Understanding General Dentistry

General dentistry, includes conventional bridges and crowns, dental veneers, replacement of missing teeth with dental implants and replacement of old amalgam fillings with tooth coloured material. It may also include power stain removal and instantaneous laser teeth whitening. In general dentistry, the dental hygienist thoroughly cleans your teeth and advises you about your oral hygiene and how to look after your teeth.

Dental crowns or generally called as ‘caps’, are restorations that cover the entire outer surface of a remaining prepared tooth almost like a glove. Crowns are used to rebuild the broken or excessively damaged teeth, to strengthen teeth and to improve cosmetic appearance. These days the crowns are made from the highest quality durable ceramic material. Now it is even possible to fabricate the crowns onsite within an hour.

Veneers are wafer like thin shells of tooth coloured material (ceramic) that are “cemented” to the front surface of teeth to improve their cosmetic appearance. These are typically used to cover stained, misaligned or chipped and broken teeth. They are the treatment of choice that is used to create the celebrity smile.

Dentists specializing in orthodontics, provide treatment for straightening of misaligned teeth and correcting bite problems. Conventional orthodontic braces are made from springs and wires that are often visible, permanently fixed to the teeth and can be unsightly and embarrassing. Fixed braces can also interfere with the oral hygiene. But this embarrassment can be avoided, thanks to advancement in cosmetic dentistry. Invisalign, the latest in cosmetic orthodontics, are virtually invisible, removable clear aligners. Now it is possible to have your teeth straightened without it being obvious to everyone around you. You can easily remove the clear aligners whilst eating and when cleaning your teeth.

Other than Invisalign, lingual braces are yet another option. They are fitted to the inner surface of the teeth and are not visible from the outside and white tooth coloured braces.

If you do not have any of your natural teeth left then you will benefit from having dentures as they provide structure to your smile and prevent surrounding facial muscles from sagging. In addition to bridges and dental implants, partial dentures can be used to replace missing teeth. Conventional dentures are fabricated based on a metal frame and are rigid, they contain visible metal clasps to anchor the existing teeth and at times can be uncomfortable to wear.

These days, flexible dentures are also available. These flexible dentures are based on a flexible material, they are easier to wear, comfortable, easily adapt to slight changes in the shape of the mouth (e.g. when eating) and are cosmetically indistinguishable from your natural teeth. What more is needed?

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jaw bone to provide support for bridges, crowns or dentures. The procedure of placing a dental implant is usually painless. There are a wide variety of dental implants and mini-dental implants available to suit the individual cases.

With time, teeth can become heavily stained from everyday foods and drinks such as tea and coffee. Smoking too causes the “yellowing” of the teeth. Even with a perfect oral hygiene routine these stains can be difficult to remove. General dentistry helps you in getting back a brighter smile.  The teeth are thoroughly power cleaned using the latest air-flow technology and in-surgery laser teeth whitening. The air-flow system fires a jet of compressed air, water and fine sodium bicarbonate particles at the surface of the teeth to polish the surface and remove debris. It cleanses the teeth thoroughly removing any superficial stains giving an instantly whiter smile without bleaching.
Still feeling shy to smile? Visit your dentist for advanced treatment and celebrity smile makeover!!