PARTIAL DENTURE

PARTIAL DENTURE

It is very important to replace missing teeth for several reasons;
· appearance.
· mastication or chewing ability.
· support of remaining teeth.
· support of an opposing full denture.
Without complete dentition, you may not be able to adequately masticate your food. Mastication, as opposed to biting and swallowing, involves mixing enough saliva with your food so that you adequately dilute your gastric juices, thereby reducing the risk of digestive problems. Remember when mum told us as kids that we had to chew our food slowly so that we didn’t get a sore tummy?
A partial denture, as the name suggests, is to replace some missing teeth in either or both the upper or lower arch. Sometimes a partial denture is required in one arch simply for appearance. More often it is required to improve mastication ability, but if remaining teeth are left unsupported, they may also drift sideways or over erupt making future replacement considerably more difficult.
The other major reason to wear a partial denture is to support an opposing full denture. As an example, where you have a full upper denture and only six remaining lower front teeth – a very common scenario – when you bite on the front teeth of the denture, you will tilt the back of the denture down. Also it is impossible to satisfactorily masticate food without full dentition.
· Acrylic Partials
· Valplast™ Flexible Partials
· Lucitone® FRS™ Flexible Partials
· Chrome Cobalt Cast Metal Partials
Acrylic dentures are the lowest cost and because of the ease of repair, reline or addition of further teeth, are generally advised where remaining dentition is doubtful or tooth loss is significant. Most acrylic dentures will have stainless steel retention, but in some cases that may not be necessary. Another retention option for acrylic dentures is clear or tooth coloured resin retainers.

By.Dr. Ana Oviedo you Dentist in Mexico

DENTAL CROWNS Vs. PORCELAIN VENEERS

DENTAL CROWNS Vs. PORCELAIN VENEERS

One of the more significant disadvantages associated with porcelain veneers (porcelain laminates) is the fact that they do have the potential to break or come off, and of course this will occur at a most inopportune moment. If a porcelain veneer has broken there is no way for your dentist to repair it, their only option will be to make you a new one. This means that you will have to endure the cost of having the new veneer made, as well as endure the time it takes for the new veneer to be fabricated and ultimately bonded into place. If a porcelain veneer has simply come off, there is a chance that your dentist will be able to bond it back in place.

A fundamental difference between porcelain veneers and dental crowns is the amount of a tooth's surface each respective type of dental restoration covers over. Dental crowns typically encase an entire tooth whereas porcelain veneers only cover over the front side of a tooth (the side that shows when the person smiles).

Porcelain veneers cannot be placed on teeth that have decay or are involved with periodontal disease (gum disease). Your dentist must treat these conditions before a porcelain veneer can be successfully placed.
If a significant amount of tooth structure has been lost because of decay or fracture, or else has already been replaced by a dental filling, the tooth may not be a good candidate for a porcelain veneer.

Porcelain veneers will not strengthen the teeth on which they are placed. Teeth that have histories where a significant amount of tooth structure has been lost are usually better served by placing a dental crown on them, not a porcelain veneer.
People who clench and grind their teeth can make poor candidates for porcelain veneers. The forces created by these activities, termed bruxism by dentists, can easily chip or break.

Dental crowns are restorations that protect damaged, cracked, or broken down teeth. A crown strengthens your existing damaged tooth to preserve its functionality. Dental crowns are also commonly known as caps because a crown sits over your existing tooth covering the entire outer surface.

By Dr. Ana Oviedo

COSMETIC DENTISTRY IN MEXICO

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

While traditional dentistry focuses on oral hygiene and preventing, diagnosing and treating oral disease, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person's teeth, mouth and smile. In other words restorative, general and/or family dental practices address dental problems that require necessary treatment, whereas cosmetic dentistry provides elective — or desired — treatments or services.

Cosmetic dentistry may also provide restorative benefits. For example, dental fillings are a common procedure used to treat decayed teeth. Previously, most dental fillings were composed primarily of gold, amalgam and other materials that left visible dark spots on the teeth. Today, dental fillings may fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry, because you can select fillings made of porcelain or composite materials that closely match the color of your teeth, thus maintaining the natural appearance of your teeth and smile. Many people may choose to have their older fillings replaced with newer, tooth-colored fillings to enhance their oral appearance.

