to traditional braces. Invisalign ® technology utilizes a series of custom-made, clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth without the discomfort of metal wires or brackets. Invisalign ® produces similar results as traditional braces, correcting crowded, crooked, overlapping teeth, but without the pain, discomfort, and social embarrassment associated with traditional braces. Invisalign ® can also correct irregular spacing between teeth, underbite, crossbite, and overbites. If you dream of straight, even teeth, but cringe at the idea of wearing traditional metal braces, Invisalign ® clear braces system might be the perfect solution.
Benefits of Invisalign
Effectively straightens teeth.
An ideal substitute for traditional braces.
Transparent and virtually invisible.
Comfortable and form fitting.
Painlessly aligns teeth.
Removable for eating, brushing and flossing.
Invisalign ® Procedure
Invisalign ® capitalizes on 3-D computer imaging technology to design your treatment plan and create your Custom-made aligners.
A new set of aligners, designed to slightly shift your teeth, are replaced with a new set every two weeks, guiding your teeth towards their ideal position. Since aligners are upgraded every two weeks, the process is comfortable, gradual and painless.
Invisalign - FAQ's
How often will I need to visit the dentist during my Invisalign ® treatment?
Although the aligners are designed to be replaced every two weeks, you will typically only need a check-up at our office every six weeks.
Are results from Invisalign ® invisible braces as reliable as the results from traditional braces?
Yes. Once completed, most Invisalign ® cases deliver very stable results. Invisalign ® express is a special program designed to quickly and painlessly correct any minor misalignment you might experience after your Invisalign ® treatment.
Can Invisalign ® be used to correct relapse after traditional braces?
Invisalign Express ® is also applicable to rebound cases, for people who have experienced relapse following traditional braces.
Can a teenager be treated with Invisalign ® instead of traditional braces?
Yes. In fact, the Art of Smile Dental provides a special program for teens and pre-teens called Invisalign Teen.
How much does Invisalign ® cost?
Most often, the cost of Invisalign ® is similar to the cost of traditional braces. Specific costs vary, depending on the individual needs of each patient. During your consultation your dentist will provide you with a quote and discuss payment options. Your dentist can also help you find out if your insurance will cover part of the cost for Invisalign ®.
Does Invisalign ® Hurt?
Unlike traditional braces, that can often cause lingering discomfort, Invisalign ® gradually aligns teeth into their proper placement, significantly reducing the pain and discomfort associated with braces.
How long does the Invisalign ® process take?
Typically, an adult treatment plan takes about 12 months. But the treatment's duration varies depending on the individual circumstances of each patient. During your consultation, your dentist can give you a better estimate regarding how long your treatment will last.
Does Invisalign ® require diet restrictions like traditional braces do?
No. Your Invisalign ® aligners are easily removable. Simply remove the aligners before you eat, and put them back in once you are done eating and cleaning your teeth.
Implant Dentistry
Get The Best Modern Dentistry Can Offer With Implant Dentistry From The Art Of Smile Dental!
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Today implant restorations are considered the standard of care in cases of missing natural teeth.
Dental implants give you the comfort and confidence of a completely natural mouth function and appearance. Missing teeth affect a person's appearance, their ability to speak and chew, along with their dental and overall health. Over the last 30 years, dental implants have grown to be an effective and reliable means of replacing missing teeth and securing crowns, bridges and dentures. In expert hands, it is a highly successful technique that has improved the quality of life for many people, and that can help you by restoring your overall health, your confidence and your smile.
At the Art of Smile Dental we are always happy to talk to you
listen to your needs, concerns and wishes, and present you with all the advanced dental options available to achieve your optimum dental health and appearance. We offer over 25 years of experience in all aspects of implant placement and restoration. All the procedures are conveniently done on premises, so you will not have to travel to another dental office for any part of the treatment.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the golden standard for replacing missing or damaged teeth. Unlike other tooth replacement procedures, dental implants become one with the jaw bone, providing a permanent foundation that supports dental restorations that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Dental implants are utilized to anchor crowns, bridgework, and dentures, without compromising the health of adjacent teeth. No other tooth replacement procedure can restore a person's smile with the same effectiveness, comfort, and cosmetic appeal as dental implants.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Restored Cosmetic Appeal
Dental Implants reinstate confidence with a beautiful, natural looking smile.
Improved Functionality
Dental Implants function like natural teeth, eliminating speech impairments or food restrictions common with other tooth replacement procedures.
Improved Comfort
Dental Implants support restorations that feel like natural teeth. They will not slip like dentures, or cause discomfort like other tooth replacement procedures.
Improved Oral Health
Dental Implants are easy to maintain and leave surrounding teeth intact.
Durable and Reliable
Dental implants are more predictable than any other tooth replacement procedure, and with proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
The dental implants procedure
Replacing missing or damaged teeth with dental implants
involves placing a titanium post in the jawbone. Over the course of the next few months, surrounding bone tissue grows tightly around, and eventually fuses with the implants, that now function as replacement roots, providing a stable foundation to which crowns, bridgework, or dentures can be affixed once the healing process is over. With proper care, dental implants have been known to last more than 40 years, providing patients with natural looking, natural feeling, and natural functioning teeth that will keep them smiling for a lifetime.
Dental Implants - FAQ's
What can dental implants be used for?
