A sharp pain in the tooth when drinking hot beverages or coffee can be a sign of sensitivity. But if this pain is accompanied by a tiny dark hole or spot in the tooth, it requires immediate dental attention.
While dental problems include sensitivity, cracked teeth, broken teeth, and many others, they mainly originate from cavities, common dental issues among children and adults. Fortunately, there is always a solution to this.
Dental filling is a restorative dentistry option that can help restore healthy teeth, boost confidence, and improve your smile. So, if you need tooth restoration, read further to learn about the different types of tooth filling, the treatment procedure, and the benefits of getting it to improve your oral health.
Dental fillings are an effective tooth restoration treatment for minor and moderate tooth cavities. In general, they help repair tooth decay, and dentists carry out this treatment by filling in the areas of decay or damage, returning the teeth to their normal function and appearance. To prevent further damage to the tooth, the dentist recommends proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to monitor the tooth’s condition.
Some people get dental fillings for cosmetic purposes, to help close gaps between teeth or cover stains. However, the primary focus of this treatment is to repair teeth damaged due to cracks, decay, or fractures.
Dentists use various materials to fill cavities, and here are the most popular options.
The ceramic option is a top choice if you want a discreet custom tooth restoration treatment. It has a tooth-colored finish that adults like and is a long-lasting procedure compared to other dental fillers. This treatment is outstanding because it rarely picks up stains in the long term.
Ceramic dental filling is also durable for up to 15 years. However, it might be an expensive treatment. So, if you cannot afford it, you can try other dental filling alternatives like metal, composite, or resin dental fillings. You must know that this restorative treatment approach requires more than one session with your dentist.
Tooth filling with composite resin is another restorative dentistry option, composed of plastic resin and a powdered glass surface.
Sometimes, dentists use the composite resin to design dental veneers or treat minor cracks and chips. However, it is a popular option for dental filling because it is strong, aesthetically pleasing, and crafted to match the color and shape of the surrounding tooth. The problem with composite resin is that it is less durable than other dental filling alternatives. So, you may need to replace them occasionally during the treatment.
Amalgam was once the most widely used treatment material for dental filling. It combines metals, including silver, copper, mercury, and silver, to create a strong and long-lasting filling material for tooth restoration.
This dental filling material is often called a silver filling because of the silver in the combination. It is also less expensive and an excellent option for those who cannot afford cavity-filling materials like ceramic and composite resin.
Because of their noticeable appearance, amalgam fillings are often reserved for molars, where they are less conspicuous when speaking or smiling. This tooth-filling material might concern those prioritizing their health because it contains mercury, a hazardous metal. However, according to the American Dental Association, the minimal mercury in amalgam fillings does not threaten health.
Glass ionomer fillings are relatively new to the dental market. Their aesthetic simplicity and tooth color appearance make them a perfect alternative to traditional options like composite resin filling material. They also provide a faster tooth restoration process, making them an attractive choice for people with busy schedules.
One of the primary benefits of glass ionomer is its fluoride content, which protects against tooth decay. The disadvantage of this filler material is that it has a short lifespan of five years and cannot withstand heavy chewing pressure like molars.
Here is a breakdown of what to expect during a dental filling appointment:
To ensure the longevity of your new dental filling, your dentist will offer personalized tips and advice on proper maintenance and care to help you maintain a healthy smile.
Treating tooth decay with dental fillings is a highly effective solution, but addressing the issue on time is essential. Visiting your dentist at the first sign of impending damage due to cavities can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Your dentist will catch the decay early, preventing extensive and costly procedures down the line. So, schedule your dental check-up immediately and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile.
Dental bridges have long been a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring smiles, and improving oral health. They are a popular choice due to their ability to fill gaps created by missing teeth, allowing patients to regain functionality and aesthetics. However, not all dental bridges are created equal, and understanding the different types available can help patients make informed decisions about their oral health. Let us explore the various types of dental bridges and how to find the right solution.
Traditional dental bridges are a well-established solution for replacing missing teeth. They consist of one or more pontics (artificial teeth) anchored in place by dental crowns cemented onto the adjacent natural teeth, known as abutments. These bridges are ideal when adjacent teeth are healthy and strong enough to support them.
Traditional bridges are versatile and can replace one or multiple missing teeth. They offer good stability and durability, restoring both functionality and aesthetics to the smile. However, they require the alteration of the adjacent teeth to accommodate the crowns, which may weaken them over time.
Despite this, traditional dental bridges remain popular due to their effectiveness, affordability, and relatively simple procedures. Patients considering traditional bridges should consult their dentist to ensure they are the right option for their dental needs and circumstances.
Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional ones but anchored on only one side. They consist of one or more pontics (artificial teeth) supported by a dental crown cemented onto a single adjacent natural tooth, known as the abutment. This type of bridge is suitable when only one adjacent tooth is available for support, making it a conservative option for certain cases.
Cantilever bridges provide a solution for replacing missing teeth without involving multiple adjacent teeth. However, they may not be as stable as traditional bridges, especially in areas of the mouth that undergo significant chewing forces. Patients considering cantilever bridges should discuss their options with their dentist to ensure the most suitable treatment plan.
Maryland bonded bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridges or Maryland bridges, offer a conservative solution for replacing missing teeth, particularly in the front of the mouth. Unlike traditional bridges, Maryland bridges do not require extensive alteration of adjacent teeth. Instead, they consist of a pontic (artificial tooth) held in place by a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth using a special resin.
This type of bridge is a popular choice for patients concerned about preserving the structure of their natural teeth. Maryland bridges provide a more minimally invasive option than traditional bridges and are often used for replacing front teeth where aesthetics are crucial. However, they may only be suitable for some cases, and patients should consult with their dentist to determine if a Maryland-bonded bridge is the right choice for them.
Implant-supported bridges are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They offer superior stability, functionality, and aesthetics. Unlike traditional bridges, which rely on adjacent teeth for support, implant-supported bridges are anchored by dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone.
The process of getting an implant-supported bridge typically involves two stages. First, the dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone, which integrates and bonds with the bone over several months. Once the implants have healed, abutments are attached to them, which serve as anchors for the bridge. Finally, the custom-made bridge, consisting of one or more pontics (artificial teeth), is attached to the abutments, restoring the smile and bite.
Implant-supported bridges offer several advantages over traditional bridges, including better preservation of bone density in the jaw, improved chewing function, and enhanced stability. They also look and feel more natural, providing a long-term solution for missing teeth. While getting implant-supported bridges is more involved and may require a higher initial investment, many patients find the long-term benefits well worth it for their oral health and overall quality of life. Consulting with a dentist experienced in implant dentistry is essential to determining if implant-supported bridges are the right choice for individual dental needs.
When it comes to choosing the right type of dental bridge, several factors need to be considered:
The best way to determine the right dental bridge type is to consult a qualified dentist. During the consultation, the dentist will assess your oral health, discuss your concerns and preferences, and recommend the most suitable option based on your needs.
In conclusion, dental bridges offer an effective solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring smiles. Various types are available, so patients can choose the bridge that best fits their oral health needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget. By understanding the different types of dental bridges and consulting with a dentist, patients can find the right solution to regain their confidence and oral functionality.
Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces for both teens and adults. Invisalign has the capability to treat even severe corrections. This treatment uses clear aligners that are worn in a series over time to gently move teeth into place. The aligners are removable for easy cleaning, drinking, and eating.
Invisalign is a discrete treatment making this a popular choice for teens. There are no wires or brackets, and the aligners are smooth and comfortable when worn. If the aligners are worn properly, and for the recommend length of time, this treatment is very successful for teens. Invisalign can correct an overbite, underbite, crowding, and gaps.
To determine if your child is a good candidate we recommend starting with an orthodontic consultation in our office. Most teens are good candidates, and Invisalign can give great results. Depending on the level of correction needed and their age, will determine the best treatment plan to give your teen a beautiful smile.
Invisalign trays come with a blue indicator to help indicate if your teen has worn the trays for the required amount of time.
Invisalign aligners are removable and easy to clean. This is helpful for teens who play sports. There is no need to worry about getting hit in the mouth like with braces. If your teen plays an instrument the aligner can be removed. Brushing and flossing is a lot easier when you can remove your clean aligner. This helps teens to really keep up with their oral hygiene and get those hard to reach areas.
Traditional braces require some food restrictions. Invisalign aligners can be taken out while eating so your teen can enjoy all the snacks and healthy foods they love.
Teens tend to go through a lot during their teenage years. Self-image is important, and some tend to be self-conscious about how they look. Invisalign gives teens a discrete treatment that can produce beautiful results. Teens can feel comfortable wearing their clear aligners around others because they are invisible.
Invisalign does not require any hardware adjustment or repair like traditional braces do. This helps to decrease the time spent in our office. Typically we have patients using Invisalign come in every four to six weeks to ensure treatment is going well.
Invisalign is just as effective as braces, and as long as your teen wears the aligners properly you will have amazing results. Schedule your teen’s consultation today, and we can get them on the way to a straighter smile.
To schedule your consultation contact our office, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.