Cosmetic Dentistry Trends
Technological advancements in natural-looking, tooth-colored dental materials make today’s cosmetic dental treatments more durable and predictable than in years past. Additionally, dentists are now using more conservative cosmetic dentistry techniques to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, depending upon your specific clinical situation.
Cosmetic dentists may also use such technologies as lasers in order to perform some procedures necessary for cosmetic treatments in their own offices — without the need for referrals to specialists. This makes cosmetic dental procedures such as smile makeovers more comfortable and convenient for patients, as well as helps to reduce recovery time.

By Dr. Ana Oviedo

WHAT IS TEETH WHITENING?

WHAT IS TEETH WHITENING?

Teeth whitening is a very common procedure now in general dentistry, especially within the field of cosmetic dentistry. Also referred to as teeth bleaching, dental whitening, or dental bleaching, it is a procedure that attempts to improve the color (shade) of the tooth's surface (enamel). Typically, there are two ways a tooth can be whitened. First, there are products that bleach the tooth, which means that it actually changes the tooth's color with products that contain peroxide(s). These peroxide(s) help remove deep and surface stains. Second, non-bleaching whitening products contain agents that work by physical or chemical action to help remove surface stains only.

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING DISCOLORATION OF YOUR TEETH?

According to Dr. Maria Lopez of the American Dental Associations' "ADA Dental Minute" (www.ada.org), smoking, drinking coffee, tea, or wine, as well as the food you eat and the medications you are on, can cause discoloration of your teeth. Some things are under your control, but other things are not. As you age, changes in the mineral structure of your teeth take place and the enamel (surface of the tooth) becomes more susceptible to discoloration. Your gene make-up can also determine the amount of discoloration in your teeth.

LEADING CAUSES OF DISCOLORATION IN YOUR TEETH:
Foods & Drinks: Coffee, Tea, Cola, Wine, Certain Fruits and Vegetables
Age: Layer of Enamel (Tooth Surface) Wears Away and Reveals Tooth's Yellowish Dentin (Underneath Tooth Surface)
Poor Dental Hygiene: Not Brushing or Flossing Regularly
Genes: Some People are Genetically Prone to Having Whiter Enamel than Others
Medications: Some Antibiotics, Mouthwashes, and Other Medicinal Drugs
Tobacco: Cigarettes, Pipes, Cigars, and Chewing Tobacco
Environment: Water that's High in Fluoride or Excessive Use of Certain Tooth Pasts, Rinses, etc.
Trauma: Falls, etc. Can Damage and Affect the Enamel (Tooth Surface)
Disease: Certain Diseases and Treatments Affect Enamel (Tooth Surface) and Dentin (Underneath Tooth Surface)
With the amount of teeth whitening products and teeth whitening systems available to consumers today, such as porcelain veneers, laser tooth whitening, tooth pastes, whitening strips, whitening gels, etc.

By Dr. Monica Muñoz - Mexico Dentist

WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
There are many advantages to dental implants, including:
Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that your teeth might slip.
Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile, and help you feel better about yourself.
Improved oral health. Dental implants don't require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving your long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing your dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep your dentures in place.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for an implant procedure. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

By. Dr. Ana Oviedo, Dental Implants in Mexico

PARTIAL DENTURES

Partial Dentures

It is very important to replace missing teeth for several reasons;
 Appearance.
 Mastication or chewing ability.
 Support of remaining teeth.
 Support of an opposing full denture.
Without complete dentition, you may not be able to adequately masticate your food. Mastication, as opposed to biting and swallowing, involves mixing enough saliva with your food so that you adequately dilute your gastric juices, thereby reducing the risk of digestive problems. Remember when mum told us as kids that we had to chew our food slowly so that we didn’t get a sore tummy?
A partial denture, as the name suggests, is to replace some missing teeth in either or both the upper or lower arch. Sometimes a partial denture is required in one arch simply for appearance. More often it is required to improve mastication ability, but if remaining teeth are left unsupported, they may also drift sideways or over erupt making future replacement considerably more difficult.
The other major reason to wear a partial denture is to support an opposing full denture. As an example, where you have a full upper denture and only six remaining lower front teeth – a very common scenario – when you bite on the front teeth of the denture, you will tilt the back of the denture down. Also it is impossible to satisfactorily masticate food without full dentition.