Implants are very versatile. If you are only missing one tooth, one implant anchoring a replacement tooth will provide a solution. If you are missing several teeth in a row, a few strategically placed implants can support a permanent bridge. Similarly, if you have lost all of your teeth, a full-mouth restoration can be achieved utilizing a strategic number of implants.
Am I good candidate for dental implants?
Dental Implants have been used to replace missing or damaged teeth on patients of all ages. Typically, if you are healthy enough to receive other types of restoration procedures, such as crowns or bridgework, you are healthy enough to receive dental implants. During your consultation, your dentist can help determine how to best utilize dental implants to address your needs.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants varies by individual, depending on which dental restoration procedure they need. Dental Implants are an investment, but because they are permanent, dental implant restorations can also be less expensive in the long run compared to conventional bridges, dentures, or other restoration procedures. In some instances, a patient's insurance will cover part of the procedure costs. During your consultation, we will go over the costs of your dental restoration and discuss payment options.
Are dental implants better than conventional bridgework?
Implants not only look, function, and feel more like natural teeth than any other tooth replacement, they also eliminate the need to compromise the health of the adjacent teeth. Contrary to conventional bridgework that requires the neighboring teeth to be filed to provide support for the bridge, restorations supported by dental implants allow the adjacent teeth to be left intact. This facilitates easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene and enhancing your long-term oral health. Furthermore, in some cases, implant restorations can also be less costly and longer-lasting than conventional bridges.
Are dental implants better than traditional dentures?
People who wear dentures often complain of slippage, discomfort, and maintenance issues. Dentures can also affect speech, impair chewing, and come with various diet restrictions. In comparison, dental implants provide a fixed and permanent solution to missing teeth that look and feel completely natural in the mouth. This improves the patients ability to eat and speak. It also provides a more natural, aesthetically pleasing appearance.
What type of maintenance do dental implants require?
Once your dental implant restorations are completed, it is important to keep the area clean and infection-free. Dental implants can accumulate plaque and tartar just as natural teeth can. The better you take care of your restorations, the longer they will last.
How long does it take to complete dental restoration with dental implants?
The time frame for a complete dental restoration using implants varies based on each patient's needs and their specific type of dental restoration, but the typical dental implant process can take between 2 to 5 months. Your dentist will be able to provide a better time estimation during your consultation. At the Art of Smile Dental we specialize in providing safe and effective dental implants for patients who need crowns, bridgework, or dentures. With offices located in Livingston and Fair Lawn, the Art of Smile Dental is New Jersey's premier provider of dental implants. Learn more about dental implants from the Art of Smile Dental by scheduling your free consultation today.
Bone Grafting
To ensure success of your dental implants, the implantation site should have sufficient bone thickness and density required to adequately support a dental implant. In cases where the bone tissue has been greatly reduced over time due to missing teeth, periodontal disease or inflammation, bone grafting may be needed prior to the implant placement procedure. If a tooth is infected, and needs to be removed and replaced with dental implants, bone grafting can be done during the tooth removal procedure to facilitate the placement of dental implants. Bone grafting is a great advancement in dental science and technology because it helps restore tooth replacement in cases where the placement of dental implants would have previously been impossible, because of lost or depleted bone tissue.
Benefits of Bone Grafting
Restores and maintains facial bone structure.
Prevents disfigurement caused by depleted bone structure.
Supplies sufficient bone structure required for dental implants.
Ensures patients have the needed foundation for a beautiful smile.
The Bone Grafting Procedure
When the dentist performs a bone grafting procedure
bio-compatible material is added to augment your existing bone structure. The surrounding bone tissue then fuses with the bone graft, ensuring sufficient bone thickness and density to support dental implants.
Bone Grafting - FAQ's
How long is the recovery time for Dental Bone Grafting?
Some bone graft procedures require several months between the procedure and the dental implant surgery, to allow the graft to become fully integrated with the surrounding bone tissue. Other times, bone grafting can be done at the same time as a tooth removal procedure to facilitate the placement of a dental implant immediately. During your consultation, your dentist will explain the extent of bone grafting required and an estimation of how long the healing process will take.
How much does Dental Bone Grafting cost?
Bone grafting cost fluctuates widely, depending on the type and volume of bone graft that is needed. During your consultation we will discuss the type and volume of bone graft you need and how much that procedure will cost, as well as payment options available.
Is the Bone Grafting procedure safe?
The bone grafting procedure is a minor surgery, performed in the dentist office, using local anesthetic. There are no additional safety concerns unique to the bone grafting procedure that are not the standard precautions for any minor surgery. Furthermore, the professionals at the Art of Smile Dental are highly trained and experienced in this surgical procedure, and go above and beyond to ensure the safety and well being of each patient, before, after, and during any surgical procedure.
Does Bone Grafting hurt?
The dentist will use anesthesia to ensure the patient feels no pain during the surgical procedure. Post op discomfort varies widely, depending on the extent of the procedure. The bone grafting procedure requires the dentist to make a small incision to access bone underneath the gums. Most patients are able to manage post surgery soreness with ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications that can be bought over the counter.
Sinus Lift Augmentation
Sinus Lift Augmentation is a type of bone graft that allows patients with insufficient bone structure in the upper back part of the upper jaw have their missing back teeth replaced with Dental Implant restorations. This procedure is very effective for qualifying patients with depleted maxillary bone tissue to become good candidates for dental implants.
Benefits of Sinus Lift Augmentation
Restores and maintains facial bone structure.
Prevents disfigurement caused by depleted bone structure.
