Veneers were the first prostheses used by cosmetic dentists in the history of modern prosthodontics, which actually beings in the 1930s – and the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Despite the beauty movie-goers saw on the Silver Screen, the fact is that many Hollywood stars didn’t take the best care of their teeth. Many a movie goddess or leading man was only one until they opened his/her mouth to reveal crooked, stained and rotting teeth leading to severe facial collapse. It was a dentist named Charles Pincus who pioneered the concept of gluing a thin, tooth-shaped piece of porcelain over the top of an actor’s natural (but imperfect) teeth. These were the first dental veneers, and were the prototype of the veneers used by cosmetic dentists today.

Of course, it was another four decades before the materials and techniques had advanced to the point at which veneers were a practical, permanent solution for patients whose teeth had become discolored, worn, or damaged through injury or neglect.

For those with stained teeth as a result of the consumption of certain foods – red wine, tea and coffee, berries, etc. – there are many different methods of tooth whitening available to cosmetic dentists. However, in the case of teeth that have become stained as a result of illness or because of side effects of certain prescription drugs (such as tetracycline), veneers often produce better results.

Today’s high-tech cosmetic dentist  usually employs porcelain veneers because of its durability and strong resemblance to natural tooth enamel. These thin slivers of porcelain are trimmed to shape and bonded to the patient’s own teeth using a permanent adhesive. Although they usually do not last forever, porcelain veneers used by cosmetic dentists today can last for as long as fifteen years when properly cared for.

Cosmetic dental pioneers, such as this cosmetic dentist in Santa Monica, has taken the use of porcelain veneers to a whole new level by using this technology for jaw reallignment. 

Veneers have their downsides; one of them is cost. As of 2006, the cost was for such veneers averaged approximately $1000 per tooth. Much of this cost is due to the amount of delicate, precision work required to prepare the patient’s tooth to receive the veneer; it must be carefully shaped, resulting in a permanent alteration of its shape. For patients whose teeth are chipped or worn but otherwise in good health, many cosmetic dentists may recommend other alternatives. Some of these include professional whitening techniques that produce results superior to those from OTC kits, as well as dental bonding, which allows cosmetic dentists to actually reconstruct damaged teeth.

What is an “extreme dental makeover” and what can it do for you? We asked this question of this Carslbad Cosmetic Dentist and received the following reply:

Well, if you’ve been taking care of your teeth with regular brushing, flossing and rinsing on a daily basis, chances are you won’t need one. Teeth are extremely durable, and properly maintained teeth are likely to be around for centuries, or even millennia, after the rest of their late owners have turned into dust.

That said, the fact is that relatively few people regularly brush or floss their teeth on a regular basis. Add to that the high sugar intake of too many Americans (and a fair number of Europeans as well), and you have the ingredients for a “dental disaster.”

Then, there are those who in fact are conscientious about their dental hygiene, but may have been born with some congenital problem, such as crooked, misaligned and/or short teeth (which is not uncommon), or a condition that makes their teeth vulnerable to damage, such as Type I diabetes.

Teeth also become injured in accidents, or through stress-related grinding (known as bruxism). A person can suffer from stained, discolored teeth through no fault of their own if they take certain prescriptions such as tetracycline – or simply because they enjoy tea and/or coffee and blueberry pie.

But let’s take a hypothetical worst-case scenario: John Doe loves sweets, drinks loads of coffee, is under stress that has caused him to grind his teeth a great deal – and rarely uses a toothbrush (the word “floss” is not in his vocabulary).

Now, at age 40, he has major gingivitis (gum disease) and a mouthful of rotting, discolored teeth.

In the old days, a dentist would have had few options except to pull ‘em all and fit John with a set of dentures.

Fortunately, dental science has come a long way since then. There is hope – even for the John Does of the world. Using a range of techniques that include porcelain veneers, crowns, new surgical techniques to restore gum and the underlying bone tissue and professional whitening techniques, patients like John can today enjoy full dental and oral rehabilitation. With dental implants, a skilled prosthodontist, or cosmetic dental specialist, can give such patients a complete new set of porcelain teeth that look completely natural.