Valplast® dentures are made from an injected thermoplastic nylon.
They are flexible, translucent, clinically unbreakable and require no metal retainers because the flexibility of the base is used to retain the denture. Another retention option for Valplast® Flexible Partial dentures is clear or tooth coloured resin retainers. Repairs, reline or addition of future lost teeth may be possible, but the process often means you will be required to be without your denture for about a week. Ask your DP for more information if this may be a concern to you.

Lucitone® FRS™ is strong, adjustable and flexible. It is an injected thermoplastic nylon ,but is more rigid and therefore available for use in more situations than Valplast®. Another retention option for Lucitone® FRS™ dentures is clear or tooth coloured retainers. Repairs, reline or addition
of future lost teeth may be possible, but it is important to check with your DP.

Benefits include:
 Easy to adjust, grind and polish
 Injected with Success® for proven accuracy.
 Easy chairside adjustment
 Monomer and metal free
 Clear clasps; no more matching tooth shades
 Better impact and stain resistance vs. Valplast®

By. Dr. Ana Oviedo, Dentist Mexico

Malocclusion and Orthodontics

Malocclusion and Orthodontics

What is malocclusion?
Malocclusion means having crooked teeth or a "poor bite."
Orthodontic treatment can correct the way teeth and jaws line up. Dentists who are specially trained to correct malocclusion are called orthodontists. They use a variety of treatment tools and techniques (including braces to move teeth, and sometimes the jaw, into the right places.
What causes malocclusion?
A common cause of malocclusion is teeth that have too much or too little room in the jaw. If children have a small jaw, their teeth may grow into a space that is too small. As a result, teeth may grow or drift out of place.
Other causes of crooked teeth include thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and tooth loss.
What are the symptoms?
The most obvious sign is teeth that are crooked or stick out. Malocclusion can range from mild to severe. Most of the time, having crooked teeth is only a cosmetic problem, meaning people don't like the way their teeth look. But in severe cases, it can cause problems with eating or speaking.
How is malocclusion diagnosed?
A dentist usually checks for malocclusion in children during regular dental visits. If the jaw or teeth are out of line, the dentist may suggest a visit to an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children get a checkup with an orthodontist by age 7.
An orthodontist will:

• Ask questions about your or your child's past health problems.
• Check the mouth and teeth.
• Take X-rays of the face and teeth.
• Take photographs of the face and teeth.
• Make a plaster model of the teeth.

Start your child’s trips to the dentist at age 12 months. This will help your child get used to seeing a dentist. It will also catch any early problems. Keep up with regular dental checkups 2 times a year.

By. Dr. Monica Muñoz, Dentist in Mexico

AMELOGENESIS IMPERFECT

AMELOGENESIS IMPERFECT

Amelogenesis imperfect presents with abnormal formation of the enamel or external layer of teeth. Enamel is composed mostly of mineral, that is formed and regulated by the proteins in it. Amelogenesis imperfecta is due to the malfunction of the proteins in the enamel: ameloblastin, enamelin, tuftelin and amelogenin.
People afflicted with amelogenesis imperfect have teeth with abnormal color: yellow, brown or grey. The teeth have a higher risk for dental cavities and are hypersensitive to temperature changes. This disorder can afflict any number of teeth.
Genetics
Amelogenesis imperfecta can have different inheritance patterns depending on the gene that is altered. Most cases are caused by mutations in the ENAM gene and are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This type of inheritance means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder.
Amelogenesis imperfect is also inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern; this form of the disorder can result from mutations in the ENAM or MMP20 gene. Autosomal recessive inheritance means two copies of the gene in each cell are altered.
About 5% of amelogenesis imperfecta cases are caused by mutations in the AMELX gene and are inherited in an X-linked pattern. A condition is considered X-linked if the mutated gene that causes the disorder is located on the X chromosome, one of the two sex chromosomes. In most cases, males with an X-linked form of this condition experience more severe dental abnormalities than affected females.
Other cases of this condition result from new gene mutations and occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family.
Treatment
Crowns are sometimes being used to compensate for the soft enamel. Usually stainless steel crowns are used in children which may be replaced by porcelain once they reach adulthood. In the worst case scenario, the teeth may have to be extracted and implants or dentures are required.