Supplies additional bone structure so an individual can qualify for dental implants.
Ensures patients have the needed foundation for a beautiful smile.
Strengthens the jaw bone for back molar dental implants.
Effectively primes jaw bone for implants in patients with severe maxillary bone loss.
Significantly increases the chance of implant success.
The sinus lift augmentation procedure
The area around the back upper jaw is the most challenging area to place implants
because the upper back jaw has a thinner layer of jaw bone, and is situated below the maxillary sinus. Sinus augmentation fortifies this area of the jaw by lifting the soft tissue of the sinus floor up, and then placing a bone graft beneath. When the bone graft has fully developed, your dentist can perform a successful dental implant procedure.
Sinus Lift Augmentation - FAQ's
When does a patient usually require a sinus lift augmentation?
When a patient loses their molars, the loss of natural teeth causes the thinning of jaw bone. Natural teeth anchor the bone, and when they are gone, the bone starts to shrink and be reabsorbed back into the body. When the teeth have been missing for a long time, this process can result in there not being enough bone left to place implants without the risk compromising them by invading into maxillary sinus cavity.
How long is the healing period for sinus lift augmentation?
Recovery time depends on the patient's needs and circumstances. Some patients can receive their dental implants during their sinus lift augmentation procedure. Other patients may require a healing period so their bone graft can fully develop. These patients may require a time period from 4 to 12 months before their implants can be placed.
Does sinus lift augmentation hurt?
During your sinus lift augmentation, your dentist will take all precautions to ensure you are comfortable during the surgical procedure. Post op discomfort varies widely, depending on the extent of the procedure. The sinus lift augmentation procedure requires the dentist to make small incisions. Most patients are able to manage post surgery soreness with ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications that can be bought over the counter.
Teeth-in-a-day
Teeth-in-a-Day is a revolutionary dental implant procedure that provides a patient with a permanent set of replacement teeth which are implant stabilized and are naturally-looking, precisely fitted and fully functional. The Teeth-in-a-Day procedure, just as the name suggests, takes only one day to perform. Teeth-in-a-Day provides an ideal solution for patients that need a full arch replacement, but do not have the sufficient bone volume to allow for other implant procedures.
Benefits of Teeth-in-a Day
Ideal for many full denture wearers.
Special placement maximizes existing bone structure.
Procedure takes only a day to perform.
Look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Eliminates the discomfort, inconvenience, and embarrassment associated with traditional dentures.
Preserves facial structure and integrity.
Permanent, secured placement allows you to confidently eat the foods you love.
Requires less bone reduction.
Typically bypasses the need for a bone graft.
Teeth-In-A-Day procedure
Teeth-in-a-Day utilizes the latest breakthroughs in dental technology called All-on-4TM
a simplified treatment concept that allows for the placement of a complete arch of permanent teeth on just four dental implants. The implants are placed at an angle to maximize the existing bone structure. This allows All-on-4TM technology to achieve successful results even in instances where the patient lacks the bone structure necessary to support other dental implant options.
Teeth-In-A-Day - FAQ's
What are the advantages of Teeth-in-a-Day compared to removable dentures?
Because your new teeth are permanently secured in place with dental implants, they will not shift around in your mouth, eliminating the embarrassment, irritation, inflammation and the development of sores on the underlying soft tissues sometimes associated with wearing a removable denture. The teeth are cleaned and looked after just like natural teeth and do not require removal for cleaning after meals or at night, enabling you to confidently eat with an increased bite force, thus allowing you to enjoy all the foods you love.
How are All-on-4TM implants different than other dental implants?
All-on-4TM technology significantly reduces the number of implants needed per arch. The angle at which All-on-4TM implants are designed to be placed, allow the implant to have more contact with the natural support of your jaw bone. This placement also bypasses the need for bone grafting in most cases.
How long does the All-on-4TM Teeth-In-A-Day procedure take?
The Teeth-in-a-Day is a minor surgery that takes approximately 2-3 hours per arch.
Will I get my permanent set of teeth on the day of my All-on-4TM procedure?
No. You will be sent home with a temporary set of replacement teeth. Your permanent set of teeth will not be placed until you have had sufficient time to heal. Most patients require 6 to 8 months to fully heal before receiving their permanent set of teeth.
What type of maintenance will my All-on-4TM Teeth-in-a-Day require?
Your All-on-4TM Teeth-in-a-Day can be cleaned and cared for just like natural teeth.
Implant-stabilized Dentures
Implant-Stabilized Dentures combine traditional denture technology with modern advancements in dental implants, providing patients with permanently placed dentures, that are secured with dental implants. This procedure is ideal for men and women who struggle with the discomfort, instability, and tedious maintenance of removable dentures. Implant-Stabilized Dentures is also the best solution for patients that require partial or full dentures when a complete rehabilitation of the missing teeth using implant-supported crowns and bridges is not an option.
Benefits of Implant-stabilized Dentures
Permanent, securely placed dental appliance.
No need for messy adhesives.
Maintain the integrity of facial bone structure.
Speak, eat, and laugh with confidence..
Far more comfortable than removable dentures.
Implant-Stabilized Dentures procedure
Your implant-stabilized dentures procedure will take place in the comfort of your dentist's office.
During your procedure, your dentist will secure implants to your jaw bone. Once the implants are secured, your dentist will secure your dentures to the implants for a permanent attachment, that won't slip or cause discomfort. The mini implant-stabilized dentures procedure is minimally invasive, requiring no incisions or stitches. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic during the procedure to ensure your comfort.
