Kennett Dental

Five Types of Dental Restorations

Do you have a bad cavity, chipped tooth, or other dental problem? You should ask your dentist about dental restoration procedures, which are used to fix and restructure teeth. Here’s some helpful information on dental restorations that you should know about:

Fillings
Fillings are used to fix, or “fill,” cavities and broken teeth. Typically, when a patient goes to the dentist’s office with a cavity, the dentist will drill out the affected area, which results in a hole being made. Afterwards, the dentist will use a composite or amalgam to fill in the hole.

Inlays
When back teeth get damaged or need replaced fillings, dentists often use inlays. Inlays are similar to fillings in that they fill in holes and damaged parts of teeth. However, inlays are more extensive and involve cementing the inlay to the tooth. The most common material for inlays is porcelain.

Dentures
Teeth may be completely lost due to periodontal disease, tooth decay, or other factors. To replace these teeth, dentists will typically use dentures, which are removable substitutes for missing teeth. For individuals looking for a permanent option for teeth loss, dental implants are also widely used.

Crowns
Sometimes a tooth may become weak, broken, or deformed. In these cases, a dentist will usually recommend that a crown be implanted. A crown is a cap that goes directly over the tooth. Getting a crown is usually a multi-step process; the dentist will examine the problem tooth, put on a temporary crown made from a casting, and attach the permanent crown once it has been shaped and prepared.

Bridges
When a person has one or more missing teeth, the dentist will often put in a bridge. A bridge consists of two crowns and a false tooth; the crowns are placed over the two teeth on the sides of the missing tooth for support and the false tooth goes in place of the empty socket.

These are only some of the procedures that can bring smiles back and promote better dental health. If you’re located in the Kennet Square area, visit Kennett Dental or call (610) 444-4033 for more information on dental restorations or cosmetic dentistry.

Learn More About Invisalign and Oral Health with These Resources

Invisalign offers many advantages over traditional braces. Not only will straight teeth improve confidence, but a bite that is stable and properly aligned is also better able to support healthy gums and the overall structure of the mouth. Proper alignment also improves jaw function and can put an end to issues such as TMJ. If you’re interested in learning more about cosmetic dentistry and your options for a beautiful smile, make an appointment at Kennett Dental today. Call (610) 444-4033. Before your appointment, check out these informative links:

• This article from Men’s Health exposes some of the worst offenders when it comes to diet and oral health.

• Align Technology, makers of the Invisalign system, explains the health benefits of having straight teeth.

• This page from the American Dental Association gives an overview of the various types of cosmetic dentistry available.

• This article from WebMD discusses the impact diet can have on oral health.

• The connection between dental health and nutrition is explored in this article by the Academy of General Dentistry.

How Invisalign Straightens Teeth

Cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics have come a long way. Straightening your teeth no longer involves the embarrassment, discomfort, and inconvenience of metal braces. Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional dental braces. Unlike metal braces, treatment with Invisalign relies on removable aligners made of clear plastic that are customized for the patient. Here’s how the process works:

Initial Consultation
Invisalign is not for everyone and only a qualified dentist can determine if this method is the right option for you or if an alternative form of cosmetic dentistry may be more appropriate. Invisalign is used to treat minor dental problems, or malocclusions, such as: widely space teeth, crowded teeth, overbites, and crossbites. Severe dental abnormalities may be beyond the scope of Invisalign. Also, because the patient is responsible for wearing, removing, and cleaning the aligners as directed, young children may not be good candidates.

Exam and Fitting
Before you can be fitted for your aligners, your dentist will perform a thorough exam of your teeth and gums and determine your overall oral health. Next, a series of photographs, X-rays, and dental impressions will be taken to create a mold of your teeth. Invisalign will use 3D technology to design aligner trays custom-made for your teeth. The number of aligners created will depend on the treatment plan designed by your dentist.

Use of Aligners
Aligners are typically replaced every two weeks, or as advised by your dentist. The aligners are removed when eating or brushing. The Invisalign trays will gradually reposition your teeth and must be worn for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours each day.

Checkups
You will visit your dentist every couple of months for adjustments and monitoring of your progress. Although the average Invisalign treatment period is about a year, your total treatment time will depend on your individual needs. Once your treatment is complete, your dentist may recommend the use of a nighttime retainer.

To find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign, contact the staff at Kennett Dental by calling (610) 444-4033. Our experienced team of dentists will help determine the best cosmetic dentistry option for you.

We've Been Serving You Since 1978!

The talented team of dental health professionals at Kennett Dental brings decades of experience to our practice in Kennett Square.

Drs. Ram, Paskow, Bonner, and Costa offer a full range of preventative and restorative procedures, including cleanings and exams, crowns, veneers, and dental implants. Kennett Dental is also a certified Invisalign provider. To hear more about what we have to offer, watch this short video.

With a convenient location, state-of-the-art equipment, and flexible hours, Kennett Dental offers top-notch care for all your dental needs. Contact us today to experience the professional and personalized care we offer to each and every one of our patients. Call (610) 444-4033 for an appointment.

Foods to Avoid for Optimum Oral Health

Even with so many cosmetic dentistry treatments available through your dentist, it’s important to remember that good oral health starts at home. The foods and beverages you consume play an important role in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. This helpful list will show you what to leave out of your cart on your next trip to the grocery store.

Sugary Foods
This tip may seem obvious, but with high fructose corn syrup and other sugars added to so many foods, it’s always important to be aware of your sugar consumption. Sugar coats the teeth, fueling the growth of harmful bacteria. In addition, treats such as hard candies can stick to the teeth, exposing them to sugar—and the resulting growth of bacteria and acid—for longer periods of time. This makes brushing and flossing between meals and snacks very important. For tips on an effective oral care routine, talk to your dentist.

Refined Carbohydrates
These foods are rapidly turned into sugar in the body. In addition, particles from foods such as bread, muffins, and cakes tend to linger in the grooves of teeth longer.

Hard Foods
Foods such as pretzels, ice, and even nuts increase pressure on the teeth, sometimes resulting in cracks or chips. In some cases, crowns or some other form of cosmetic dentistry may be needed to repair the damage.

Foods That Stain
While stains are not directly harmful to your oral health, the sometimes abrasive products used to remove them can damage your tooth enamel. Common offenders in this category include: red wine, coffee, tea, soda, sports drinks, berries, and dark sauces. Fortunately, your cosmetic dentist can provide safe, effective whitening options to remove stains and restore a brilliant smile.

To discuss dietary changes for improved oral health or to schedule an exam, cleaning, or other dental procedure, contact the staff at Kennett Dental at (610) 444-4033. Our team of talented dentists offers a wide range of services to enhance the health and beauty of your teeth. Call today!