Chances are your family dentist is not a prosthodontist – but s/he can certainly tell you whether or not you are a candidate for an extreme dental makeover and refer you to the prosthodontist that can do the job right.

Jaw discomfort can be both unpleasant and exasperating. There are  various causes that could trigger jaw pain and it may take some time to isolate the true culprit. When you are experiencing pain the first thing you would like to do is set-up an appointment with a dental health specialist. They’re going to be able to help define the underlying root of the discomfort you are experiencing. Understanding the cause could lead you to the best cure to get rid of the agony.

So as to make this effective you’ll want to soak the mouth guard in hot water for a little while.

It is often best to use this technique right before going to bed at night and leave the guard in as you are sleeping. Another jaw pain home cure is to use a cold compress.

Teeth grinding , or Bruxism, is another common cause to the jaw pain that you’re dealing with. Frequently TMJ and teeth grinding go hand and hand. Visiting with a dentist may help to shed some illumination on what can cause your jaw pain. This would be in your best interest since there can be an easy process that your dentist can perform to help to live your life pain free.

You can read more about Simple Cure for Jaw Pain here. If it seems like it can be probably damaging in any way move on to the next cure.

The two jaw pain homemade treatments mentioned above are two of the best choices and won’t harm you in any way at all . You can pick up a mouth guard at your local drug store or have one made custom to fit your mouth perfectly

Neuromuscular Dentistry is a branch of dentistry that specifically deals with and directly relates to problems associated with the lower jaw and cervical region. Neuromuscular dentistry also recognizes the importance of the health and appropriate functionality of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or jaw.

There are miscellaneous reasons and a vast array of symptoms that might cause someone to make an appointment with a neuromuscular dentist, depending on what the symptoms are and what the patient’s level of complaint is. Often times, people that are suffering from something as common as frequent headaches and migraines may benefit from a visit with a neuromuscular dentist.

Other reasons a patient may want to see a neuromuscular dentist would be for symptoms of temporamandibular disorder. This disorder may create ringing in the ears, neck and jaw pain, Bells Palsy, clicking in the jaw, sensitive and sore teeth, jaw numbness, locking jaw, cracked or worn teeth and virtually all other problems associated with the jaw and local muscles.

Neuromuscular dentistry is an advanced science and therefore integrates the use of many sophisticated dentistry techniques to better understand the cause of symptoms a patient may be experiencing. For instance, a neuromuscular dentist may incorporate the use of electro-sonography equipment to actually listen to joint sounds in the jaw and identify abnormalities and misalignments there.

A neuromuscular dentist may also use computerized mandibular scanning equipment to measure the movement of the jaw bone and determine its alignment. To examine the muscle groups associated with the jaw and neck a neuromuscular dentist may make us of highly sensitive electromyography tools.

Depending on what the diagnosis is and what the recommended TMJ course of treatment may be a neuromuscular dentist may choose various treatment options for a patient. These options could range from having the patient wear alignment retainers for extended periods of time or to performing invasive surgery and manually repairing afflicted areas. Many of these courses of treatment may require extended lengths of time for recovery as they vary in degrees of seriousness.

Because of the considerable knowledge that a neuromuscular dentist must have not only about dentistry and oral surgery but about sophisticated computer hardware and software programs, they must make use of extensive training beyond dental school and residency. Because of this training a neuromuscular dentist may charge more for a visit but have the knowledge to diagnosis exactly what might be going on with a patient.

Mark Langberg DDS, a Farmington Hills dentist, is skilled in cosmetic dentistry. He’s a good dentist to call when you think you need to replace missing or cracked teeth. Implants can be good solution because they:

• Resist decay
• Improve your dental heath
• Preserve the jawbone
• Look like natural teeth
• Are not sensitive to hot or cold

Implants can improve your smile and appearance. They can also restore confidence and provide a boost to your overall well being.  Seek out a dentist skilled in cosmetic dentistry if you’re considering an implant.