Implant-Stabilized Dentures - FAQ's
What are the differences between regular and mini implant-stabilized dentures?
Size is the biggest difference between mini implants and regular sized implants used to stabilize dentures. Mini implants are similar in size to that of a toothpick and are approximately half the width of regular sized implants. Mini implants usually cost less than regular sized implant stabilized dentures and are an ideal option for patients who do not have enough bone to successfully place full-sized implants.
What is the typical recovery time with Implant-Stabilized Dentures?
Each patient's recovery time will differ based on which type of implants were used. The mini implant-stabilized dentures procedure is minimally invasive allowing patients to be out and about, smiling, eating, and talking within a couple days.
How long is the typical Implant-Stabilized Dentures procedure?
Typically, the mini implant-stabilized procedure takes approximately 2 hours, and can be completed in one visit to your Art of Smile Dental office.
Does the Implant-Stabilized Dentures procedure hurt?
During your procedure, your dentist will use local anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain. Post procedure discomfort varies on the individual and the type of implants used during the procedure. Most patients are able to manage post procedure soreness with ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications that can be bought over the counter.
General Dentistry
Look And Feel Great with General and Restorative Dentistry Services from The Art Of Smile Dental!
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Our dental team at The Art of Smile is dedicated to your family enjoying the lifelong benefits of good oral health.
Regular checkups, cleanings, and daily home hygiene are vital to lasting oral health. However, typical stresses of life, such as aging, accidents, and even lifestyle choices all affect the health and structure of your teeth. At some point, you may develop a cavity, chip or crack a tooth, or even lose it altogether. That's where general or restorative dentistry, done with the goal of preserving your existing teeth by repairing rather than replacing them, comes in. Restorative procedures we offer at The Art of Smile Dental such as filling cavities, placing of custom-made inlays and onlays, dental crowns or bridges, and performing root canal therapy consider all the pertinent factors of form, function and esthetics, while conserving natural tooth structure and are all designed to maintain your dental health, the beauty of your smile and your confidence for years to come.
Mercury-Free Fillings
Get An Attractive, Natual-Looking, Healthy Smile With Mercury-Free Fillings From The Art Of Smile Dental!
Fillings are designed to replace decayed or damaged tooth material in cases where the cavity or damage is relatively small.
In addition to protecting the tooth from further decay and the resulting pain for the patient, fillings can reduce sensitivity by covering areas that have lost their protective enamel. Historically, over the course of the last 150 years the most commonly used method of sealing a cavity was using amalgam (also known as mercury or silver) fillings. Recently, however, there's been a controversy as to whether mercury fillings, despite being traditionally considered safe, actually pose a risk to one's health.
Besides being unsightly, mercury fillings have several serious drawbacks.
The physical properties of the mercury fillings are very different from those of the natural tooth, causing them to expand and contract at a different rate than the natural tooth when exposed to heat or cold. This ultimately results in breaking down of the filling, allowing bacteria to penetrate the previously sealed tooth, and in the weakening of the natural tooth structure itself.
In addition, recent research explores the concerns of potential health risks associated with mercury fillings.
Amalgam restorations, composed of 50% mercury along with a combination of silver, tin, and copper, were traditionally considered a stable or inert, material and widely used in dentistry despite the fact they continually emit mercury vapors which are slowly leached into the body, because it was assumed that the levels of mercury released were negligible, too low to affect a person's health.
As new detection techniques have made a much more precise measurement of mercury release from amalgam fillings possible
some experts started to question these assumptions. Mercury is a powerful neurotoxin and, at certain levels, can cause neurological issues, autoimmune disease, chronic illnesses and mental disorders. More and more concerns are being raised in regards to amalgam toxicity and possible correlation between the presence of the amalgam fillings and incidences of cancer, mental conditions, thyroid conditions, neurological issues including MS, and various diseases of the respiratory system.
The Art of Smile Dental is a mercury-free practice, offering many safe and esthetic modern alternatives as a replacement for amalgam fillings
such as natural-colored composite restorations and porcelain inlays or onlays that strengthen the existing tooth structure and can be used without the potential long-term health risks associated with amalgam fillings.
Inlays and Onlays
Improve Your Smile and Your Health with Attractive and Safe Inlay and Onlay Restorations From The Art Of Smile Dental!
A dental inlay or onlay is a lab-fabricated restoration, used to strengthen and repair decayed, cracked or fractured rear teeth.
In a case where more than half of the grinding surface of a molar needs to be filled or repaired, an inlay or onlay restorations are a treatment of choice, since they are stronger and longer-lasting than a filling. The inlays and onlays are created out of porcelain in a dental laboratory from an impression of your teeth, just like crowns and are generally used in cases where more than a filling, but less than a crown, is needed to restore a tooth to its ultimate form and function.
As their name suggests, the inlays are used to restore the area of tooth inside the cusps
while the onlays restore the area inside the cusp and extend over one or more sides of the tooth. Inlays and onlays are a conservative tooth restoration which means they require far less drilling and preparation of the tooth than a metal filling or a crown, respectively.
Porcelain inlays and onlays are a strong, attractive and safe alternative to metal fillings.
Whereas large fillings can shrink and be at greater risk for breakdown and tooth sensitivity, in case of the lab fabricated inlays any shrinkage occurs during the production process in the lab and is accounted for when placed. The final result fits with utmost precision, blends perfectly with surrounding teeth and is as strong as a natural tooth.