By. Dr. Monica Muñoz, Dentist in Mexico

DENTAL ABRASION

Dental Abrasion

It may seem logical that the harder you brush your teeth, the cleaner they'll be. But applying too much pressure can actually weaken the outer layers of the tooth structure. This condition, called dental abrasion, can occur when any foreign object causes friction against your teeth and gradually wears away the enamel on the surface. If you've noticed the signs of dental abrasion, small v-shaped notches near the gums, it may be time to review your oral hygiene regimen with your dentist or dental hygienist. Don't worry, you won't need to retire your toothbrush altogether.
Your dentist or dental hygienist can suggest proper techniques to restore and protect a healthy smile.
What Causes Abrasion?
Strenuous brushing is the most common culprit, but any object that repeatedly rubs against your teeth can wear them down. Using toothpicks improperly can contribute to dental abrasion, as well chewing on fingernails, pencils or other objects. In some cases, ill-fitting retainers or partial dentures can also be to blame. Believe it or not, the type of toothpaste you use may even be a factor as some formulas are more abrasive than others.
Consequences
While protecting the appearance of your teeth may be the most obvious reason to prevent and treat dental abrasion, weakened enamel can also contribute to more serious dental issues over time. Many patients experience increased tooth sensitive to heat and cold. In addition, without its protective outer layer, a tooth may be more susceptible to infection. In advanced cases, when dental abrasion is left undiagnosed and/or untreated, a tooth may need to be filled or even extracted.

By Dr. Ana Oviedo, Mexico Dentist

DENTAL ABSCESS

DENTAL ABSCESS

A dental abscess is an infection of the mouth, face, jaw, or throat that begins as a tooth infection or cavity. These infections are common in people with poor dental health and result from lack of proper and timely dental care.

• Bacteria from a cavity can extend into the gums, the cheek, the throat, beneath the tongue, or even into the jaw or facial bones. A dental abscess can become very painful when tissues become inflamed.
• Pus collects at the site of the infection and will become progressively more painful until it either ruptures and drains on its own or is drained surgically.
• Sometimes the infection can progress to the point where swelling threatens to block the airway, causing difficulty breathing. Dental abscesses can also make you generally ill, with nausea, vomiting, fevers, chills, and sweats.

Dental Abscess Causes
The cause of these infections is direct growth of the bacteria from an existing cavity into the soft tissues and bones of the face and neck.
An infected tooth that has not received appropriate dental care can cause a dental abscess to form. Poor oral hygiene, (such as not brushing and flossing properly or often enough) can cause cavities to form in your teeth. The infection then may spread to the gums and adjacent areas and become a painful dental abscess.
Prevention
Prevention plays a major role in maintaining good dental health. Daily brushing and flossing, and regular dental checkups can prevent tooth decay and dental abscess.
Remember to brush and floss after every meal and at bedtime.
If tooth decay is discovered early and treated promptly, cavities that could develop into abscesses can usually be corrected.

By.Dr. Monica Muñoz, Dental in Mexico

PORCELAIN CAPTEK

PORCELAIN CAPTEK

Eliminates Gray Margins.

Extreme Bond Strength to porcelain.

No Special Chair Side Requirements.

Superior Fit.

Exceptional Biocompatibility.

High Esthetics.

Esthetics: Captek™ (capillary technology) offers dentists, laboratories and patients the beauty, health and longevity of gold crowns and bridgework. Its patented advanced gold material enables you to provide your patients with a crown that will look natural at the gum line, eliminating any unsightly gray or black lines commonly associated with traditional crowns. The light-dispersion effects of Captek crowns are designed to mimic those of healthy natural tooth structure.
Biocompatibility: Bacteria in the mouth can result in periodontal disease, bad breath, heart disease, lung infections and even a weakened immune system. Captek’s advanced gold material reduces the accumulation of harmful bacteria at the gum line by 90% compared to natural tooth structure.
Composition: Captek™ alloys are composed of 2 major components. The first component is a platinum and palladium mix that, when heated, forms a microscopic three-dimensional network of capillaries. The second component is 97.5% gold and 2/5% silver and, when melted, flows to fill these capillaries.