Contact Info:
Mark W Langberg, DDS, FAGD
26206 W 12 Mile Rd Ste 303
Southfield, MI 48034
Phone: (248) 356-8790

One would think that finding the best cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles would be a simple matter; after all, the field of cosmetic dentistry was an outgrowth of the film industry, which has for the better part of a century been LA’s primary raison d’être.

In fact, finding a qualified cosmetic dentist, or prosthodontist, is not that easy – but it is easy to make mistakes and wind up with poor results. In fact, according to an article in the 29 June 2004 issue of the Wall Street Journal, a whole new dental specialty is dedicated to correcting the mistakes of other dentists who attempted to do cosmetic procedures for which they had no training or experience.

Sam Muslin DDS MAGD has been recognized as the Best Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist for 2009 by LA’s Best.

The corporations that manufacture products such as “Lumineers” or “Teeth in an Hour” provide weekend seminars for general dentists in which they get some minimal instruction on how to use the product; afterwards, they are given a certificate by the company which entitles them to advertise themselves as a “Lumineers” Dentist.

While there is nothing specifically wrong with these companies’ products, the fact is that there is much more to cosmetic dentistry than can be learned in a single weekend. The various techniques and procedures employed in the best cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles requires years of study and training beyond the basic degree in General Dentistry. This training represents a tremendous investment not only of time, but of money as well; therefore, and dentist who aspires to be a prosthodontist must be very passionate about such work. They require the analytical and observational skills of a scientist, to be sure – however, unlike practitioners of general dentistry, prosthodontists must also have a strong artistic sense. General dentists are trained to make teeth clean and healthy, not beautiful.

Another difference between a general dentist and a prosthodontist is their response to patient feedback. Initially, all dentists are trained to trust their professional judgment when treating patients. This works very well when it comes to basic dental care such as cleaning, filling cavities and such. However, when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, the patient’s wishes must be taken into consideration. The ability to listen to a patient’s desires and plan a course of treatment accordingly is a good indication that the professional is providing best cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles.

 The Ultimate Dentist Chair

 In 1881, a Buffalo, New York dentist, Alfred P. Southwick, learned about an unfortunate gentleman who died as a result of direct contact with live electricity via a generator or a power line.

Spurred on to creative inventiveness, Mr. Southwick tried running an electrical current through a chair. It worked.  In 1890, after the first electric chair execution, Mr. Southwick is reported to have said, “There is the culmination of ten years work and study. We live in a higher civilization from this day!”

 Our First President was no Wood Sucker

Wood was not one of the materials used in George Washington’s mouth. His dentures consisted of teeth made from hippopotamus, cow, sheep and human teeth. Other substances such as ivory and lead were also used. Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way, and inovation still continues. See the work of  Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentist  Sam Muslin DDS.

 Six Facts about Our Teeth

• Our teeth begin forming prior to our birth
• Enamel is the hardest substance in our body
• Teeth consist of enamel, dentin, cementum and dental pulp, not bone
• 40% of humans over 65 do not have all of their teeth
• Fluoridation prevents cavities
• If you chew your food on the right side, you’re probably right handed. If you chew on the left side, you’re probably left handed

Four Facts about Animal Teeth

• A shark will go through 40 sets of teeth in its lifetime
• Toothbrush bristles originally consisted of hog and cow hair
• Dogs tend to have less tooth decay because their saliva contains a high percentage of pH. This prevents destruction of enamel.
• Walrus tusks are actually canine teeth that never stop growing

Four Facts About Braces

• The first braces were constructed in 1728 by Pierre Fauchard
• The braces used thread to hold together flat metal strips
• Bands were invented in 1841. They consisted of a strip of metal containing a size adjusting screw.
• In 1915, Dr. Edward Angle invented orthodontic brackets. These brackets were little metal hooks attached to bands around the teeth.
• Anyone who had braces prior to 1970, probably had braces similar to those invented by Dr. Angle.