Dental Crowns and Bridges
Improve Your Smile and Your Dental Health With Crown And Bridge Restorations from The Art Of Smile Dental!
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are typically used to restore or improve a tooth's function and appearance when the underlying original teeth are broken, worn, or partially destroyed by tooth decay to the extent where placing a filling is insufficient due to the loss of tooth structure or strength. While a filling can be used to repair a small defect in a tooth, a crown is the most durable, strongest way to restore an extensively damaged tooth for the long term. Crowns are placed onto an existing tooth and fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth's new outer surface. Unlike fillings, which are placed by applying the restorative material directly into your mouth, a crown is fabricated in a lab from the tooth impression, which allows a dental laboratory technician to examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements and sculpt the crown to facilitate normal bite and jaw function once it is placed. Crowns can be made of ceramic, porcelain, or metal fused to porcelain. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong. The crowns are used for cosmetic or restorative dental procedures to improve the tooth's compromised appearance and function, seal and strengthen teeth after a root canal treatment, correct bite problems and close spaces between teeth, as well as to replace missing teeth permanently, as part of a bridge, or over an implant.
Dental Bridges
As the name suggests, a permanent fixed bridge literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth are missing by replacing absent teeth with artificial crowns. In modern dentistry dental implants with crown restorations over them is the treatment of choice in case of one or more teeth missing. When the implants are not an option, a dental bridge can be utilized instead. A bridge looks and feels completely natural, giving your smile a unified and healthy appearance and allowing totally normal function, helps maintain the shape of your face, and alleviates the stress on your bite. When teeth are missing the remaining teeth begin to change position, and this can lead to numerous problems, including loss of more teeth. A fixed bridge will prevent teeth from shifting, and stabilize your bite. Your bridge can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials, and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support. With proper care and hygiene, a good quality dental crown or bridge may last for a long time. The success and longevity of any crown or bridge restoration depends on its foundation the teeth, gums, or bone that anchor and stabilize it, making it crucial to keep them as healthy as possible. Flossing and maintaining regular hygiene appointments will help you keep your dental restorations for a long time. If you're self-conscious about your smile due to chipped, cracked, broken, decayed, worn or missing teeth, our beautiful porcelain crowns and bridges can completely restore them and bring back your healthy, natural-looking smile with crown and bridge restoration, and help protect your teeth against further decay and damage.
Root Canal Therapy
Treat Your Tooth Pain Gently And Effectively With Root Canal Therapy At The Art Of Smile Dental!
Inside the hard outer shell of each tooth there is a softer inner part
a whole living system of blood vessels, pulp, and nerves contained in tiny passageways, called the root canals. While the tooth nerve is crucially important for the proper tooth development, once the tooth emerges through the gums, its only function is sensory, providing the sensation of hot or cold, and its presence or absence is no longer vitally important for a tooth's health and function.
When a tooth develops a crack or a deep cavity
it allows bacteria to enter the pulp tissue, causing an infection to set in inside the tooth, leading to in an inflammation of the tooth nerve or an abscess, and usually resulting in pain and swelling. Left untreated, the infection can not only make you lose the tooth and damage the jaw bone anchoring it, but put your overall health at risk since the infection can ultimately spread into your bloodstream, which then travels to your heart and brain.
Teeth that require root canal therapy are not always painful
but such symptoms as severe toothache, pain upon biting or chewing, prolonged sensitivity or pain in response to hot and cold temperatures, a dark discoloration of the tooth, or swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums might be telltale signs that you need a root canal.
A root canal therapy is performed in order to save the structure of a tooth when the inner part containing the nerve becomes damaged to the extent that the only other alternative is an extraction.
The procedure involves cleaning out the decay and removing the damaged nerve from the tooth's inner chamber, and then filling and sealing the interior with a dental composite, preserving the outer structure of the tooth.
Root canals are a relatively simple procedure often done in one office visit.
In many cases, once the root canal procedure has been performed, as long as you continue to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups, your restored tooth can last a lifetime. In incidents where your tooth had extensive decay, removing the inner tissues can weaken the tooth and require placing a crown to strengthen and prevent cracking or breaking. Either way, having a root canal when necessary can save your tooth and your smile!
Dentures
Get Your Confidence Back With Modern Denture Solutions From The Art Of Smile Dental! When a large number of teeth are missing or must be removed for health reasons, the function and appearance of your original teeth need to be restored with artificial teeth. In most cases today, fixed crowns and bridges anchored by dental implants are the treatment of choice. In instances where the placement of dental implants is not possible, the more traditional approach is to supply custom-fabricated dentures as a solution. Denture design has steadily improved over the years in terms of fit, function and esthetics. There are new natural-looking materials being used for dental dentures today and you can expect your dentures to have a secure fit and facilitate comfortable talking and chewing. With so many modern ways to restore lost teeth, we can restore even the most damaged smiles using partial or complete dentures.
Partial Dentures
Dentures can be created for a mouth with multiple missing teeth, while still leaving healthy teeth intact. These partial dentures fit comfortably in your mouth, replacing only the damaged or missing teeth. The replacement teeth are strong and natural in appearance and set into a gum-colored removable base made to blend into an existing gum as to provide an appealing, natural-looking smile.