Invisalign has been a go-to option for orthodontic patients for years. Not only is it virtually invisible, but treatment is often quicker and easier than traditional braces. The process utilizes a series of clear trays, known as aligners. These aligners are made out of a special material known as SmartTrack that moves with your teeth as they shift. The trays contain no BPA or other harmful chemicals, so you can feel confident wearing them. Simply put: Invisalign is a very popular option for patients of all ages. However, when it comes to enjoying your favorite foods, you’ll have to make some adjustments when wearing Invisalign.
You should always avoid eating while wearing your Invisalign trays. Not only can eating cause them to break and crack, but it can affect the suction the trays have on your teeth, impairing treatment. Likewise, the food that you’re eating can get up and into the trays, causing issues with cavities and bad breath. Try to work your meals and snacks into your day and always remove the trays before eating anything.
After you’re done eating, brush your teeth thoroughly and consider flossing. Leaving food and plaque behind can contribute to bad breath as well as tooth decay. Food that is stuck between teeth can even have an impact on how well your Invisalign works for you. You’ll need to get into the habit of brushing more throughout the day and may even want to bring a travel toothbrush with you while on the go.
Even with the Invisalign trays out, orthodontic treatment can leave your teeth feeling sore and tender. This is due to the teeth shifting and causing slight gum irritation. You may find it difficult to eat anything hard or sticky when you’re undergoing treatment. Stick to softer foods like smoothies, eggs and oatmeal while avoiding anything that’s hard like pretzel rods, hard candies and chewy caramels.
Your aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours every day. Oftentimes, patients forget to put their aligners back in after finishing a meal and brushing their teeth. This greatly affects treatment and can prolong it. Get in the habit of replacing your aligners every time you finish eating and brushing your teeth.
You might assume that you can enjoy gum and staining beverages like coffee and soda with your Invisalign in place. These should be avoided simply because the beverages can stain the aligners and the underlying teeth while the gum can become sticky and problematic to your orthodontic treatment.
By following these simple rules, you’ll have a gorgeous and straight smile for life. Despite how inconvenient it might seem to have to undergo treatment using any type of orthodontic option, just imaging your smile after the Invisalign is removed and what you’ll have for the rest of your life.
If you have any additional questions about Invisalign or are looking for an Invisalign provider near you, don’t hesitate to reach out to Rosenthal Family Dentistry in Sunrise, FL! Our dedicated team is experienced in providing quality orthodontic treatments for families throughout Broward County since 1981!
Whether your teeth are crooked, crowded or are just misaligned, orthodontic treatment can help to get you to where you love your smile. Orthodontic treatment is ideal for kids, teens and even adults who are ready for a dramatic change. Invisalign is a system of clear aligners that can apply gentle pressure to your teeth. These aligners help to keep your teeth in proper alignment so that they are straighter and more even. However a common question often arises: Does Invisalign hurt during treatment?
Invisalign uses clear trays, known as aligners, to carefully straighten your teeth. This treatment is ideal for patients who have crowded, crooked, spaced or misaligned teeth. The aligners need to be worn for about 22 hours each day in order for the treatment to be effective. You will find that this helps you to feel confident in your smile and even helps you to keep your teeth healthier and cleaner.
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t necessarily hurt more than it just causes tenderness and some soreness. As the teeth shift, you will find that you experience a sore or tender feeling. This is normal and only temporary until the teeth are in their final position. Over-the-counter pain relievers are often sufficient enough to eliminate this discomfort and pain.
You may want to talk to our Sunrise dentists if you are experiencing severe pain or are having trouble doing everyday activities. It might help to avoid hard and crunchy foods for the first few weeks while your teeth adjust to Invisalign treatment. Keep in mind that your Invisalign needs to be removed any time that you eat anything.
Invisalign treatment involves many appointments as well as a number of clear aligners. These aligners are made for you every few weeks to continue with the treatment plan. Most patients who wear Invisalign will be in their aligners for anywhere from six months to about two years. This will depend on how severely misaligned and crooked your teeth currently are and the amount of work that needs to be done. With the help of a consultation, we can provide you with information pertaining to what you should expect during your Invisalign treatment and how long treatment will be for your specific needs.
If you are looking for an invisalign provider near you, we can help! Our team at Rosenthal Family Dentistry is experienced in providing orthodontics for patients throughout Sunrise and the following areas around Broward County. Our family-owned practice has treated families since 1981 and we constantly strive to stay on the forefront of dental technique and technology.
Ready to get started? Don’t hesitate to contact Rosenthal Family Dentistry in Sunrise, FL today to speak to our friendly team. We look forward to treating you!
Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces. This treatment does not have any brackets or wires, and uses removable acrylic trays. The trays are worn in a series over time each day, and move your teeth gently into place. Invisalign trays are easily removable for eating, drinking, and cleaning. They have a blue indicator that helps to tell the patient that they have worn the tray for the required time each day. This indicator is especially helpful to younger teen patients, and helps to alert parents if the child is wearing their trays for the required amount of time.
Our orthodontists in Sunrise, Florida want our patients to be proud of their smile and choose the option that works best for them. A smile is the first thing you see, and our team will ensure each patient achieves their smile goals. When you choose Invisalign you may wonder if you are a good candidate. Both adults and teens are good candidates for Invisalign. This type of treatment helps with overcrowding, chewing, or overbite problems. During our thorough consultation process we will discuss each patient’s level of correction, age, and smile goals to help them choose which orthodontic treatment is best.
We want our patients to be in good general and oral health. If you tend to have cavity prone teeth, you still are a candidate for Invisalign. Our Sunrise dental office will work with you to address any current cavities before you begin your Invisalign treatment. We will closely monitor your oral health with visits to our office to get in front of any future cavities.
Treatment of cavities takes priority before a patient can begin Invisalign treatment. Once a cavity is treated the filling can change the shape of the tooth. It is important to treat the cavity before the patient is fitted for the Invisalign aligner trays.
Developing a cavity during Invisalign treatment is possible, and we always address a cavity right away when they are identified during your dental exam in our office. Our staff will determine a treatment plan, and recommend how to handle the cavity during your orthodontic treatment.
In some cases we can ensure the shape of the tooth remains the same by shaping the filling to match your Invisalign aligner trays. If the cavity is small enough we may just monitor the area, and recommend good oral hygiene habits to ensure the cavity does not get worse. It is important for patients wearing aligner trays to practice proper oral hygiene habits to ensure food and bacteria do not get stuck underneath the trays. Cleaning the trays daily is important to rinse any bacteria or particles away.
If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign, and if this is the orthodontic solution for you, our team is here to help get you on the road to a beautiful smile. Our detailed consultation process will examine your teeth and mouth, and we will recommend what treatment options are available. We work with each patient to help decide which orthodontic treatment works best.
To schedule your orthodontic consultation, contact Rosenthal Family Dentistry in Sunrise, Florida and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!
Choosing the right orthodontic option to correct your teeth is an important decision. When your teeth do not require severe correction, patients may opt for treatments other than traditional braces such as Invisalign. At our dental office in Sunrise, FL we provide many orthodontic options to our patients, and help them choose the best option that meets their needs. The Rosenthal Family Dentistry team provides the benefits and details combined with a detailed exam to help patients make the best choice.
Invisalign is a great alternative to braces, and this system uses clear aligners. These aligners are worn for a specific period of time in a series to straighten crooked or uneven teeth. This is a discrete treatment making it a great choice for both adults and teens.
The clear aligners are worn for anywhere between 20-22 hours a day and can be conveniently removed for eating and drinking. Depending on the level of correction required, Invisalign treatment can take between 6-18 months. Many wonder if Invisalign can correct teeth faster compared to braces. In most cases the average time Invisalign trays are worn is right in line with traditional braces.
If you suffer from bad tooth alignment or rotated teeth Invisalign may not be the right choice. Traditional braces have the ability to correct severe cases because they are securely affixed to the tooth and do not slip. Clear aligner trays have a hard time gripping teeth needing a severe correction.
On the other hand if your teeth do not require much correction, Invisalign may be a great option! The clear aligner trays blend in with your natural teeth. They are also easily removed for eating and cleaning. The aligner trays include a blue indicator to help patients know if they have worn the trays for the required time each day. The clear trays are also comfortable when worn in the mouth, and do not rub or irritate the gums like with traditional braces.
Invisalign gives patients the benefit of being able to eat all of their favorite foods because the trays can be removed, compared to traditional braces. Patients that do not want to deal with restrictions, and want the freedom to take the trays out when needed may find that Invisalign is a better fit.
Whether you choose traditional braces or Invisalign, our orthodontists in Sunrise, FL will ensure your choice will provide you with that perfect straight smile. Our patients are our priority, and we will do whatever is needed to ensure our patients are happy with their smile. Having straight teeth is important, and we want our patients to be proud of their beautiful teeth after orthodontic treatment.
If you are looking for orthodontic treatment let our dental team give you the smile you have always wanted. Our dentists in Sunrise, FL work with each patient to develop a customized orthodontic treatment plan giving patients many choices. We put our patients first, and go above and beyond to give our patients exceptional care.
To find out more about Invisalign, as well as what other orthodontic treatment options are available, contact Rosenthal Family Dentistry in Sunrise, FL today, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.