Three Teeth Whitening Facts

1. Teeth whitening toothpastes do not bleach your teeth. They make your teeth a little brighter by removing some stains.
2. Get your teeth whitening kits from a dentist. They work faster because they contain a stronger bleaching agent than over the counter kits.
3. If you have gum disease, you may want to avoid teeth whitening. The process can irritate the gums.

 It might be a little difficult to believe at first, but a cosmetic dentist can offer you a facelift that will change the way that you look. Cosmetic dentists have become increasingly more popular over the years, and this is with many great reasons. They offer you the ability to improve the way that you feel about yourself by changing the way that you look without plastic surgery.

We all have things about ourselves that we wish that we could change, and while some of the things are irreversible there are things that we can change without going under the knife of a plastic surgeon. Some of these changes will even include a complete change in the way that your face looks, such as with a dental facelift.

There are some of us don’t properly care for our teeth, while others pay close attention to good oral hygiene but still they suffer from teeth loss or gum disease. These are unfortunate situations that can greatly affect the way that we look and certainly the way that we feel about ourselves. These are the situations that we quickly become grateful for cosmetic dentists.

Missing teeth can be replaced with natural looking teeth, broken teeth can easily be repaired, and discolored teeth can once again be as white as they were when you were a small child. These are all things that we desire and feel will give us back that self-esteem that began to wither away as our teeth got worse and worse.

A cosmetic dental facelift is far less painful than going to a cosmetic surgeon and getting an incision in your head. Nobody enjoys going to the dentist, but a cosmetic dentist will offer you much less pain than six-month checkup will. The best part about visiting with a cosmetic dentist is that when you walk out of their office you are walking out with results that are visible to everyone that looks your way.

Every one of us suffer from different teeth situations, and some are worse than others, but regardless of your specific situation a cosmetic dentist is going to be able to offer you the desired results that you are looking for that will improve your smile. Finding a cosmetic dentist in your local area shouldn’t be very difficult at all. Simply search using the internet and you will also be able to find additional information about the cosmetic dentist that will help you to determine their qualifications without much effort on your part.

As you may be aware, gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene and dental neglect. When tiny particles of food become trapped in the small “pocket” just beneath the gum line, destructive bacteria find an abundant source of nourishment.

This bacteria forms a sticky film called plaque or calculus. When the body’s immune system attacks this bacteria, the result is inflammation. Once the antibodies are turned loose however, they are like an army out of control, causing a great deal of collateral damage in the form of receding gums and deterioration of the underlying bone structure (known as the alveolar bone).

The result; unsightly brown or black build-up, painful, bleeding gums and ultimately, the loss of teeth.

Sometimes however, gum disease is more likely to develop in response to some other disorder that may be far removed from the teeth and gums.

It is well known, for instance that smokers are up to 700% more likely to develop gum disease because of a compromised immune system and the reduction of bacteria-inhibiting oxygen in the mouth.

Diabetics whose disease is poorly controlled are much more susceptible to gum disease, partially because of a compromised immune system and partially due to blood sugar issues. Such individuals are more prone to infections in general and are slow to heal from injuries.

For this reason, it is not surprising that HIV-positive people are also more prone to developing gum disease.

It is estimated that as many as half of people in the U.S., who for economic and other reasons suffer the highest rates of stress in the industrialized world, suffer from gum disease. The connection may not seem apparent at first glance, but the fact is that stress produces excess hormones, especially estrogen in women. It is not actually the stress, but the excess hormones that are responsible in this case; pubescent girls are especially susceptible during menstruation, as are older women who are pregnant or taking contraceptive pills.

Malnutrition is a common cause of gum disease as British sailors in the 18th century discovered when they came down with scurvy. Fortunately, this is easily corrected with proper nutrition and vitamin supplements.

Finally, certain medications can have an effect on whether or not someone will develop gum disease. Steroids, medication for hypertension, anti-seizure drugs such as Dilantin and Tegritol, tetracycline and many drugs used for the treatment of cancer all play a role.