Full Dentures
In cases where the majority of the teeth are lost or damaged, full dentures are a traditional solution to provide you with a beautiful and functional set of new teeth. Today's dentures are laser cut from porcelain for a realistic look and a strong bite. The newly fabricated teeth are set into a comfortable base that mimics your gums in terms of look and feel, ensuring proper fit and function as well as pleasing and natural appearance. Both full and partial dentures are fabricated using a custom mold taken from your own mouth to ensure precision fit of the teeth and base, for a natural and comfortable bite.
Implant-Stabilized Dentures
In instances where a complete rehabilitation of the missing teeth using implant-supported crowns and bridges is not an option, a few strategically placed mini or full-sized implants are a modern solution combining traditional denture technology with modern advancements in dental implants for optimized partial or full denture fit and function. Another benefit of implant-stabilized dentures compared to traditional dentures is the reduction in the amount of bone loss where the implants are placed, making the procedure more successful in the long run and helping to preserve facial structural integrity.
Preventive Dentistry
Keep Your Teeth And Gums Healthy for Life With Preventive Care From The Art Of Smile Dental!
The key to sustaining your dental health is having regular preventive care visits.
By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups and dental hygiene appointments with your dental office, you can help keep your smile bright and healthy for many years to come. Here at the Art of Smile we recommend a regular dental checkup and professional teeth cleaning schedule of at least twice a year.
Dental Checkups and Dental Hygiene Appointments
Preserve Your Smile and Your Health With Dental Checkups and Hygiene Appointments at The Art OF Smile Dental!
Dental Checkups
A dental checkup is performed by a dentist involves a visual examination, evaluation and diagnosis of the soft tissues for oral cancer, periodontal disease and other problems like tooth decay or cracks, and old dental work, and recommendations for future treatment. A dental checkup is performed by a dentist involves a visual examination, evaluation and diagnosis of the soft tissues for oral cancer, periodontal disease and other problems like tooth decay or cracks, and old dental work, and recommendations for future treatment. A dental checkup is performed by a dentist involves a visual examination, evaluation and diagnosis of the soft tissues for oral cancer, periodontal disease and other problems like tooth decay or cracks, and old dental work, and recommendations for future treatment.
Dental Hygiene Appointments
During your professional hygiene appointment a dental hygienist specially trained to diagnose and treat gum disease assesses the condition of the gums for periodontal disease. Most American adults show signs of serious gum disease. In fact, this is the real reason why most people lose their teeth (not tooth decay as one might think). A hygiene appointment involves taking any necessary diagnostic X-rays, teeth cleaning and polishing, removal of sticky soft plaque and hard tartar from the teeth, and periodontal probing, as well as educating the patient and providing proper oral hygiene instructions. Our dental team at The Art of Smile we are dedicated to helping you maintain a good preventative dental routine, as to support and preserve optimal oral health so that you never have to worry about gum disease. However, should you develop periodontal problems we're here to help you. Regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments are key to sustaining your dental health, so don't delay scheduling one!
Dental Sealants
Protect Your Teeth With Dental Sealants From The Art Of Smile Dental!
Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth
sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic coating is applied to the chewing surfaces of the of the back teeth where decay often starts, giving it extra protection against decay and helping prevent cavities from developing.
Sometimes brushing is not enough
especially when it comes to those hard-to-reach spots in your mouth where it is difficult for your toothbrush to effectively get into and clean the small cracks and grooves on your teeth that left alone can cause tooth decay and cavities to develop.
To prevent that from happening, a thin coat of plastic resin that bonds and hardens in the deep grooves is applied to the tooth
effectively sealing the deep grooves and crevices on the surface and acting as a barrier that protects the enamel from plaque and acids. A sealant fills the tiny grooves, rendering the surface smoother and less likely to harbor food and plaque, making brushing and flossing your teeth easier and more effective, and helping prevent decay.
Fluoride Applications
Protect Your Dental Health With Fluoride Applications From The Art of Smile Dental!
Dental caries is caused by acid-producing bacteria that collect around the teeth and gums as a sticky, clear film called plaque.
Maintaining good daily oral hygiene and having regular dental examinations and hygiene appointments are crucially important for keeping teeth healthy. Another key to good oral health is fluoride, a mineral that helps prevent caries and can repair teeth in the very early, microscopic stages of the disease. Fluoride can be obtained in two forms: topical and systemic.
Systemic fluoride that strengthens the teeth that have erupted as well as those that are developing under the gums is gained by consuming fluoride found in foods and fluoridated water
or by taking dietary fluoride supplements if needed. The maximum reduction in dental caries is achieved when fluoride is available both topically and systemically, and in cases where the systemic fluoride is not sufficient to prevent decay, a topical fluoride application might be recommended.
Topical fluorides, applied directly to the tooth enamel, strengthen the teeth once they have erupted by seeping into the outer surface of the tooth enamel
making the teeth more resistant to decay. Topical fluoride is administered by using fluoride containing dental products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses, as well as professional fluoride treatments performed in the dental office.
Athletic Mouth Guards and Night Guards
Protect Your Smile With Athletic Mouth Guards and Night Guards By The Art of Smile Dental!
Athletic Mouth Guards
There are two situations when teeth benefit from extra protection. One is during athletics such as football, boxing, wrestling, hockey, baseball, and other sports that can put your teeth at a risk of being damaged. Wearing an athletic guard can prevent lost, broken and chipped teeth, thus avoiding thousands of dollars in dental expense. The other one is at night, when you are sleeping. While the reasons for the need to wear a mouth guard during the night can be less obvious than for using an athletic guard while engaging in various sports, it can be no less crucial for your dental health.