By Dr. Ana Oviedo, Dentist in Mexico

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic Bonding

Bonding is a common treatment choice for solving a variety of cosmetic issues. Like porcelain veneers, bonding can change the shape and size of a tooth — which when executed properly, can re-shape the smile, fill small gaps between teeth and correct bite problems. In addition, bonding is often used to repair surface flaws in the tooth, such as cracks, chips or discoloration.
Bonding does not reduce the tooth's original structure. It is quick, painless and relatively inexpensive. Bonding generally requires very little drilling and most treatments can be performed in a single visit without the use of anesthetic.
The material used is a natural-colored, composite resin (or plastic) which is hardened with an ultra-violet light. A precise shade is selected to match existing teeth. The composite is then applied in fine layers, with each coat hardened slightly until the desired amount has been applied. After the final hardening stage, the bond is sculpted for the desired shape and texture.
It should be noted that cosmetic bondings, just like natural teeth, are subject to discoloration from coffee or tobacco. Bondings typically do not last as long as porcelain veneers and may require touch-ups or replacement in 5 to 10 years.

SENSITIVE TEETH

SENSITIVE TEETH

Many of us say we have "sensitive teeth." We usually mean that we feel twinges of pain or discomfort in our teeth in certain situations, including:

• Drinking or eating cold things.
• Drinking or eating hot things.
• Eating sweets.
• Touching the teeth with other teeth or the tongue.

Symptoms

Both dentinal and pulpal sensitivity usually involve reactions to temperature or pressure. Sensitivity to cold drinks or foods is the most common symptom. Less often, the teeth are sensitive to hot temperatures. If a single tooth changes from cold sensitivity to hot sensitivity, the tooth's nerve may be dying. In this case, root canal treatment is necessary.

Diagnosis

Your dentist will look at your dental history and will examine your mouth. He or she will ask about your oral habits. Grinding or clenching your teeth can contribute to sensitivity. Your dentist also will look for decay, deep metal fillings and exposed root surfaces. He or she may use an explorer—a metal instrument with a sharp point—to test teeth for sensitivity.
A tooth may be sensitive to cold for several weeks after a filling is placed. The metals in amalgam (silver) conduct the cold very well, transmitting it to the pulp. Bonded (tooth-colored) fillings require etching the tooth with acid before the filling is placed. In some cases, this etching removes enough enamel to make the tooth sensitive. However, advances in bonding now make it less likely to cause tooth sensitivity.
Your dentist or endodontist can conduct tests to see if you need root canal treatment.

Prevention

Dentinal sensitivity — You might be able to reduce your chances of dentinal sensitivity by:

• Brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
• Using a soft or ultrasoft toothbrush and brushing gently up and down, rather than side to side.
• Using a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse.
• Using a toothpaste that has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval and provides protection against sensitivity.
• Getting treatment for grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism).

Pulpal sensitivity — If a tooth needs root canal treatment, there is no good way to prevent pulpal sensitivity other than to get the needed treatment. Delaying root canal treatment may result in further problems and is not recommended.

By Dr. Ana Oviedo, Mexico Dentist

What is an Impacted Tooth?

Wisdom Teeth

Are also known as third molars. They are the 4 last teeth to erupt in your mouth. This generally occurs at about 18 years of age.

What is an Impacted Tooth?

When there is a lack of space in the dental arch a wisdom tooth becomes impacted. The impacted tooth is positioned against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue so that complete eruption is unlikely.

What happens to impacted teeth?

Impacted and partially impacted tooth can be painful and lead to infection. They may damage the adjacent tooth, roots or even over crowd the teeth. More serious problems may occur if the sac that surrounds the impacted tooth becomes filled with fluid and enlarges to form a cyst. As the cyst grows it may hollow out the jaw bone and permanently harm adjacent teeth, the surrounding bone and nerves. Rarely, if a cyst is not treated, a tumor may develop from its walls and a more serious surgical procedure may be necessary to remove it.

Should my Tooth be pulled if it Hasn’t Caused Any problems Yet?

Damage can occur without you being aware of it, because not all third molars are painful or visible. As patients age, wisdom teeth are more likely to cause problems, they become more difficult to remove and complications are more likely to occur. It is Estimated that about 85% of third molars will eventually need to be removed.

By Dr. Cirenia Aparicio, Dentist in Mexico