Night Guards
Some people have a night-time habit of grinding or clenching their teeth
sometimes putting a great deal of pressure on their natural teeth, replacement teeth and dental restorations such as fillings and crowns and damaging them as a result. In addition, this can put excessive stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), resulting in pain, headaches, and/or clicking noises when opening and closing the mouth. Wearing a night guard alleviates the problem, helping you stay pain-free and keep your teeth from getting damaged.
Ready-made athletic guards and night guards may be found at sporting goods stores or pharmacies
but there is little that can be done in the way of adjusting the fit. As a result, such devices can be uncomfortable and even interfere with breathing and speaking, often discouraging a person from wearing the device at all. Here at The Art of Smile Dental we can provide you with a custom-made night guard or athletic guard, consisting of a thin layer of molded plastic that fits snugly over your teeth, preventing the top teeth and bottom teeth from making contact and protecting them from the risk of damage by alleviating the stress on the teeth and the TMJ at night, or in the case of an athletic guard, providing protection in case of a blow to the mouth.
Getting a custom-made mouth guard only takes two visits to the office.
During your first appointment, we will make impressions of your upper and lower teeth and send them to a dental laboratory, where trained technicians will model and form the guard appliance. During your second visit, we will make sure the guard fits properly and give you instructions regarding its use and care. That part is simple Brush your guard when you brush your teeth! Depending on the type, the use, and the degree of care, a guard can generally last from three to ten years.
Gum Disease Treatment
Keep Your Smile Healthy With Gum Disease Treatment and Prevention At The Art of Smile Dental!
Keeping your gums healthy is crucial for your overall dental health
along with your jawbones the gums hold teeth firmly in place and protect below-the-gum line tooth surfaces that lack the protective enamel. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums, caused by a buildup of plaque a sticky form of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, but because the condition is often virtually pain free, many patients do not realize they suffer from it.
Regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations
during which your dentist checks for signs of periodontal disease are important for maintaining the health of your gums and teeth and preventing the periodontal disease from developing. By practicing good oral hygiene at home, you can significantly reduce your chances of getting gum disease. Remember to brush regularly, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits to help keep your smile healthy.
Brushing and flossing carefully helps remove
the plaque before the salts in saliva act to harden it into calculus, a rough substance that left unchecked, continues to build up, irritating the gums and interfering with the seal between the gums and the teeth. When gums are compromised, bacteria slip into the vulnerable area between teeth and gums, creating pockets of infection that left untreated, results in progressive gum disease and tooth decay or loss.
Periodontal disease has two stages
an early stage called gingivitis and later stage called periodontitis. During the early stage or gingivitis, bacteria in plaque irritate the gums so they become inflamed, red and swollen and bleed easily during tooth brushing. At this stage, though the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets and no irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred, meaning the condition can usually be treated with a high degree of success without surgical intervention.
Left untreated, gingivitis advances into periodontitis
a condition where the gums and bone that support the teeth progressively become seriously and irreversibly damaged by the bacteria-secreted toxins, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth, loosening them in their sockets, and leading to loss of the bone anchoring the tooth, and eventually, to the loss of the tooth itself. In advanced cases of periodonitis surgical treatment may be required to check the progression of disease and prevent it from further compromising your overall dental health.
Plaque accumulation is the primary cause of gum disease
but certain illnesses that interfere with the immune system, such as cancer or HIV, diabetes and various hormonal changes, including pregnancy, put patients at higher risk of developing the condition. Taking specific types of medication, including steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives can also contribute significantly to periodontal disease. Other factors that can considerably increase a patient's risk of developing the condition include smoking, teeth grinding, old compromised dental work, crooked or crowded teeth, poor oral hygiene, and family history of periodontal disease.
Gum disease often progresses painlessly, producing few obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease.
However, while it is possible to have periodontal disease and not know it, because the symptoms can be quite subtle, the condition is not entirely without warning signs. Certain telltale symptoms such as red, irritated, swollen, bleeding or receding gums, breath odor or loose teeth, may point to some form of gum disease that calls for a periodontal treatment.
The goals of periodontal treatment are to reduce infection, swelling and the depth of pockets, and stop disease progression, and to promote the healing and reattachment of the gums to the teeth.
Treatment options depend on the stage and severity of the condition, individual response to treatments, and your overall health. Options range from non-surgical therapies in the early stages to periodontal surgery and dental implants if the condition has progressed to a more advanced stage. The most common conservative approach to gum disease is scaling & root planing therapy, which involves removal of plaque and calculus to control bacterial growth and smoothing irregular areas of the root surface prone to buildup to promote the healing process. In some cases, antibiotic powder called Arestin is placed in the pockets between gums and teeth to further facilitate eliminating the inflammation and promote healing.
At The Art of Smile Dental
we believe that it's easier than you think to achieve a beautiful smile and a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, if you are willing to take it one step at a time. No matter what condition your teeth and gums are in, right now is the best time to start you on the way back to dental health.
NTI Tension Suppression
Get A Fast Relief From Headaches, Sore Teeth And Jaws With NTI Tension Suppression System At The Art of Smile Dental!
If you suffer from frequent migraines
tension or morning headaches or sore and aching jaws it could be a result of teeth clenching and grinding while you sleep due to the tension and stress you experience throughout the day. Clenching your teeth while asleep is the result of the involuntary tensing up of some of the strongest muscles in your body called the temporalis muscles located on the sides of the head and used in chewing or closing of the mouth. When you clench your teeth, these muscles create tremendous stress and tension that apply an enormous amount of force to your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and temporal nerves, often resulting in chronic headaches, achy jaw joints, sore and painful muscles in the face, neck and back and sometimes even cracked teeth.
The most common treatment for teeth grinding is a night guard appliance.
However, while night guards are designed to protect your teeth from grinding in you sleep they do not actually stop the clenching activity and therefore, cannot reduce the pain associated with it. This is where a small dental appliance called NTI comes in. The NTI is a tension suppression system, which simply means it prevents the clenching action thus eliminating or alleviating the discomfort associated with clenching, such as headaches and jaw pain.
The concept behind how the NTI appliance works is pretty simple.
If you accidentally bite down on something hard with your front teeth, your mouth will open right away. That's because of the "Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibitory" (NTI) reflex, which keeps us from breaking our front teeth when we accidentally bite down on something too hard. The NTI appliance takes advantage of this reflex via a small clear acrylic bite guard worn on either the upper or lower front teeth while you sleep. If you begin to clench your teeth, you bite down on the guard, activating the reflex and stopping the clenching before it starts.
The NTI is currently the only existing FDA approved non-surgical method for prevention and treatment of migraine headaches.
The NTI works by reducing the force of the clenching while you sleep. By reducing the intensity of the clenching you're effectively minimizing the source of the pain, resulting in a relief of the pain and discomfort associated with clenching, often within a few days. Many patients report significant relief overnight, others usually within a month. Your highly trained clenching muscles have to unlearn their intense activity, and the time it takes to accomplish this varies from patient to patient.
Although the NTI appliance is specially fitted by your dentist, no impressions or molds of your teeth are required.
The dental appliance can be fitted right in the dentist's office in less than 30 minutes. Once properly fitted to your teeth, the NTI appliance snaps into place and should not be able to be removed without using your hands.
At The Art of Smile Dental Studio we have treated many patients who suffer with headaches
achy jaws and sore muscles as a result of clenching. You may find that with regular use of your NTI, you'll be more productive throughout the day because you are pain free and more comfortable with less tension and stress.
Snoring & Sleep Apnea
Improve Your Health And Quality of Life With Custom Snoring And Sleep Apnea Appliances From The Art of Smile Dental!
Are you tired, stressed out, and moody because of interrupted sleep due to snoring or sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea also known as OSAS, or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, is a serious medical condition that is more widespread than initially thought condition in which the person stops breathing for periods of 10 seconds or longer up to 50 to 60 times per hour while asleep. If we compare apnea to simple snoring, the snoring occurs due to the vibration of the soft tissue in the throat caused by a partial closure of the airway, whereas OSAS is caused by the complete closure of the airway, causing a person to stop breathing. Many factors may contribute to airway blockage, from the size of passages and oral or airway structures, to swelling of passageways or position of the tongue.
The closure of the airway causes breathing to stop, which in turn reduces the oxygen level in the blood.
Lack of adequate breath during sleep reduces airflow, causing the brain to tell the body to wake up and breathe, interrupting the deep sleep cycle that makes people feel rested. While in some cases patients wake up completely many times per night, in many instances sleep apnea patients only move into a lighter stage of sleep. Despite the brain reacting to the lack of oxygen flow by directing the body to wake up, the person suffering from snoring or apnea is often unaware of this partial wakening during the night. In fact, many snorers who suffer from apnea don't realize it.
A person suffering from OSAS snores loudly, stop breathing and then gasps for breath during sleep
resulting in interruption to their own as well as their partner's sleep, leading to problems during the day, since the disruption of the deep sleep cycle can affect mood, health, and cause daytime sleepiness. The added stress and fatigue can cause lack of concentration, loss of memory, and accidents in the workplace or while driving. Research has demonstrated that the repeated falls in oxygen levels in the blood caused by OSAS are linked to the development of high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes and diabetes, and even a risk of premature death. The sleep apnea patient's snores can disturb a sleeping partner's rest, too.
Previously, once the OSAS diagnosis has been established, the golden standard of care have been to prescribe wearing a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) nasal mask at night.
CPAP mask solves the problem by delivering a constant flow of air to keep the nasal passages open during sleep. However, modern dentistry has an even more effective and comfortable solution to offer. Patients may now wear special customized dental appliances that alleviate snoring and OSAS by repositioning the lower jaw, tongue and the soft palate in a way that prevents the soft tissues in the throat from closing the airways during sleep. In fact, the recent studies have shown dental appliances to be very effective for treatment of light-to-moderate cases of apnea.
The clear advantage of the snoring and OSAS appliances is that they are comfortable and easy to wear and can be custom fitted and regulated.
Most people find that it only takes a few days to become acclimated to wearing the appliance. The fact that they are small in size and convenient makes them easy to carry when travelling.
A sleep apnea device can greatly improve your quality of life.
It's just another way your dentist can help you smile! Here at The Art of Smile Dental Studio we are dedicated to improving the quality of life of people suffering from snoring and OSAS, their partners and families. We offer several types of snoring and sleep apnea appliances, and will be happy to discuss them with you to help determine which is best suited for your specific needs.